Lehto and Merchant Lead LIU Past SFNY in Double Overtime

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10/16/05 -- Freshman Jukka Lehto (Lahti, Finland) scored twice, including the game-winner in the second overtime period as LIU defeated St. Francis (N.Y.), 2-1, in Northeast Conference play on Sunday afternoon on the campus of St. John's University.

The victory improves the Blackbirds record to 4-5-1, and 1-1-1 in the competitive Northeast Conference.

The freshman knotted the equalizer in the 50th minute, a shot in the top corner of the box past Terriers goalkeeper Rosario Candela. Classmate Josh Merchant (New Orleans, La.) assisted on the play.

Lehto netted the winning score in the 107th minute, a rebound put into an open net to push LIU to its first NEC victory of the season.

The Blackbirds posted a 22-13 shot advantage, including a 17-2 in the second half and overtime periods.

LIU entertains rival Farleigh Dickinson on Friday, Oct. 21 at 4:00 p.m. It is a rematch of last year's entertaining NEC final.