Long Island Defeats Central Conn. State, 1-0; Improves to 3-1-1 in NEC Play

(boxscore)

10/22/04 -- Long Island University posted its second straight win, a 1-0 decision over Central Connecticut State in men's soccer action at LIU Field.

The contest marked the first time the two teams has met since last season's NEC semifinals in which the Blue Devils won on pentitley kicks.

The Blackbirds (5-4-3, 3-1-1) have either won or tied in seven of their last eight games. The Blue Devils (5-5-2, 2-3-1), tied with LIU for second place in the Northeast Conference entering the contest, dropped their second match in the past three games.

Senior David Ledet (Houma, La.) shot the ball ahead to forward Ricardo Ordain (Brooklyn, N.Y.), streaking up the left side. The graduate student dribbled into the box and fired the game-winner from 12 yards out in the 29th minute. CCSU goalkeeper Kevin Gonzalez, coming out to play Ordain, watched as the ball slipped past into the right corner of the net.

The Blue Devils had several opportunities to tie the score in the waning moments. Alex Harrison- the leading goal scorer in the conference with 13- saw his shot on goal at the 86:50 mark rejected by Blackbirds defender Jonas Stigh. Freshman keeper Alex Fatovic (Falls Church, Va.), making his second consective start, recorded two crucial saves in a 23-second span in the last three minutes to help preserve the Blackbirds' victory.

Fatovic registered three saves and the LIU defensive unit accounted for three stops. Gonzalez posted eight saves.

The Blackbirds dominated on offense, holding a 12-1 advantage at the half and a 22-9 edge in the game.

The Blackbirds host Quinnipiac University on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.