EASTON, Mass. - The St. Francis Brooklyn men's soccer team made its first visit to Easton, Mass. on Thursday, taking on Northeast Conference (NEC) newcomer Stonehill.
The game looked to be headed for a 90-minute stalemate until Sokol Ymeraj stole the win on a free-kick in the 85th minute.
St. Francis started early as Samid Akanni forced Stonehill's Ryan Coutu off his line in the third minute.
Alec McLachlan made his lone save of the first half in the final minute; corralling a ball down the center of the net.
Despite three shots on target in the second half, the Terriers looked to be headed for 0-0 into the final ten minutes. St. Francis earned a free kick just yards from the top corner of the 18-yard box when Stonehill's Zach Davis was whistled for a foul.
Ymeraj stepped up to the ball around 20 yards out and floated a shot over the Skyhawks wall and past the keeper to put the Terriers in front with his second goal of the season.
The Terriers defensive set held strong in the final five minutes as St. Francis advanced to a 2-0 start to NEC play. The win is McLachlan's third consecutive shutout.
NEXT UP: St. Francis closes out the non-conference schedule; hosting Pratt Institute on Oct. 4. Kick-off at Brooklyn Bridge Park is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and will be streamed live on NEC Front Row.
