BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — On a day the LIU men's soccer team received its 2021 championship rings, the Sharks rang in a new season with a victory against a Long Island rival.

Matthias Heiland scored on a penalty kick in the 17th minute and LIU defeated Stony Brook, 1-0, on Thursday afternoon at LIU Soccer Park.

Heiland was awarded the penalty kick after getting tripped in the box by Stony Brook's Iker Alvarado.

"I knew when he tried to kick it away, that I got the contact," Heiland said.

Goalkeeper Sergio Peralta, who had played behind Demetri Skoumbakis during last year's championship season, notched a shutout.

Freshmen Viggo Svedin at midfield and Andrew Chung at defender started in their collegiate debuts.

The Sharks played without striker Emil Jaaskelainen, who had been named to the MAC Hermann Trophy watch list earlier in the day. Jaaskelainen was sitting out the opener after picking up a red card in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Saint Louis to close last postseason.

Michael-Andre Odusami started at striker in Jaaskelainen's absence.

LIU also celebrated its 2021 NEC title on Thursday. The team was due to receive its championship rings in a halftime ceremony during the women's game against Saint Peter's that followed.

The Sharks continue their season-opening homestand when Iona visits LIU Soccer Park for a match on Monday at 2 p.m.