BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — The reigning Northeast Conference champions opened 2022 league play on the right foot Sunday.

Emil Jaaskelainen scored on a penalty kick in the 67th minute and the Sharks defeated Central Connecticut State, 1-0, at LIU Soccer Park.

LIU (7-2 overall) won its fifth straight match. And Jaaskelainen has a goal in each of those matches.

CCSU protested, but a penalty kick was awarded after Kyle Halehale was ruled to have committed a hand ball in the box.

Jaaskelainen delayed on the penalty kick, then struck the ball into the lower left side of the goal.

Jaaskelainen had chances throughout the match. His first-half header narrowly sailed over the cross bar. And, looking for a second goal in the final minutes, his strike with a left foot on a crossing pass from Jeremy Guardado went wide.

The Blue Devils had limited chances during the second half, but one prime opportunity was headed away in the box by midfielder Alan Martinez after the ball got behind goalkeeper Gianluca Cersosimo.

Cersosimo had the clean sheet, although the Blue Devils were outshot 14-3 (5-0 on goal).

Now entrenched in NEC play, LIU returns to action Thursday when it hosts Sacred Heart at 4 p.m. at LIU Soccer Park.