BROOKVILLE, N.Y. — Emil Jaaskelainen's goal-scoring streak increased to six straight matches Thursday. So did the LIU men's soccer team's winning streak.

The Sharks defeated Sacred Heart, 1-0, at LIU Soccer Park behind Jaaskelainen's first-half penalty kick to improve to 8-2 overall and 2-0 in the NEC.

LIU has won four straight matchups via shutout — its longest win streak while blanking opponents since also winning four straight via shutout in October 2015.

Gianluca Cersosimo recorded five saves en route to his fourth shutout.

The first-half penalty kick resulted from a hand ball in the box.

"The first 45 minutes, I thought it was the best football we played all year," coach Michael Mordocco said. "And then in the second half, in the first 30 seconds, we gave them an opportunity, which provided life for them and confidence. We couldn't really get the second half under control.

"But there's something special about this group. Even when we're not playing great, they know how to win games. It's impressive. It's really impressive. They just dig and they dig and they dig in and find a way to get results."

Also for LIU, junior-college transfer Jack Fridman, a midfielder from Port Washigton, made his LIU debut during the second half.

LIU now hits the road for three straight matches, beginning Sunday at Stonehill.