BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – The defending 2023 NEC champion LIU Sharks started their repeat effort in style with a 2-1 victory over Stony Brook at LIU Soccer Park. 

The Sharks came out fast on both ends, pressuring the Seawolves and stifling any offensive momentum Stony Brook could muster. 

It wasn't until the end of the first half where the Sharks drew first blood when freshman Tal Levy pushed one past Seawolves keeper Rushon Sandy after two great touches by Stephane Njike and Joshua Saavedra. It was the Israel native's first collegiate goal of his career.

Fellow freshman Njike, who displayed his top-end speed and athleticism all day, dazzled with his first collegiate goal early in the second half. While charging towards the goal, the forward took a pass from Papa Sow and deftly touched it to himself, leading to a breakaway that he sent screaming into the back of the net.

"It was a very good performance all around for us," said head coach Michael Mordocco, who enters his seventh season with the program. "While we need to tighten things up a bit, they managed any pressure very well and we executed in the final third of the match. We are extremely proud of our team's collective mentality and hope to improve week by week."

Stony Brook tacked on a goal late and forced LIU to play to the final whistle to earn the win. 

LIU men's soccer returns to action this coming Sunday at UAlbany with a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff time.