DARTMOUTH, Mass. – Keene State College snapped a 1-1 tie in the 78th minute to earn a hard-fought 2-1 Little East Conference victory over the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's men's soccer team this afternoon on a wet Cressy Field.

The Owls (7-5, 2-2 LEC) created the eventual game-winning opportunity off a free kick from approximately 45 yards out.  Junior Brett Sullivan lofted a high-arcing pass that freshman Cam Rogers headed into the back of the net. It was Rogers' fourth goal of the year.

It was the first win for Keene State over the Corsairs since a 1-0 overtime triumph on October 20, 2012.

Sophomore Anthony Gonzalez forged a 1-1 tie in the 72nd minute. Freshman Christopher Parrotta lobbed a pass over the visitors' defensive third that Gonzalez was able to run onto and rebound off the top of his left foot for his first tally of the campaign. It was Parrotta's first collegiate point.

The Owls went in front in the 65th minute when Aidan Dean drew a penalty that was converted by Eddier Mercer for his fifth goal of the year.  

In between the pipes, Owl junior Mark Keller made two saves to collect the victory.  Sophomore Luis Carranza turned aside five shots in a losing effort.

Keene State held an 18-14 advantage in shots, while both teams had four corner kick opportunities.

UMass Dartmouth will return to action at 7 p.m. on Oct. 15, when the Corsairs host Roger Williams University.   Keene State returns home to play Framingham State University on October 15 at 6:30 p.m.

(Release courtesy UMass Dartmouth)