Box Score
BEVERLY, MASS. – Junior Jason Padilla (West Orange, N.J./West Orange) provided the game winner in extra time, converting one of sophomore Sean Neal's (Franklin, N.J./Wallkill Valley Regional) three assists on the day, to lift the William Paterson men's soccer team (1-0) to a 3-2 season-opening victory against Thomas (0-1) Aug. 30 at the Endicott Gull Invitational.

The Pioneers fell behind early, surrendering a goal in the seventh minute, but senior Hugh Riley (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) leveled the score at the 19:45 mark. Sophomore back Aken Pierre (North Plainfield, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep) then handed WP its first lead of the match just 18 seconds before halftime, heading in Neal's cross.

Thomas, a team William Paterson defeated by a 2-1 score in the first round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament, pulled even in the 64th minute, and neither team could find the back of the net again during regulation. Padilla ended the match, taking Neal's cross and converting to the top-right corner 3:32 into overtime.

Freshman Mike Diacheysn (Nutley, N.J./Nutley) made three saves during his first collegiate action, while Mikkail Crockwell had three stops for Thomas.

William Paterson will face either Endicott or Purchase in the Gull Invitational championship match Saturday, Aug. 31, at 4:00 p.m.

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