UNION, N.J. (8/31/13) – Three seniors teamed up for a goal in the 85th minute to break a 1-1 tie and give the Kean University women's soccer team its first victory of the season over SUNY Oneonta.

The scoring began with what amounted to a three-on-two breakaway. As the pack of five players headed toward the Oneonta goal, Kean's Sam Marchetti got off the first shot that the Oneonta goaltender was able to charge and knock away from the net. But the ball came to Deanna Columbia who one-timed it into the now-open cage for Kean's first goal of the season. Marchetti was credited with an assist.

The Cougars dominated the first half, taking nine shots to Oneonta's two. Kean put six shots on goal, while KC Nunez handled both Oneonta State shots to keep her slate clean.

Until the endgame, the Red Dragons' best chance to score came on a corner with 20 minutes left. There was a scramble in front and the ball was in dangerous position, but the play was ultimately whistled offside. With 11 minutes to go, however, Oneonta was awarded a penalty kick. Nunez made the initial save but the rebound was put in to tie the game at one.

Kean was put back on its heels for much of the second half, but they did manage to earn a corner kick that led to a pair of great scoring opportunities and ultimately the game-winner. Senior Casey Garlasco took the kick for Kean, and fellow senior Amanda Repko headed the initial offering off the crossbar. But the ball then bounced to their classmate Samantha Kalafor who drove in the winning score from inside the six-yard box. Both Garlasco and Repko earned assists on the play.

Kalafor's strike was Kean's only shot on goal of the half, as Nunez made six saves in the final 45 to earn the team's first win of the season. Oneonta actually led the game's shot count 14-12.

The Kean women's soccer team will hit the road for its next four contests, beginning Wednesday at FDU-Florham at 7 p.m.