WAYNE, N.J. (9/18/21) – Three second half goals propelled the Kean University men's soccer team to a 3-2 victory over William Paterson University in their New Jersey Athletic Conference Opener on Saturday afternoon.

Raonne Dias scored twice for the Cougars who improve to 4-1-1 overall and 1-0 in the NJAC.  Thomas Hatch made seven saves for the Pioneers who fall to 3-3-1 overall and 0-1 in the NJAC.

After a scoreless opening first half, in which Kean led on shots (7-6), the Cougars notched three goals in a 12 minute span.  Dias scored once in the 54^th minute on a penalty kick and once in the 60^th minute with a free touch to himself that scored in the lower right corner. Felix Pereyra added a third goal in the 66^th minute, when the junior scored from the wing and the Cougars held a commanding 3-0 lead.

Paterson made things interesting late by scoring two times over the final 15 minutes, which cut the Cougar advantage to 3-2 in the 86^th minute. WPU failed to find the equalizer as neither team attempted a shot in the final four minutes.

Kean edged William Paterson on shots (16-15), shots on goal (10-5) and corner kicks (4-2).

Dias and Pereyra led all Cougars with three shots apiece.  Dominic Ridge made three saves in 90 minutes of work.

Head Coach Peter-John Falloon and the Cougars will return to action in Madison, N.J. on Wednesday, Sept. 22^nd, against the Rangers of Drew University at 4:30 p.m.