Freshman Oliver Kleban's goal with 16 seconds remaining in the second overtime lifted the New York University men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Brandeis University on Saturday, November 3, at Gaelic Park in Riverdale, NY.

Playing their final regular-season game of the 2018 campaign, Kleban's tally gave the Violets (12-4-1, 3-3-1 UAA) a critical University Athletic Association (UAA) victory over the Judges (7-9-2, 2-4-1) and kept open the possibility of a postseason berth. 

With the game still scoreless in the 109th minute, freshman Isaiah Boyd was able to gather a loose ball near midfield and send a long looping pass towards the goal. Kleban and classmate Pablo Vargas both jumped for it, with Vargas able to head it just a bit to Kleban, who touched it past the Judges' goalkeeper, Greg Irwin. Kleban was able to gather the ball take a step or two and send it into the uncovered net for the game winner.

"We really pressured the final five minutes of overtime and were able to see our effort pay off," said Head Coach Kim Wyant. "We put ourselves in position to be considered for an NCAA Tournament bid and have our season continue."

There had been several earlier chance for NYU to break the scoreless deadlock, including an attempt by Kleban late in the second half which sailed just over the net. Brandeis also peppered the Violets' net quite a bit, with Grant Engel turning aside each of the Judges' eight shots on goal.

"This was a big win for our players and our program," Wyant added. "It was a physical contest against a really good team."   

On a day when NYU honored its six graduating seniors (Alexander Dano, Engel, Ricardo Mitrano, Niko Patrk, Robert Shellow, and Daly Tucknott) before the game, it was three of its youngsters (Kleban, Vargas and Boyd), who ended the day in style. 

"Looks like our program will be in good hands," Wyant concluded.

And, whether or not the 2018 season is concluded, is yet to be determined.