BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Northampton men's soccer team opened conference play on Saturday with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over Middlesex County College.

Middlesex jumped out to an early 2-0 lead before Ryan Sakowski pulled the Spartans to within one off a short cross from Eric Jimenez with less than 4 minutes remaining in the first half.

NCC tied the contest just 2 minutes into the second stanza when Jimenez found the back of the net on a breakaway goal with an assist from Eladio Buccio.

Middlesex had an opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty kick with 15 minutes remaining in the contest, but Northampton goalkeeper Jeremie Martinez preserved the tie with an outstanding save, leading to overtime.

6:30 into the extra period, Jimenez scored the game winner with a blast to the far post from 6 yards out off a pass from Jon Catucci, giving NCC the 3-2 victory.

"It was a well-played contest," noted NCC head coach Ned Yelovich, "I first want to thank the facilities, operations and events staff ... they did an excellent job getting a secondary field ready for a college soccer match, without their efforts we would not have played today.  In regards to the game, I was a little disappointed with our slow start, but we have not played since August 27th, so I thought we were a little rusty.  I thought our timing improved as the game went on and eventually our persistence paid off."

The victory improves NCC to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

Middlesex falls to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in conference.

The Spartans return to action on Tuesday at 3:30pm when they host Passaic County Community College.