Peyton Johnson netted Harvard's goal at 52:58 (Gil Talbot).

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Peyton Johnson tallied a goal and goalkeepers Alexandra Millet and Bethany Kanten combined to make three saves in net, but the Harvard women's soccer dropped its season opener at Long Island, 2-1, Friday afternoon.

The Blackbirds, who improve to 1-3-0, broke a scoreless tie with a goal by Jen Spicer at 27:40 of the first half. Sydney Ciufo fed the ball from the left side, and Spicer booted a shot past Millet. Early on in the second half, Meg Casscells-Hamby found a wide-open Johnson, as Harvard tied the game at 1-1 at 52:58.   

Less than four minutes later, Rudy Leon put LIU back on top, as she beat Kanten with a goal from in front of the cage at 56:37.  In the 79th minute, Harvard nearly tied the game again, but LIU goalkeeper Jennifer Bannon blocked attempts by Melanie Baskind and Casscells-Hamby.

Kanten, who played the second half for Harvard, finished with two saves, while Millet made one stop in the first stanza. The Crimson owned a sizable advantage in corner kick, 11-2, and outshot the Blackbird, 16-11. Bannon finished with eight saves for LIU.

Harvard will host Elon in the Crimson's season opener at the Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium Sunday, Sept. 4 at noon.