SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's soccer team took a 2-0 lead in the 56th minute, and despite allowing a goal just eight minutes later, looked as if it would hold on for a much needed Northeast Conference win. But Sacred Heart scored with just four seconds remaining and wasted little time in the extra frame to complete an improbable comeback in Sunday's heartbreaking 3-2 decision.

The Bulldogs (2-10-2, 1-2-2) were just seconds away from picking up their eighth point in conference and possibly moving into the final playoff spot with two games to play. But the Pioneers (4-9-2, 2-4) drove in the final three goals in just 27 minutes to give the visitors a difficult loss.

The Pioneers tested freshman keeper Olivier Larente (Garches, France) early with a great run down the right wing. A through ball was sent into the box and Ezra Siyadhuba was at the doorstep and nearly missed a goal in the fifth minute, shooting wide left. Of the first four shots on net in the opening 35 minutes, the hosts owned three, but Larente stood tall and made each stop.

Bryant finally began to create quality possession with 10 minutes to play in the first half. Senior Curtis Orth (Ancaster, Ont.) lined up for the first of three consecutive corners in the 37th minute, as the third was properly played and gave the Bulldogs a great look. The ball was played out to senior Pedro-Lucas Ferreira (East Boston, Mass.), who powerfully struck a shot from 25 yards out that hit the crossbar. The ball bounced down to Jake Lamar (New Haven, Conn.) who was in a perfect spot for the rebound, and he booted it into an open net with keeper Robert Strain on his back.

The Bulldogs once again had to ward off early chances to start the second half, as the Pioneers sent a pair of shot that went wide and won the first corner of the frame. The Black and Gold were able to evade the pressure, setting up a James Cochrane (Sandy Hook, Conn.) free kick in the 56th minute. He delivered the ball into the box, it bounced off a Pioneer defender to Orth seven yards out, who finished to the near post for a 2-0 edge.

It only took eight minutes for the Pioneers to cut into the lead, as a dangerous high cross from the left wing was booted into the box. Hadyno Sarr ended up with a deflection and shot low past a diving Larente to the left post and in to make it 2-1.

Both sides had quality looks over the next 20 minutes, but the two freshman goalies made key saves. Larente made four, including three from the 83rd minute to the 85th minute to preserve the lead. Orth nearly added to the advantage in 80th minute, but Strain dove to his left to make a critical stop.

Bryant could have used the score, as the Pioneers pressed in the final minutes. CJ Weinstein sent a ball into the box from over 30 yards outs with under 10 seconds to play. Larente came well off his line to punch the ball out which would have iced the game, but Emir Celaj won the 50-50 ball and headed it into the open night to knot things up and send the action into overtime.

Riding the momentum from its scintillating equalizer, Sacred Heart controlled possession in the extra time. It took them just two minutes to win a pair of corners, as Oscar Curras lined up for a both. His second set piece found the head of Julian Linke, who redirected it towards the middle. The ball fell to the ground, but the Bryant defense could not locate it, allowing Nick Zorbo to send a high shot into the back of the net for the game winner from three yards out.

Orth paced Bryant with four of its 10 shots, including two on net. Junior Alexander Wrona (Burlington, Conn.) placed two shots on net, while four others attempted shots. Larente made seven saves in the loss.

Celaj and Siyadhuba each had three shots with two on target, while Curras, Dylan Santos and Shaquille Saunchez had two shot attempts apiece. Strain was brilliant in the final 37 minutes, making three of his five saves over the time.

The Bulldogs will look to regroup before returning home for the final time this season when they host St. Francis Brooklyn on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.