HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – Matt Paterno's goal with less than two minutes to play allowed the Centenary University men's soccer team to battle back and secure a 3-3 tie with FDU Florham in the team's home opener on Wednesday afternoon.

It was FDU Florham striking first in this one with a goal from Drilon Toska in the ninth minute of the contest. Toska took a long run in and beat the keeper, one-on-one.

FDU Florham added to its lead at the 19:24 mark as Irfan Kermalli scored off a throw-in from Sam Allington.

Just 20 seconds later, the Cyclones managed to break through with their first goal of the season. Giuseppe Pierleonardi played a ball into the box that Besnik Hadzovic was able to corral and knock home.

FDU Florham pushed its lead to 3-1 just before the half as Ryan Maguire scored off an assist by Allington.

The Devils carried that 3-1 advantage into the break despite four first half saves from Andrew Tarkazikis.

The two teams battled early in the second half, but FDU Florham was able to maintain the lead.

Centenary pulled to within one, 3-2 at 67:24. Andres Casanova collected a rebound on the doorstep and was able to convert.

Centenary continued to apply the pressure but was unable to get the equalizer until the closing minutes. Joseph Ertl inserted the ball on a corner kick and Kenneth Pinedo tipped the ball perfectly for a Paterno header. That tied the game at 3-3.

The Cyclones and Devils settled for a 3-3 tie.

Kevin Velasquez Mejia played the final 14:34 in goal for the Cyclones and made one save to earn the tie. Tarkazikis finished with the four saves for the Cyclones. Tiernan Grey made five saves for FDU Florham.

Centenary returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 17 when it hosts Delaware Valley at 12 p.m.