ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College men's soccer team earned a home-opening victory over SUNY Canton Sunday afternoon, 3-1, despite the weather being less than cooperative. 

The team battled constant rain and 50-degree temperatures throughout the contest, but nevertheless, secured its second win in three days.

Senior Nick Shenberger, who missed the season opener due to a red card he earned in the 2016 season finale, returned in a big way as he scored a brace on the day. 

In the 16th minute, Shenberger got things started, as he struck the ball from just outside the box to beat the keeper to his left.

Just 15 minutes later, the Raptors scored one the best team goals you'll ever see, thanks to Brendan Byrne's powerful throw in. The play began with Byrne backpedaling a few steps before running forward and throwing the ball from near the Canton bench into the penalty area.

From there, Jake Cicero used his height to leap up and flick the ball with the back of head down toward the goal, where Shenberger was waiting to capitalize and toe poke the ball in before the goalie could react. 

At halftime, the Raptors led 2-0, where the score would remain until the 59th minute, when the Roos of SUNY Canton made Bard nervous for just a moment. 

Hector Martinez (Bakersfield, CA) cut the lead to 2-1, thanks to a penalty kick following a Bard foul in the box. 

However, the Raptors would quickly respond, as Lucas Bourgine added an insurance goal just four minutes later, pushing Bard's lead to 3-1. 

Shots were nearly identical in the contest, as Canton finished with 19 and Bard tallied 18. 

Taylor Bond finished with seven saves for the hosts, while Mouhammed Thiam (New York, NY) collected 10 saves for the Roos.

Up next for the Raptors, a road contest with Mount St. Mary College on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.