Western Connecticut State University scored two goals in less than a minute as the Colonials slipped past the Albertus Magnus men's soccer team 2-1 in the Falcons' 2011 season opener on Thursday night.

The Colonials' (1-0-0) Ryan Rose scored the game-winner at the 61:02 mark of the contest, less than a minute after teammate Xavier Guzman registered the tying goal.

After a scoreless opening half, Albertus Magnus (0-1-0) struck first as Lindsley Barrett (Shelton, Conn.) recorded his first collegiate goal to give the Falcons the first lead of the contest. In the 58^th minute, Barrett took a pass from veteran midfielder Stephen Zapata (Hamden, Conn.) and found the back of the net, giving Albertus a 1-0 advantage.

Western Connecticut answered back in the 61^st minute as a header by Guzman off a cross by Max Schneider tied the contest at one. The Colonials took the lead in the 62^nd minute as Rose tallied his first goal of the season.

Barrett finished the contest with a team-high six shots, including three on goal, while senior Jamal Howard (West Haven, Conn.) tallied three shots of his own. The Falcons outshot the Colonials 12-10 in the non-conference battle.

Donato Piroscafo (Naugatuck, Conn.) made four saves on the night, while allowing two goals in the season opener.

Western Connecticut's Angelo Tsingerliotis recorded three saves in his first win of the year.

The Falcons will be back on the road on Saturday, Sept. 3 as they travel to Newburgh, N.Y. to take on Mount Saint Mary College at noon in non-conference action.