Jefferson opened NIC-10 play with a dramatic 1-0 overtime victory over Auburn on Tuesday night at Wyeth Stadium, improving to 3-0 on the season.

After a two-hour heat delay pushed back the start, the J-Hawks and Knights played 80 scoreless minutes of tightly contested soccer. Both teams created chances, but strong goalkeeping and defense kept the game level through regulation.

Jefferson generated several of its best opportunities in the second half, including a free kick from Eduardo Mendoza that narrowly missed and a corner kick that deflected off the post.

The breakthrough finally came in the first overtime period. Jefferson drew a penalty in the box, and David Guerrero stepped to the spot and calmly converted as the Auburn goalkeeper dove the opposite direction.

From there, the J-Hawks protected the 1-0 advantage. Auburn made a late push in the final overtime period, but Jefferson’s defense cleared the final danger and secured the victory.

The win gives Jefferson a 3-0 start and a 1-0 record in NIC-10 play.