For two-and-a-half seasons, the Northern Highlands girls' soccer team has maintained a perfect record. The Highlanders weren't perfect on Thursday, but they were good enough to beat Ramapo 2-1 for their 61st straight win, setting a new state record.

The win pushed Northern Highlands past the 60-game winning streak established by Ramapo in the 1990's. Goals by Clare Shea and Hana Kerner allowed the Highlanders to rally from an early deficit in front of a large home crowd.

This game had so many subplots, with Ramapo aiming to spoil the party and prevent Highlands from breaking the record set by their predecessors. The Green Raiders were also the last team to beat the Highlanders, dealing them a 5-2 setback in the sectional final in 2010.

An early goal by Lauren Azzolino for Ramapo made things interesting, though Shea scored on a header just minutes later. The game remained tied 1-1 until Madeline Heaney sent a long ball ahead early in the second half and Kerner outraced the defense to break the deadlock.

The Green Raiders managed a few more threats on the Highlands goal, though goalkeeper Kayla Klatt was credited with just one save.

Ramapo keeper Lizzy Stellakis made five saves. The Green Raiders are now 10-3 on the year.

Northern Highlands is 13-0 this season. With the winning streak record now in their possession, the Highlanders are just five games shy of the state-record unbeaten streak of 66, also held by Ramapo. But they are more interested in defending their Bergen County and state championships.

For sports video highlights and interviews from this historic Big North Conference high school girls' soccer game, click play in the box at left.