October 14, 2005

NEWARK, NJ - Each team scored its goal in the second half and New Jersey Institute of Technology and Longwood went on to a 1-1 tie in two overtimes Friday afternoon in Atlantic Soccer Conference men's action.

The continuous rain that has pounded the northeast for more than a week was present throughout the game, but the SprinTurf artificial surface on Lubetkin Field again allowed the teams to operate at a high level. Indeed, the wind was much more of a factor than the rain on Friday, playing havoc with goal kicks and making it more difficult for the goalkeepers to track long shots.

The result left NJIT at 1-6-5 overall and 0-2-2 in the ASC, while Longwood is 2-8-2 overall and 0-1-1 in conference play.

After a scoreless first half, NJIT took the lead just 4:06 into the second half, as Eddie Romero headed the goal off a direct free kick from Dylan Broadley. Both men are the team leader in those two categories, as Romero netted his fifth goal and Broadley picked up his third assist.

The Highlanders played the second half with the wind to their backs and Longwood pushed more and more into the attack as the second half progressed, but NJIT was unsuccessful in its search for a counterattacking insurance goal.

Instead, the Lancers finally got the equalizer in the 74th minute after about 10 minutes of heavy pressure. Leon Malca put the ball inside the near post, one-timing a cross out of the right corner by Mike Negash.

Longwood was not content with the tie, however, and forced NJIT goalkeeper Collin Cunning to make some difficult stops to preserve the tie over the next few minutes.

In the end, the Highlanders went to overtime for the seventh time in 12 games, coming away with their fifth tie.

Cunning, who made quick back-to-back stops on Longwood's Todd Runey and Malca in the overtime, finished with 10 saves, while the NJIT defense also stopped two shots on goal. Longwood's Brandt Youmans made 4 saves.

Next on the Highlanders' schedule is a 7 pm non-conference game vs. Army at West Point, NY, on October 19.