October 18, 2006

Box Score

NEWARK, NJ - Juan Gaviria scored once in each half, leading visiting Saint Peter's to a 2-0 non-conference men's soccer victory over New Jersey Institute of Technology Wednesday night on Lubetkin Field.

Gaviria, a junior who was all-Mid-Atlantic Region last year, netted his team-leading 11th and 12th goals of the season for Saint Peter's, which is 5-1 in its last six matches, with the only loss coming in overtime against Fairfield, the nation's 15th-ranked team.

Gaviria's first goal, a header, broke a scoreless tie with just 26 seconds left in the first half, assisted by Damian Gaynor. His second goal, in the 72nd minute, was assisted by Udi Naim and Kevin Hudson.

The total shots favored Saint Peter's, 18-10, while the Peacocks had a smaller edge in shots on goal, 12-8. NJIT goalkeeper Collin Cunning made 10 saves, while Hernando Santamaria, making his first appearance of the season for Saint Peter's, notched 8 saves in recording the shutout. Both goalkeepers took charge in front of the net and also made some reflex saves on open shots.

Both teams have important upcoming matches in their respective conferences and the coaches used the late-season non-conference match to rest some regulars and test some younger players.

For NJIT, four players made their first starts of the season and 10 of the 11 starters came in having started five, or fewer, previous matches. The only exception for the Highlanders was Gustav Warfving, who made his 14th start of the year.

"I'm not happy to lose, but I am pleased that we were able to rest some of our regular starters and give some of the younger guys a needed opportunity to start and play a lot," said NJIT coach Pedro Lopes. "The two goals (Saint Peter's) scored were good goals. We wanted to see some our young guys and they stepped it up and did well against a good team."

The two remaining games for NJIT are in the Atlantic Soccer Conference on the next two Saturdays. The Highlanders will play at Florida Atlantic on October 21 and they will visit Adelphi, currently the ASC co-leader, on October 28.

NJIT, which is fourth in the ASC and still holds a chance of reaching the top spot, is aiming to secure a spot in the four-team ASC postseason tournament, whose winner gains an automatic berth in the annual NCAA Division I College Cup.