Sept. 22, 2006

Box Score

STONY BROOK, NY - Stony Brook scored just over 10 minutes into the game and again in the final two minutes, securing a 2-0 non-conference men's soccer win over visiting New Jersey Institute of Technology Friday night on Long Island.

Stony Brook, the 2005 America East Conference champion and winner of an NCAA Division I College Cup game last November, gained the upper hand on Friday with a quick counter that saw David Weisberger send a through ball into the middle of the box, where Oscar Leis finished at 10:09.

Neither team scored the rest of the half, but NJIT barely missed in the final minute before intermission, as Oskar Johansson sent the ball from the left wing across the goalmouth where it was inches beyond the reach of Jo Rene Valentin, who slid after the pass, attempting to tuck it inside the far post.

The Highlanders completely dominated the middle 20 minutes of the second half to no avail, with their best bids coming within a couple of minutes of each other. With about 25 minutes left, Erik Magnusson, completely unmarked, took a pass outside the penalty area and straight on, but his shot went over the top of the goal. A couple of minutes later, Valentin got off a quick shot in close quarters on the doorstep, but Seawolves keeper Rich Skoblicki made the save.

NJIT, which kept the ball in the Stony Brook end for nearly 20 minutes uninterrupted, became vulnerable to counter attacks the more the Highlanders pressed forward looking for the equalizer in the late going.

Finally, Stony Brook put the match away on a header by Tamer Mohamed, assisted by Michael Palacio with 1:50 remaining.

The total shots were 15-14 for Stony Brook--8-5 for NJIT in the second half. Skoblicki made 3 saves to earn the shutout and Josh Osit was credited with 5 saves protecting the Highlander goal.

"We played a disciplined team that looked to defend," said NJIT coach Pedro Lopes after the game. "Our guys came out in the second half and completely decided to show the work ethic that we were going to take the game to (Stony Brook).

"The thing we're missing in the attacking third is the calmness you need to see the whole play and adjust your moves according to how much time you have. Once we combine that calmness in the box with the work ethic we've shown, I think it will turn around."

The Highlanders chance to begin the turnaround will come on Tuesday, when they host the conference opener against defending Atlantic Soccer Conference champion Hartwick at 7 pm on Lubetkin Field.