Sept. 18, 2007

Box Score

JERSEY CITY - Saint Peter's all-America candidate Juan Gaviria scored both of his team's goals--one in each half, delivering the back breaker with less than five minutes to play, in a 2-0 men's soccer win over visiting NJIT Tuesday afternoon.

Gaviria is one of 30 players on the official watch list for the Hermann Trophy, which is given annually to the nation's top player. He picked up his third and fourth goals of the season on Tuesday against the Highlanders.

The Peacock star picked up his first goal assisted by Murphy Wiredu and Jereri Edwards in the 20th minute. And his second tally, again assisted by his classmate, Wiredu sealed the win with 4:42 left in the contest.

NJIT put three shots on goal, as Erik Magnusson shot on target twice and Alex Brito forced one save.

Saint Peter's goalkeeper Matthew Lawlor recorded his first shutout of the season with the three saves. NJIT keeper Josh Osit made four saves.

One of the better chances for the Highlanders came in the second half when Osvaldo Perez came up with the ball less than 10 yards from the goal and moved a couple of strides closer, but Saint Peter's was able to knock the ball over the end line, conceding a corner kick.

Saint Peter's, a quality opponent which has won its last two to raise its season record to 4-2, enjoyed a 13-4 advantage in total shots and a 6-3 edge in corner kicks that reflected its territorial edge for lengthy parts of the game.

NJIT will open Atlantic Soccer Conference play on Friday at 7 pm, when it hosts ASC rival Florida Atlantic on Lubetkin Field.