NEWARK, NJ—Mauricio Jimenez scored an unassisted goal in the 85th minute, lifting Saint Peter's to a 2-1 men's soccer victory over NJIT Saturday afternoon on Lubetkin Field at J. Malcolm Simon Stadium.

Jimenez, who played many of his high school games on the NJIT campus when he studied at nearby St. Benedict's Prep, produced the game-winner on a terrific solo effort that included an unstoppable shot.

The winning goal broke a tie that had stood since early in the first half, when each team scored unassisted goals. Harry Newman of Saint Peter's scored on a 30-yard free kick at 9:41 and NJIT tied less than three minutes later on a shot down the middle from the top of the box by Jack McVey.

Saint Peter's (4-4) used two goalkeepers. Tyler Clarhaut started and played the first half, making one save and allowing the NJIT goal. Johan Romero came on at the start of the second half and made three stops while blanking the Highlanders over the final 45 minutes.

NJIT's John Ricketti went the distance and made six saves.

Saint Peter's had a 17-10 edge in total shots, including 8-5 in shots on goal.

The first goal, in the 10th minute, came after NJIT was whistled for a hand ball near the sideline. Newman of Saint Peter's teed up the free kick near the right sideline and sent a ball toward the goal that was untouched by either team and sailed inside the left post.

NJIT's McVey got the equalizer at 12:09, taking advantage of a turned defender and scoring from 20 yards away and a shot that Clarhaut reacted on a tick late.

In an evenly-matched contest, both teams had their share of opportunities, including a shot off the post on a breakaway by Braulio Constantino of Saint Peter's in the 16th minute.

The Highlanders had plenty of chances, too, the latest in the 80th minute, when Pete Walker had a hard shot on a breakaway that was saved by Romero of the Peacocks.

Jimenez got the game-winner within a few minutes, beating a couple of defenders on a counter as he carried into the goal area and fired into the upper left corner past Ricketti, who had no chance to make the save.

“It took a great goal to beat us,” said NJIT coach Pedro Lopes. “We got ourselves in good position and we had some decent opportunities. But when it comes down to the last few minutes and the game is tied at the end, all it takes is one great shot and (Saint Peter's) got it.”

The Highlanders (2-7) will host Rutgers on Tuesday at 7 pm on Lubetkin Field at J. Malcolm Simon Stadium.