Box Score
 
WASHINGTON, DC—Freshman midfielder Enrique Hildago scored the lone goal of the match with seven minutes left, off a brilliant play from senior forward Franco Gamero, leading the NJIT men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over George Washington Wednesday afternoon.
 
The win enabled the Highlanders to improve to 7-5 overall, winning their second straight game on the road.
 
After the two teams played scoreless soccer for 82 minutes, the Highlanders finally got on the scoreboard on a smart play from Gamero.
 
“It was late in the game and we were pressing, trying to get the game-winner,” NJIT head men's soccer coach Cesar Markovic said. “The ball was played to Franco at midfield and he was fouled there.”
 
Gamero could have stopped and waited for the official to place the ball, but saw a scoring chance instead.
 
“The referee blew the whistle and put the ball down,” Markovic explained. “Franco waited and played the ball right away, passing it ahead to Enrique, who got into the penalty box, then shot and scored. It was an interesting goal, but Franco was very resourceful.”
 
The Highlanders dominated play from the outset, out-shooting the Colonials, 15-3. None of George Washington's shots went on goal, so senior goalkeeper Lars Maalen-Johansen didn't have to make a save to record his fourth shutout of the season.
 
“We had plenty of opportunities to score early,” Markovic said.
 
Sophomore forward Cristian Marcel had two golden chances in the first seven minutes, firing one shot just wide and the other was stopped by GW keeper Alejandro Almodovar.
 
Sophomore defender Marko Drljic also had two excellent shots that Almodovar stopped in the first half.
 
The Highlanders were coming off a game in San Jose, California on Sunday, but Markovic would not allow the possible jet lag get in the Highlanders' heads.
 
“We didn't say one word of excuses about the travel,” Markovic said. “I talked to them about it after the game. There was no mention of being tired. No matter what, we were going to be ready to play and get a positive result. We were creating a lot of chances, so that's always good.”
 
Markovic credited senior defender Christian Galindo for having a strong all-around game.
 
“But everyone played well enough to win,” Markovic said.
 
There is another positive aspect to the victory. The Highlanders don't play again until next Friday, Oct. 5, when they face Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
 
“We've been waiting for this break for a long time,” Markovic said. “We talked to them and said that if we could just get through the tough stretch in September, we'll be alright. We'll have a full week of practice to prepare for games from now on. We can improve our team and get re-energized. Then we can attack the final part of the season.”

Write up courtesy James Hague