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TEANECK, NJ -- Explorers sophomore Soji Olatoye scored a golden goal in the 96th minute, as LaSalle University upended NJIT on Tuesday at University Stadium in Teaneck, N.J. The non-conference match was played on the campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Olatoye's sixth goal of the season came from within the box on an assist from grad student Mike Liska. The shot sailed from the right side to the upper left corner past sprawling NJIT goalie, sophomore Tristan Parker.

With the victory, LaSalle (3-10-3, 0-4-3 A10) registered its first win since starting the season with back-to-back defeats of Howard and Iona.

NJIT (6-10, 1-4 ASUN) has now dropped three matches in a row.

Prior to the game-winner, LaSalle goalkeeper Brett Werner made a trio of impressive saves on  NJIT shots in overtime on shots from junior Juan Zapata, freshman Kevin Nunez and and sophomore Pablo Jimenez -- all coming from the inside the left corner of the 18. Werner finished with four saves overall.

NJIT had its best chance to win in regulation in the 88th minute. Sophomore Rene White, who had scored earlier, fired off a contested shot from just outside the 18. The shot sailed through the defense but tailed off to the left.

Earlier, White helped the Highlanders jump in front of the Explorers in the ninth minute. The team's leading scorer zipped a header past Werner from five feet out and into the right side of the net.

White's 10th goal was assisted by freshman Diego Martin, whose first assist of his NCAA career came into the box from the left inside.

The goal was also aided by a dummy from junior Juan Zapata.

The Explorers tied the contest in the 55th minute. Sophomore Jesper Lenander drilled an unassisted goal from just inside the left corner of the 18 and into the top right corner of the net over Parker.
Parker had entered the game to replace junior Victor Pujades at the start of the second half. Pujades saved the only shot on goal he faced.

LaSalle finished with a 12-9 shot advantage for the game, though NJIT led in shots on goal, 5-3.

Both teams recorded four shots -- one on goal -- in the first half.

The Explorers had their best opportunity to score in the first half in the 19th minute. LaSalle freshman Daniel McIntosh received a pass on the right side of the six, but his header was stymied by Pujades.

Prior to this Senior Day game, MF Furkan Kokcu was honored for his contributions during his four seasons at NJIT. Kokcu is the lone senior on the team.

NJIT next plays its final match of the regular season at conference-opponent University of North Florida (3-9, 2-2 ASUN) on Saturday. The Highlanders need a win or a draw to keep their qualifying hopes alive for the ASUN Tournament.