LYNCHBURG, VA—NJIT sophomore
Pablo Jimenez scored with twenty-nine seconds left in the match as the Highlanders dropped a 2-1 ASUN Conference match at Liberty on Saturday afternoon at Osborne Stadium.
Liberty (1-1-1 ASUN, 5-4-1) scored a goal in each half to record the Flames first win in conference action.
The shots were even at the half, 9-9, and the home team edged the Highlanders in the second half, 10-9, for a combined advantage 19-18. Liberty also held a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.
NJIT's (0-3 ASUN, 5-7-0)
Rene White, who ranks second in the ASUN in total goals with eight, posted four total shots (three on goal) while
Andres Gonzalez recorded four shots (two on goal).
Liberty opened the scoring in the 22
nd minute of action as Matthew Zaczyk spun free of the Highlander defense from the left corner of the box, served the ball into the center of the box, which was deflected off an NJIT defender to Kevin Mendoza who headed home his eighth goal of the season. Mendoza ranks tied for second in the league in total goals with NJIT's White.
The Flames doubled the score, 2-0, in the 51
st minute on a loose ball served into the left wing of the box by Geovanny Murillo to Tresor Mbuyu for an ASUN leading ninth goal. Mbuyu tucked away his ninth goal of the season, positioning the ball between the Highlander keeper and defender into the lower right corner.
Trailing with twenty-nine seconds remaining in the contest, NJIT's White carried the ball down the right wing and crossed the ball behind the Liberty defense to Jimenez, who scored his third goal of the season. White and
Furkan Kokcu were credited with the assist.
Liberty keeper Brogan Engbers picked up the win, stopping four Highlander shots while NJIT's
Victor Pujades stopped four shots of his own.
NJIT will return to action in a week when the Highlanders host ASUN Conference opponent Stetson on October 13 at 3pm on the campus of Kean University East Campus Facility.
