NEWARK, N.J. --- In a battle of teams in first place in the ASUN Conference entering the afternoon, the NJIT women's soccer team and the North Florida Ospreys played to a 1-1 draw Sunday at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
Christine Conaghy scored her first goal of the season to allow NJIT (5-3-3, 2-0-1) to pick up a point in the standings. NJIT and North Florida (8-3-2, 2-0-1 ASUN) now sit tied for second place in the ASUN behind first-place Liberty.
NJIT controlled the action from the early goings, producing a number of offensive opportunities.
Fiona Wright and
Jessica Aseng had prime chances back-to-back from point-blank range in the 12th minute but saw both shots blocked by the UNF defense.
UNF broke the scoreless tie in the 33rd minute, turning the Highlanders over at midfield and connecting their passes through their offensive half to set up the goal.
Alexis Magruder had a chance to tie the match before halftime (41') on a breakaway run along the right side but her quick shot was saved.
The Highlanders started the second half with renewed energy and pressure and it paid immediate dividends. NJIT scored its equalizer in the 51st minute as Conaghy turned UNF over, pushed the ball down the right side, and entered the scoring ledger for 2019.
Magruder had a second opportunity to add a goal in the 80th minute but UNF's keeper came forward to make the save.
Each team continued to press the other through regulation and the two overtimes but eventually settled on the draw.
Saylor continued her strong play in goal this season, resetting her career and season high for saves with ten against the Ospreys.
OTHER NOTES
- NJIT's 20 shots taken were the Highlanders' second most this season, behind the 30 the team took versus Saint Peter's on August 31.
- The Highlanders remain unbeaten on Lubetkin Field this season (3-0-2).
- NJIT outshot UNF 20-18, doing so for the fourth time this season.
NEXT UP
NJIT will start its final road trip of the season on Sunday, October 13 with a 1 p.m. against FGCU in Fort Myers, Fla.
