NEWARK, NJ--NJIT men's soccer coach Fernando Barboto announced the addition of Jose Escandon who will join the Highlanders in the Spring 2020.

Escandon, the 2018 NJ.com Boys Soccer Player of the Year, led Kearny High School to its first undefeated season since 1984 and its first state title since 2004. Kearny went 19-0-5 and finished No. 2 in the NJ.com Top 20.

"Jose is a very quick and clever player," 2019 ASUN Conference Coach of the Year.  "With an element of elusiveness on the dribble, he has a strong left foot and will add a different dynamic to our attack"

The 5-foot-5 midfielder scored 22 goals in 2018, including two in the Group 4 final, a 3-1 victory over Princeton. Escandon delivered a critical penalty kick goals in Kearny's wins over Bridgewater-Raritan in the Group 4 semifinal and Montclair in the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 title game.

He scored in Kearny's 3-2 victory over St. Peter's Prep in the Hudson County final, finishing the season with 17 assists.

Escandon played two seasons for the New York Red Bulls Academy, capturing the Generation Adidas Cup and National Championship with Kearny United.