WEST HARTFORD, CT--NJIT fifth-year forward Rene White scored a brace in the Highlanders 2-0 win at Hartford in the regular season finale for both teams at Al-Marzook Field at Alumni Monday evening.
With a win at Hartford and a UMass Lowell loss against New Hampshire, the Highlanders have clinched a spot in the 2021 America East Conference Men's Soccer Postseason Tournament as the No. 6 seed. NJIT will face No. 3 UAlbany on Saturday, November 6 at 7pm. The match will be streamed live on America East TV. Championship Info
White tallied a goal in each half, increasing his season goal total to 11. The NCAA Division I active career goals and points leader sits atop with 49 goals and 108 points.
NJIT fifth-year forward Regsan Watkins picked up a pair of assists in the win and currently ranks tied for first on the team with six assists with Tomas Jorge. Watkins ranks third among NCAA Division I active points leaders with 99.
Junior keeper Samuel Reisgys combined for the shutout, grabbing four saves in the victory.
White tallied his 10th goal of the season to give the Highlanders a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. White and Watkins connected for the fourth time this season as Watkins took the initial shot which hit off the crossbar but White, in the right place at the right time, followed up with a header, netting home the first goal of the match.
In the 70th minute, Hartford had three opportunities to score but all three shots were blocked by the Highlander defense.
NJIT went ahead 2-0 in the 82nd minute as the Highlanders dangerous tandem Watkins and White connected for the second time in the match. Watkins blocked a failed clearance by the Hartford defense, collected the ball and slid a pass to White into the middle of the box, who finished off the job with 10 minutes on the clock.
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