| Game 1 |
Drexel (0-0) |
| Date | Time |
Sunday, February 21, 2021 | 12:00 pm |
| Location | Arena |
Newark, N.J. | Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium |
| All-Time Series |
Drexel leads 4-1 |
| Live Stats |
In-game statistics (free) |
| Live Video |
AmericaEast.TV |
NEWARK, N.J. --- After its first chance to open the season was cancelled due to weather, NJIT Women's Soccer will make its long-awaited return to the pitch Sunday afternoon as the Highlanders welcome the Drexel Dragons to Newark.
LAST TIME OUT
NJIT was slated to open the 2020 campaign Friday afternoon against Seton Hall but inclement weather in the Newark area forced the game to be cancelled.
A SEASON LIKE NO OTHER
Like many schools across the country, the current COVID-19 public health crisis has pushed NJIT's fall 2020 campaign into the Spring. Please bookmark NJITHighlanders.com to keep up-to-date on any schedule changes that may arise because of the pandemic or weather-related issues.
As for fans this season, due to COVID protocol policy, the NJIT Department of Athletics is prohibiting spectators at our Indoor & Outdoor Athletic Events. The policy will be re-evaluated in March.
NEW HOME FOR THE HIGHLANDERS
One season after christening a new home field as the first NJIT team to play on Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium, the Highlanders will begin this season as members of a new conference home, the America East. NJIT became the league's tenth member on July 1, 2020 after five seasons in the ASUN Conference that included a pair of ASUN Semifinal appearances and one top-two regular season finish (No. 2 seed in 2018).
The Highlanders are scheduled to play their first-ever America East game on Sunday, March 7 at home against Vermont at Noon.
2020 OUTLOOK
NJIT will bring back 20 returners and incorporate five newcomers as the program looks to use momentum from last season's ASUN Semifinal appearance to propel them in their first campaign in the America East.
Fifth-year head coach
Ally Nick's squad will be led by lauded defensive stars (All-ASUN Second Team selection
Siani Magruder, ASUN All-Freshman and All-Tournament honoree
Molly Saylor, ASUN All-Tournament selection
Nicole Loehle) and highly capable offensive talent (leading returning goal scorers
Lauren Chamberlain,
Bailey Chant and
Tara Walenczyk).
In its first-ever America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, the Highlanders were picked seventh out of ten teams. Reigning league champion Stony Brook was tabbed as the preseason favorite.
RETURNING STATS LEADERS
Goals:
Lauren Chamberlain - 4
Assists:
Lauren Chamberlain - 3
Points:
Lauren Chamberlain - 11
Shots/SOG:
Lauren Chamberlain - 39/16
Saves:
Molly Saylor - 102
Shutouts:
Molly Saylor - 4
GAA:
Molly Saylor - 1.02
LAST MEETING
NJIT and Drexel have met five times in their history, with Drexel holding a 4-1 edge over the Highlanders. The teams will be meeting for the first time since September 4, 2009 when NJIT earned a 2-1 double overtime decision to claim its first win in the series.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Drexel will be kicking off its season on Sunday after also having their first attempt at a season opener cancelled (February 18 vs Saint Joseph's). The Dragons went 5-11-3 (1-7-1 CAA) in 2019 and return leading scorers Lauren Currey (4 G, 3 A) and Melissa Lyon (3 G. 2 A) while elevating reserve goalkeeper Miyuki Schoyen (366 mins, 1.23 GAA, 20 saves).
NEXT UP
NJIT will return to Lubetkin Field on Thursday, February 25 with a non-conference contest against La Salle. Kickoff time is currently TBD.
FOLLOW US
Stay up to date during the NJIT women's soccer season by following @NJITWSoccer on Twitter and Instagram and liking the NJIT Women's Soccer page on Facebook.
