NEWARK, N.J. —- The NJIT women's soccer team closed out its non-conference schedule Sunday afternoon, coming up just short in a 1-0 thriller against the Temple Owls at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.

In one of the most closely contested games in recent memory, the Highlanders (2-1) and Owls (2-2-1) played scoreless first half, combined for 29 shots (Temple 15-14), 14 shots on goal (Temple 8-6), 13 saves (NJIT 7-6), and ten corner kicks (tied 5-5). 

The deciding goal that broke the stalemate came in the 79th minute as Temple's Emma Watkins' low pass from the right side of the box was deflected past redshirt sophomore Molly Saylor and freshman Emma Bitar's defensive coverage by Hailey Gutowski.

NJIT had a number of outstanding chances throughout the game that simply did not bounce their way. In the closing minutes of the first half, a cross from sophomore Nora O'Connor to fellow second-year Madison Taibl that narrowly missed her foot in front of the net. In the 54th minute, senior Yasmeen Malik delivered a lead pass from near midfield that sprung fellow senior Christine Conaghy free on a right side breakaway. Conaghy's first shot was saved by Temple goalie Kamryn Stablein and the resulting deflection was blocked away from Conaghy by another Owl defender.

With Temple ahead and less than ten minutes remaining in the contest, NJIT continued to push and try to tie up the game. As the final ten seconds counted down, senior Tara Walenczyk lofted a cross into the box that left senior Jennifer Callaghan with a straight-on shot that was blocked off the goal line right as time expired.

Despite the loss, Saylor had a solid outing, making a season-high seven saves and logging the eighth game of her career with at least that many stops.

NEXT UP
NJIT will play its first-ever America East contest on Sunday, March 14 at Maine. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.