NEWARK, NJ--The NJIT men's soccer team will debut in the America East Conference on Tuesday, March 9 when the Highlanders visit UMBC at Retriever Soccer Park.
New Home for the Highlanders
NJIT, which officially joined the league on July 1, 2020, as the 10th full member institution, will begin its inaugural season in the America East on February 26 when the Highlanders visit UMBC.
The Highlanders were picked to finish fourth according to a vote of the league's coaches. UMBC was selected to finish seventh by America East coaches.
Game Information
Game time is slated for 7pm on Tuesday, March 9. The match will be streamed live on America East TV with in-game statistics available on www.UMBCRetrievers.com.
All-Time Series
UMBC holds a 1-0 all-time series against NJIT. The last time the two teams met was in 2004, which marked the Highlanders first season of Division I competition in men's soccer.
Last Time Out
The NJIT men's soccer team picked up a 3-3 double overtime draw against visiting Seton Hall on February 17 in non-conference action at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
February 17 was the first time the Highlanders had seen the pitch in 454 days due to COVID 19.
The Highlanders will be playing for the first time since February 17. Shortly thereafter, NJIT paused all team-related activities due to COVID-related protocols and league games vs. UMBC (Feb. 27) and Binghamton (March 5) were postponed.
NJIT Outlook
The Highlanders will be returning to competition off the programs first-ever ASUN Conference Regular Season and Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance.
NJIT, which finished with a Division I school-record ten wins last season, ranked in the Top 10 of the United Soccer Coaches Atlantic Region poll all season, with its highest ranking coming during the second week of the season (No. 2). NJIT closed the season ranked fifth out of 10 teams.
The Highlanders finished last season 10-5-4 overall, 5-1-0 in the ASUN.
NJIT return seven players who earned All-ASUN honors including, Coach of the Year (Fernando Barboto), Player of the Year (Rene White), Goalkeeper of the Year (Samuel Reisgys) and Rookie of the Year (Alejandro Rabell).
Scouting UMBC
UMBC enters Tuesday's contest 1-0-1 most recently coming off a scoreless double-overtime tie at Stony Brook on Friday, March 5.
UMBC junior goalkeeper Quantrell Jones posted his ninth career shutout and second of the young season, making five saves.
The Retrievers finished the 2019 campaign with a mark of 6-9-1 and 1-5-1 in America East competition.
Sophomores Ryan Becher and Orlygur Omarsson earned America East All-Rookie Team honors in 2019.
Next Up
NJIT will return to action at home on Friday, March 12 at 5pm, hosting Stony Brook in America East Conference action.
Follow Us
Stay up to date during the 2021 NJIT men's soccer season by following @NJITSoccer on Twitter and Instagram and liking the NJIT Men's Soccer page on Facebook.
