Post Game Interview
NEWARK, NJ--Nigel Buckley scored the go-ahead goal for visiting La Salle in the Explorers 2-1 victory at NJIT Tuesday evening in non-conference men's soccer action at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
La Salle scored the game-winner in the 83rd minute after an initial shot by Junior Nare, which bounced off the near post. Buckley collected the ball inside the box and blasted a shot on an open goal for a 2-1 score.
The Explorers, which snapped a two-game skid, improved to 3-4 overall while the Highlanders moved to 2-4-1 overall.
Buckley finished the night with a goal and an assist combining for three points in the win. La Salle's first goal of the match was scored by Daniel Kim assisted by Buckely.
NJIT's graduate student Rene White tallied his 45th career goal, which ranks first among NCAA Division I active career leaders in goals (45) and points (98). Junior Alejandro Rabell was credited with his team-leading fourth assist.
The home team held a slight advantage in overall shots 12-to-11 and corner kicks 6-to-1. Graduate student Tomas Jorge led the Highlanders in total shots with four followed by Rene White (3) and Juan Gonzalez (2).
La Salle opened the scoring in the fourth minute on a goal by Kim assisted by Buckely for a 1-0 advantage.
NJIT knotted the match at 1-1 in the 10th minute on a beautiful serve into the box by Alejandro Rabell, finding a running Rene White inside the box, who headed home his 45th career goal.
Another offensive opportunity for NJIT, as White carried the ball down the left side, striking the ball on a tough angle just staying wide in the 25th minute.
In the 35th minute, NJIT had a pair of chances -- first on a shot low to the right by Regsan Watkins saved by the La Salle keeper Carlos Mora and second on a strike by Rabell just missing to the right of the frame.
NJIT will take to the road and play a pair of America East Conference matches at Albany on September 25 and at defending America East Champions New Hampshire on October 1, who are currently 8-0 on the season and ranked No. 9 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Poll.
