VIDEO: NJIT Highlights at UMass Lowell
LOWELL, MA–The NJIT men's soccer team played to a 0-0 scoreless draw at UMass Lowell in the America East Conference opener for both teams on Saturday evening at Cushing Field.
Given the new rules governing overtime in the regular season, the game ended in a draw after 90 minutes and left both teams with a hard-fought point.
NJIT picks up its third tie of the season, remaining at .500 with a 3-3-3 overall record and 0-0-1 in the America East while UMass Lowell moves to 1-4-3 overall, 0-0-1 in conference action. The three ties for the Highlanders are the most since the 2019 season when NJIT finished the season 10-5-4.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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UMass Lowell had a scoring opportunity in the seventh minute on a strike by team-leading scorer Viljar Byrekjeland but NJIT senior goalkeeper Samuel Reisgys made the save.
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In the 16th minute, Reisgys made an exceptional play, stretching out for a one-handed save on a shot by Borna Miklic.
- Sophomore co-captain Goncalo Franco's shot in the 29th minute just missed high, clearing the cross bar.
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NJIT had a late clean look in the 42nd minute on a strike by graduate student Anthony Rovito, which was corralled by UMass Lowell goalkeeper Jacob Heihsel.
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After the first 45 minutes, visiting NJIT held a 6-2 advantage in total shots (3-2 SOG) and 3-2 in corner kicks.
SECOND HALF
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NJIT tallied the first shot of the second half in the 66th minute on a shot inside the box by Jordri Navio Sanchez but his close range shot was saved by the UMass Lowell keeper.
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A minute later, a dangerous scoring opportunity for NJIT by freshman Sergio Martinez Cubel, who received the ball inside the box, sailed high over the crossbar.
- In the 74th minute, Reisgys, again, had great positioning in goal, keeping the River Hawks off the board on a close strike by Michael Olivieri, Jr. The shot by Olivieri was the first shot for the home team in the second half.
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Navio Sanchez's rocket attempt in the 78th minute was stopped by a diving Heihsel.
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Borna Miklic's floater in the 82nd minute over the Highlander keeper missed high.
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In the closing moments, another incredible save by the UMass Lowell keeper on a ball served inside the box by Maximus Barboto to Goncalo Franco was stopped by Heihsel.
NOTEWORTHY
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The 16 overall shots is the second highest total this season for NJIT (21 at Villanova; 9.14.22).
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Reisgys picked up his second consecutive clean sheet of the season (fourth overall this season), combining four River Hawk shots. UMass Lowell's Heihsel recorded seven saves.
NEXT UP
NJIT will return to action on Saturday, October 1 when the Highlanders welcome Binghamton at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7pm on ESPN3.
