NEWARK, NJ–The NJIT men's soccer team in a stretch of three straight at home will begin on Saturday when the Highlanders host Rider.
Game Information
Thursday's match is slated for 7pm. The match will be streamed live on America East TV with in-game statistics available on NJITHighlanders.com.
Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium Attendance Record
The attendance (1,028 fans) for the NJIT-UConn men's soccer match on August 28, 2025 was the most fans at a home soccer event.
Tickets
Men's Soccer tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.NJITtix.com or be purchased the day of the match at the main entrance of Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
All-Time Series
Rider leads the all-time series, 7-4-6. After Rider and NJIT played to ties in three-straight seasons (2021-23), the Broncs earned a 2-1 victory last Sept. 14 on Ben Cohen Field. NJIT struck first in the ninth minute, before Ezra Punselie equalized in the 27th and Momo Diop scored the game-winner in the 73rd.
Last Time Out
In front of a sold out crowd on move-in week, NJIT and UConn played to a 0-0 scoreless draw on Thursday evening at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
The home team edged the Huskies in overall shots – 14-to-13 (5-to-4 SOG) paced by Sergio Martinez Cubel with four total shots, Giovanni Massacesi (3) and Diogo Rebelo (2).
Goalkeeper Devin Armstrong was credited with the clean sheet, playing the full 90 minutes, stopping four Husky shots.
News & Notes
–NJIT is in search of its first win of the season, dropping its first two games – at Loyola (MD) and at FDU. NJIT is coming off a 0-0 draw against UConn on August 28.
–Head coach Fernando Barboto begins his 10th season at NJIT after guiding the 2024 Highlanders to its fifth straight America East Tournament appearance.
–The Highlanders have welcomed 10 newcomers to the 2025 roster.
–America East All-Championship team selection Sergio Martinez Cubel returns as the Highlanders top goal scorer. Three out of four goals in 2024 came on penalty kicks, all three being successful.
–Devin Armstrong, the Highlander keeper, played and started in 17 matches last season after transferring in from Wake Forest (2022-23) and Akron (January 2024), combining for a 6-7-4 overall mark, 60 saves, a 1.51 goals against average and a pair of shutouts. He posted a personal-best nine saves at Vermont. Armstrong ranked fourth in the league in saves per game (3.53).
–Alvaro Heredia combined for a pair of goals and assists for six points.
–NJIT was voted to finish fifth in the 2025 America East Preseason Coaches Poll.
Scouting the Broncs
–Rider enters Saturday's contest with a 1-2-1 overall record
–The Broncs picked up its first win of the season–a 3-0 shutout against George Washington on Sept. 1
–Rider, who has played in the MAAC Championship game in the last two seasons has been selected to finish second in the MAAC Preseason Coaches Poll
–In 2023 the Broncs were crowned MAAC Champions, defeating Iona (2-1) and a year later, Iona defeated Rider in overtime, 1-0, in the championship game.
–Theo Da Silva was selected MAAC Co-Preseason Player of the Year and Max Schrader was named Preseason All-MAAC.
–Da Sliva, an All-MAAC second-team selection, has one goal for two points this season
–Lovro Kostanjsek and Gio Polizzi pace the team with a pair of goals
Up Next
NJIT will be back in action next week, Tuesday, September 9 when the Highlanders welcome La Salle at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on America East TV.
Stay Connected
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