NEWARK, NJ — NJIT scored twice in the final 14 minutes to secure a 3-1 victory over UAlbany on Saturday at Lubetkin Field at J. Malcolm Simon Stadium, continuing its strong start to America East play during Homecoming Weekend.
The Highlanders improved to 7-4-3 overall and 3-0-1 in conference play with the victory.
NJIT opened the scoring just before halftime when Harusumi Takesada found the back of the net for his first career goal at 44:05 to give the Highlanders a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
UAlbany responded in the second half, as Yuta Kimata scored at 58:18 off assists from Ivar Orri Gissurarson and Shawn Tanaka to even the match at 1-1.
The Highlanders continued to push forward in search of the go-ahead goal, creating opportunities as the half progressed.
Junee Lee put NJIT back in front at 76:39 with his third goal of the season, giving the Highlanders a 2-1 lead.
NJIT added to its advantage less than three minutes later when
Maximus Barboto converted a penalty kick for his third goal of the season at 79:19 to extend the lead to 3-1.
The Highlanders maintained their two-goal advantage through the final 10 minutes to secure the conference victory.
UAlbany finished with a 16-10 advantage in shots, including a 6-5 edge in shots on goal. NJIT goalkeeper
Andre Faerman recorded five saves, helping the Highlanders hold off the Great Danes.
Takesada, Lee and Barboto each scored for NJIT, while the Highlanders continued their unbeaten start to America East play through four conference matches.
NEXT UP
NJIT begins thier final stretch of America East play starting on the road as the Highlanders take on UMass Lowell on Saturday, October 24, at 6 p.m. in Lowell Massachuessetts.
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