LOWELL, MA–Junior Eric Sadlocha scored the only goal of the match in the eighth minute to lead visiting NJIT to a 1-0 victory over UMass Lowell on Saturday evening in America East Conference men's soccer action at Cushing Field Complex.
With the victory, NJIT clinched a berth in the 2026 America East Conference Men's Soccer Championship. The Highlanders stand alone at the top of the America East Conference standings, improving to 8-4-3 overall and remain unbeaten in America East play at 4-0-1.
The Highlanders are unbeaten in its last eight matches, a feat last achieved in the 2017 season when the Highlanders opened the year with eight consecutive undefeated matches.
NJIT held an 18-13 advantage in shots, led by Eric Sadlocha with three attempts. The Highlanders lead the NCAA in shots per game, averaging 19.64.
The Highlanders opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Eric Sadlocha headed home a rebound following a corner kick from Maximus Barboto that was initially headed by Junee Lee. The goal was Sadlocha's fourth of the season.
Barboto's assist on Sadlocha's goal marked the 19th of his career, tying the senior with Alejandro Rebel (2019–22) on NJIT's Division I all-time list. The assist was Barboto's sixth of the season.
Visiting NJIT nearly doubled its lead in the 38th minute, but Luan Lazoja's header was turned away by UMass Lowell's goalkeeper.
In the 58th minute, Junee Lee made an impressive move, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.
One minute later, defender Jake Rubis came away with a key defensive stop, blocking a shot to preserve NJIT's lead.
Lazoja had another header opportunity in the 73rd minute, directing the ball toward the back post, but UMass Lowell's defense blocked the attempt.
Barboto had a scoring chance in the 78th minute, but his left-footed strike was saved by the UMass Lowell goalkeeper to keep the River Hawks in the contest.
In the closing seconds, UMass Lowell's Juan Pablo Correa had a chance to equalize, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.
NJIT goalkeeper Andre Faerman combined for four saves and picked up his fourth clean sheet of the season.
Next Up
NJIT will play its final regular season home match on Thursday at 6pm when the Highlanders welcome Bryant at 6pm. In pregame ceremonies, NJIT will honor its graduating seniors.
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