NEWARK, NJ – Senior
Maximus Barboto scored NJIT's lone goal, but a pair of first-half goals and a second-half insurance tally lifted No. 25 Bryant to a 3-1 victory over the Highlanders in America East men's soccer action Saturday evening at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
With one regular-season match remaining at UMBC on November 3, NJIT moves to 8-5-3 overall and 4-1-1 in America East play. Bryant improves to 11-2-3 overall and 4-1-1 in conference action.
Barboto led the Highlanders with his fourth goal of the season and finished with four shots, including two on target. Diogo Rebelo paced NJIT with six shots, all on goal, while Jeremy Klinger added four attempts, including one on frame.
Despite the result, NJIT finished with a 21-15 advantage in shots and an 18-5 edge in the second half. The Highlanders also put 12 shots on target compared to five for the Bulldogs.
Bryant struck early, with Jorge Rodriguez finding the back of the net at 4:05 to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage.
NJIT responded with consecutive corner kicks at 10:11 and 10:41. Rebelo followed with a shot on goal at 12:25, but Bryant goalkeeper Ramon Camejo made the save to preserve the lead.
The Bulldogs extended their advantage to 2-0 at 17:52 when David Vilan scored off an assist from Nacho Garcia.
The Highlanders had an opportunity to get on the scoreboard in the 32nd minute, but Camejo denied Rebelo's penalty kick. Bryant carried its 2-0 advantage into halftime.
Bryant added to its lead shortly after the break. Following two shots and a pair of corner kicks, Nacho Garcia scored off a Marcos Blasco assist at 49:20 to make it 3-0.
NJIT continued to generate scoring opportunities, with Camejo turning aside attempts from Rebelo and Klinger. The Highlanders increased the pressure with three consecutive corner kicks, and Klinger nearly broke through at 70:14 before a team save by Bryant kept the ball out of the net.
Just 12 seconds later, Barboto converted a penalty kick at 70:26 to put NJIT on the scoreboard and cut the deficit to 3-1.
The Highlanders continued to press in the closing minutes, creating additional chances through Jake Rubis, Barboto, Mateusz Marciniak and Henrique Sardinha. NJIT also earned two more corner kicks late in the contest, but Bryant held on for the 3-1 victory.
Up Next
NJIT closes out the regular season on November 3 with a road matchup against UMBC in its final America East contest.
Stay Connected
Follow NJIT men's soccer on X and Instagram at @NJITSoccer, and like NJIT Men's Soccer on Facebook for the latest news, scores and updates.
