VIDEO: Post Game Interview w/ head coach Fernando Barboto
NEWARK, NJ — NJIT scored twice in the second half, including Junee Lee's go ahead goal in the 74th minute, to defeat No. 5 New Hampshire, 2-1, in the America East Quarterfinals Saturday evening at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
With the victory, the No. 4 Highlanders improve to 9-5-4 overall and advance to the America East Semifinals, where they will face top-seeded UAlbany on Wednesday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m. The appearance marks the third time in program history that NJIT has reached the America East Semifinals. The Highlanders defeated UAlbany, 3-1, earlier this season on October 17 in Newark.
Lee delivered the decisive goal at 73:46, finishing a scoring opportunity set up by Jeremy Klinger and Diogo Rebelo. Lee finished with three shots, including two on goal. The goal for Lee was his fourth of the season.
NJIT opened the scoring just 1:42 into the second half when Eric Sadlocha found the back of the net at 46:42 off an assist from Maximus Barboto. Sadlocha, an America East Second Team selection, recorded his fifth goal of the season, while Barboto, the conference's Midfielder of the Year, collected his eighth assist of the season and 21st of his career.
New Hampshire responded at 62:29, with David Davila converting a pass from Miguel Soto Gonzalez to even the score at 1-1. The Wildcats continued to apply pressure, but NJIT goalkeeper Andre Faerman came up with a key save on Cabot McLaren's attempt at 64:28.
The Highlanders answered with several dangerous opportunities. Barboto struck the crossbar at 66:29, while Lee forced a save from New Hampshire goalkeeper Aaron Choi at 72:17. Just over a minute later, Lee delivered the game-winner to put NJIT back in front for good.
NJIT created early scoring opportunities in the first half, with Riley Davis testing Choi at 1:02 and Rebelo putting another shot on target at 6:16. Both teams generated chances throughout the opening 45 minutes, but neither was able to break through before halftime.
The Highlanders finished with 14 shots, putting seven on goal, while limiting New Hampshire to two shots on target among its 15 attempts. Faerman played all 90 minutes, made one save and earned the victory.
UP NEXT
NJIT travels to face No. 1 seed UAlbany on Wednesday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the America East Conference Semifinals.
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