NEWARK, NJ — NJIT men's soccer opened the 2026 season Thursday evening with a 3-1 setback against Siena at Lubetkin Field at J. Malcolm Simon Stadium.
The Highlanders (0-1-0) generated 27 shots, including 13 on target, but Siena (1-0-0) scored three times in the second half to secure the season-opening victory.
The last time NJIT recorded 27 shots was in 2019, when the Highlanders registered 27 shots against VMI on Oct. 5, 2019.
The two teams played to a scoreless draw through the opening 45 minutes. NJIT created several early chances, with Hugo Tavares and Diogo Rebelo each testing Siena goalkeeper Bennet Glinder, who made several key saves to keep the match scoreless.
The Highlanders also earned a pair of corner kicks, in the fifth and 40th minutes, but were unable to capitalize. Siena's Lucas Almeida registered the Saints' best opportunity of the opening half in the eighth minute, but NJIT goalkeeper Andre Faerman turned away the attempt.
The home team generated 12 total shots in the opening 45 minutes.
NJIT broke through in the 66th minute when Rebelo converted a penalty kick at 65:44 to give the Highlanders a 1-0 advantage.
Siena answered quickly, with Almeida finding the back of the net in the 68th minute off an assist from Alejandro Perez Jorda to even the match at 1-1.
Just three minutes later, Emmy Horja put the Saints in front with an unassisted goal in the 71st minute.
Siena added an insurance goal in the 85th minute when Campbell Stalker scored off a pass from Antonio Vicente at 84:29, extending the visitors' lead to 3-1.
NJIT continued to pressure late and created several scoring opportunities, but the Highlanders were unable to find the back of the net again.
Rebelo led the Highlanders offensively with six shots, including four on goal, while also scoring NJIT's lone goal. Rodrigo Grenha added three shots, with two on target, and Tavares finished with three shots, including two on goal.
Faerman made one save while facing 10 Siena shots.
Next Up
NJIT returns to action Sunday, August 23, when the Highlanders travel to Philadelphia, PA, to face Saint Joseph's. Kickoff is set for 2pm, with the match available to stream live on ESPN+.
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.
