PHILADELPHIA–Saint Joseph's scored the lone goal of the game in the second half, as the Hawks edged visiting NJIT, 1-0, in a non-conference men's soccer matchup at Sean Sweeney Field.
Saint Joseph's secured its first win of the season with the goal in the 58th minute, while the Highlanders dropped to 0-2 on the season.
NJIT held a 16-15 advantage in total shots, including a 5-3 edge in shots on goal, while also earning an 11-6 advantage in corner kicks. Jake Rubis led the Highlanders' attack with four shots, including two in the final 10 minutes as NJIT continued to search for the equalizer. Mateusz Marciniak added three shots, while Diogo Rebelo contributed two attempts for the Highlanders.
Freshman Zain Thompson had an opportunity in the 15th minute after controlling a cross, but his initial shot was stopped by the Saint Joseph's defense. A follow-up attempt by Jake Rubis sailed high.
Highlander Marciniak created three chances in the opening 45 minutes, seeing one shot blocked while sending two others wide left and wide right as the Highlanders continued to pressure the Saint Joseph's defense.
In the 53rd minute, Diogo Rebelo delivered a well-placed ball into the box, finding Eric Sadlocha in a dangerous position. Sadlocha rose to meet the service and directed a header toward goal, but the Saint Joseph's goalkeeper was able to make the save and keep the Highlanders off the scoreboard.
Three minutes later, Saint Joseph's nearly found the back of the net, but NJIT goalkeeper Andre Faerman came up with an impressive one-handed save to keep the game scoreless.
Saint Joseph's broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Eddie Krupski converted a penalty kick, giving the home team a 1-0 lead.
Hugo Tavares nearly found the equalizer in the 65th minute for NJIT, creating a dangerous opportunity with a close-range shot inside the box. However, Saint Joseph's goalkeeper made a strong save to deny Tavares and preserve the home team's 1-0 advantage.
Jake Rubis created an opportunity for the Highlanders, carrying the ball deep into Saint Joseph's territory before unleashing a powerful right-footed shot toward goal. The attempt was deflected by a Saint Joseph's defender, taking the ball out of play and earning NJIT a corner kick as the Highlanders continued to apply pressure in the attacking third.
Rubis nearly pulled NJIT level in the 84th minute, creating another scoring opportunity for the Highlanders. His well-struck shot beat the Saint Joseph's goalkeeper but clipped the left post, narrowly missing the equalizer and allowing the Hawks to maintain their 1-0 lead.
The Hawks had an opportunity in the 86th minute, but the shot struck the right post and bounced away, keeping NJIT within striking distance.
Next Up
NJIT will play its next two matches at home, beginning with a matchup against Manhattan on Thursday, August 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
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