VIDEO: NJIT Highlights vs. Manhattan | 8.28.26
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NEWARK, NJ – Jeremy Klinger scored a goal and added an assist, while three other Highlanders found the back of the net as NJIT secured its first win of the 2026 season with a convincing 4-1 victory over Manhattan Friday evening at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
NJIT controlled the match from the opening whistle, outshooting Manhattan 35-7, including a 13-3 advantage in shots on goal. The 35 shots were the most by the Highlanders in a single match since 2009, when NJIT recorded 43 shots against VMI in a 3-2 double-overtime victory.
The four goals marked NJIT's highest offensive output since September 7, 2024, when the Highlanders defeated Saint Peter's, 4-0.
Klinger opened the scoring at 4:38, followed by a goal from Eric Sadlocha at 8:05. Hugo Tavares added NJIT's third goal at 69:27, and Mateusz Marciniak capped the scoring at 88:42.
NJIT's three assists came from Klinger, Diogo Rebelo and Zain Thompson.
The Highlanders wasted little time establishing control, with Klinger finding the back of the net in the fifth minute to give NJIT an early 1-0 advantage. Just four minutes later, Sadlocha doubled the lead, scoring in the ninth minute off an assist from Klinger.
NJIT continued to pressure the Manhattan defense throughout the opening half, forcing goalkeeper Gaspar Homar Bennasar into multiple saves. Manhattan recorded its first shot on target in the 28th minute when Nicolo Donadio's attempt was stopped by NJIT goalkeeper Andre Faerman.
The Highlanders carried a 2-0 lead into halftime after dominating the opening 45 minutes, holding a 21-2 advantage in shots.
NJIT continued its offensive pressure after the break, with Hugo Tavares extending the lead to 3-0 in the 69th minute. Rebelo provided the assist on the goal.
Manhattan answered just two minutes later when Ziv Dahan scored off an assist from Tycho van Haaren, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
The Highlanders quickly regained control, however, as Marciniak put the match out of reach with a late goal in the 89th minute. Thompson was credited with the assist, securing NJIT's 4-1 victory.
Rebelo led the Highlanders with seven shots, including two on target. Tavares finished with six shots and two on goal, while Klinger recorded two shots on target to go along with his goal and assist.
With the victory, NJIT improves to its first win of the 2026 campaign and will look to carry its momentum into its next match.
Next Up
NJIT will be back in action at home on Tuesday, September 1, when the Highlanders welcome Loyola Chicago. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
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