NEWARK, NJ — Diogo Rebelo scored the lone goal of the match and the NJIT men's soccer team posted its second consecutive victory Tuesday evening, defeating visiting Loyola Maryland, 1-0, in non-conference action at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
The Highlanders improved to 2-2 on the season and recorded its second straight win at home, while Loyola Maryland remained in search of its first win of 2026 and fell to 0-4.
NJIT controlled much of the match offensively, holding a commanding 22-6 advantage in shots, including a 12-3 edge after halftime. The Highlanders put eight shots on target, while goalkeeper Andre Faerman made three saves to record the shutout and limit Loyola Maryland to three shots on goal.
NJIT generated its first quality chances early, with Rebelo firing a shot at 13:51 before Jake Rubis recorded an attempt at 18:29 and Junee Lee added a chance in the 22nd minute.
Faerman kept Loyola Maryland off the scoreboard in the 24th minute, making a save on Lukas Cortes. The Greyhounds added another attempt when Jeremiah McGuire sent a shot high in the 31st minute, but NJIT finished the half with a 10-3 advantage in overall shots.
The Highlanders produced six shots during a late first-half push, with Felix Huebner making saves on attempts from Mateusz Marciniak, Zain Thompson and Stefan Lichtenheim. NJIT also earned two corners in the closing minutes, but the teams entered halftime scoreless.
NJIT continued to apply pressure immediately after the break. Riley Davis had an attempt saved by Huebner in the 47th minute before the Highlanders earned another corner and generated an additional scoring chance moments later.
Faerman made a key save in the 55th minute on a Tyler Flynn attempt, and NJIT responded with another Davis shot that was turned away before Eric Sadlocha added an attempt.
The Highlanders finally broke through in the 65th minute.
Rebelo finished a combination from Jeremy Klinger and Zain Thompson at 64:41, giving NJIT a 1-0 advantage.
The Highlanders nearly doubled their lead moments later when Rebelo struck the crossbar in the 68th minute. Loyola answered with a shot off the woodwork in the 71st minute, but Faerman came up with another save shortly afterward to preserve NJIT's lead.
NJIT continued to pressure the Greyhounds down the stretch, generating six shots and two corners between the 76th and 86th minutes before earning another corner in the 88th minute.
The Highlanders' defense held firm through the final whistle to secure the 1-0 victory.
Rebelo led NJIT with six shots, including two on target, while Faerman finished with three saves over 90 minutes. Klinger and Thompson each recorded an assist, with Thompson also putting his lone shot on goal.
Next Up
NJIT will have a quick turnaround when the Highlanders travel to Rider on Friday, September 4, for a 7pm non-conference matchup. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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