NEWARK, N.J. — NJIT erupted to score all three of its goals in the second half as the Highlanders broke through for a 3-0 victory over LIU Thursday afternoon at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
After paying to a 0-0 score in the first half, NJIT dominated the run of play over the final 45 minutes. The Highlanders out-shot the Sharks, 19-6, in the second half, and 27-12 overall.
Kirra Hyder broke the ice with a unassisted goal on a strike from the left flank in the 45th minute, her second goal of the season.
The Highlanders then broke the game open with a pair of insurance goals three minutes apart in the 80th and 83rd minutes.
Paige Eckert made it 2-0 NJIT, also scoring unassisted, in the 80th on a shot inside the 18 box.
Brianna Garyah put the icing on the cake with a goal in the 83rd, the first of her collegiate career. The freshman was set up nicely on the play by Eckert and
Paulina de Vet, both of whom are credited with assists on the play.
Penelope Krieger and
Kaele Smith split the game in goal to combine for the shutout for NJIT. Krieger made three saves in the first half to preserve the 0-0 tie heading into the locker room. Smith saved five shots in the second to seal the win for NJIT.
It was the NJIT's second shutout of the season as the Highlanders improve to an even .500 (3-3-1) heading into the program's biggest test in recent years, with a trip to face North Carolina next on the docket for Sunday. UNC is currently ranked No. 7 in the country in the United Soccer Coaches' poll. The game is scheduled for a 1:00 pm start in Chapel Hill.
