VIDEO: Post Game Interview with head coach Fernando Barboto
NEWARK, NJ – Luan Lazoja scored the go-ahead goal in the 56th minute, and the NJIT men's soccer team opened America East Conference play with a 2-1 victory over Binghamton Saturday evening at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
With the win, the Highlanders improve to 4-4-1 overall and 1-0-0 in America East play, while Binghamton falls to 1-5-3 overall and 0-1-0 in conference action.
NJIT, which leads the NCAA in shots per game (21.38), combined for 27 overall shots paced by Diogo Rebelo's six shots followed by Mateusz Marciniak (4) and Jake Rubis (3). Goalkeeper Andre Faerman combined for five total saves in the win. The Highlanders also rank in the top 11 of the NCAA in corner kicks, registering 11 against the Bearcats.
Binghamton struck first in the 25th minute when Marcus Nahim found the back of the net off assists from Anthony Randazzo and Zachary Bonuito to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead.
NJIT responded with pressure, earning a pair of corner kicks in the 27th and 28th minutes and generating additional chances from Maximus Barboto and Telmo Vila. Binghamton threatened late in the half, but Highlander goalkeeper Andre Faerman turned aside Ryan Gillon's attempt in the 39th minute.
The Highlanders found the equalizer just before halftime. Jake Rubis scored in the 44th minute off an assist from Telmo Vila, sending the teams into the break tied, 1-1. It was the first goal of the season for Rubis and first collegiate assist for Villa.
NJIT continued to apply pressure early in the second half, with Itay Soffer, Zain Thompson and Diogo Rebelo each recording attempts before the Highlanders earned two more corner kicks.
The pressure paid off in the 56th minute when Lazoja converted a header off a corner kick from Soffer to put NJIT in front, 2-1.
The Highlanders continued to create opportunities throughout the remainder of the match, with late attempts from Rebelo, Junee Lee and Sebastian Sunol. Faerman also came up with several key saves as Binghamton looked to find an equalizer.
The Bearcats generated a final push, recording a shot on goal in the 83rd minute, a corner kick in the 89th minute and two additional shots in the final minute. NJIT's defense held firm, however, preserving the 2-1 victory and securing the Highlanders' first conference win of the season.
Next Up
The Highlanders return to action Tuesday, September 29, when they host Drexel at 7 p.m. at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
