NEWARK, NJ–NJIT recorded a goal in each half, while goalkeeper Andre Faerman and the Highlanders' defense combined for a clean sheet in NJIT's 2-0 home victory over visiting James Madison in non-conference action at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
Winners of three of their last four matches, the Highlanders improved to 3-3 on the young season and recorded their second shutout of the campaign. NJIT previously blanked Loyola Maryland, 1-0, on September 1.
Diogo Rebelo put the Highlanders on the board in the second minute, converting a penalty kick to give NJIT an early 1-0 lead. The goal marked Rebelo's team-leading fourth of the season.
James Madison had an opportunity to equalize in the 40th minute after being awarded a penalty kick. Jeffrey Aguilar's attempt, however, struck the crossbar, allowing NJIT to take its one-goal advantage into halftime.
NJIT nearly doubled its lead in the 56th minute when Hugo Tavares' shot struck the woodwork.
Two minutes later, Highlanders captain Maximus Barboto narrowly missed the target, sending his shot just wide of the left post.
Capitalizing on a James Madison turnover, NJIT's Junee Lee fired a shot in the 60th minute that was punched over the crossbar by the Dukes' goalkeeper.
NJIT doubled its lead to 2-0 in the 71st minute when a deflection off a James Madison defender resulted in an own goal.
As a team, NJIT outshot the visiting Dukes, 16-4 and 9-2 on corner kicks. Rebelo and Junee Lee led the Highlanders with three shots each.
Faerman registered his second shutout of the season, stopping five James Madison shots.
Next Up
NJIT will wrap up its two-match homestand on Saturday at 5pm when the Highlanders host FDU. The match will be streamed live on AmericaEast.TV.
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