After 40 minutes of scoreless soccer, NJIT struck in the 43rd minute on a free kick just outside the box. Freshman Sergio Martinez Cubel's strike hit off the head of a LaSalle defender into the box and an Explorer miscue by the backline put the Highlanders ahead, 1-0, on an own goal.
NJIT held the momentum through the first 45, holding a 8-1 advantage in total shots (3-0) on shots on goal. NJIT's Goncalo Franco paced all players with three shots.
In the second half, the momentum switched to La Salle, who outshot NJIT, 9-2.
At the end of 90 minutes, the overall shots were even at 10-10.
The two Highlander shots in the second half were credited to Martinez Cubel in the 70th minute and 77th minute off a free kick which sailed high.
NOTEWORTHY
The win for NJIT was the second road victory of the season and second 1-0 win this season (NJIT won 1-0 at James Madison Aug. 30).
Highlander keeper Samuel Reisgys registered his second clean sheet of the season. Reisgys combined for two saves, extending his career mark total to 201 saves. Currently, Reisgys ranks second all-time in the NJIT DI era (behind Victor Pujades (2016-19) with 206 career saves.
With the win on Saturday, NJIT recorded its first all-time win over La Salle.
NEXT UP
NJIT will continue its season opening seven-match road swing on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Big East opponent Villanova. Kickoff will be slated for 4 p.m. on FloSports. This will mark the first all-time meeting between the two schools.