LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – NJIT’s Pablo Jimenez scored the game-winning goal in the 88^th minute as the Highlanders defeated the Rider University men’s soccer team, 1-0, Friday night at Ben Cohen Field. With the loss, the Broncs fall to 0-1-1, while the Highlanders are now 3-0-0.

Following a scoreless first half in which only two shots were taken by either team, the Broncs came out with a spirited second-half effort. The Broncs generated several strong chances, forcing NJIT goalkeeper Victor Pujades to make four saves, while a field player cleared a fifth shot off the line.

But in the 88^th minute, the Highlanders scored the game-winner. Andrew Nino played the ball down the left sideline before crossing to Rene White. White left it off for Jimenez, who beat Rider goalkeeper Garret Potter (Lafayette, NJ/High Point).
 

Quotes and Notes

“The lesson to be learned is that you’ve got to play two halves and we were uninspired. What’s disappointing is we usually play inspired. There’s not too many games at home that I can remember at home or even on the road where we haven’t played inspired or motivated. The second half was encouraging. I think the lesson to be learned is, if we play like that we can win a lot of games and be a good team. We’ve got to find that magic potion to make sure that we’re going in and we’re playing two halves.” – Rider Head Coach Charlie Inverso

- NJIT cut Rider’s lead in the all-time series to 4-2-2.     
- Potter made one save for the Broncs.
 

Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider took nine shots to the Highlanders’ five, including a 5-2 edge in shots on goal.
- All nine of Rider’s shots came in the second half.
- Elliott Otmani (La Ciotat, France/Bonaparte) led the Broncs with four shots. Pablo DeCastro (Madrid, Spain/Universidad Francisco de Vitoria) also took two shots. 
- Rider also enjoyed a 5-1 edge in corner kicks.
- The physical game featured seven yellow cards – four on NJIT and three on Rider – and 17 fouls whistled on each team.  

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