Sept. 10, 2007

SAN DIEGO, CA - NJIT sophomore Erik Magnusson, who scored both goals in the Highlanders 2-0 upset win at San Diego State last Friday, was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player of the Soccer Post/Aztec Classic men's soccer tournament, which was conducted here over the weekend.

NJIT placed second in the Classic, which was won by the University of San Diego. USD defeated Fairleigh Dickinson and NJIT by identical 2-0 scores on Friday and Sunday, respectively.

The Highlanders second-place ranking followed its split against the two San Diego-based opponents. NJIT shocked San Diego State on Friday, going across the country to defeat the Aztecs, who were in the Top 25 of two national rankings and receiving votes in two others. San Diego State was ranked 22nd by Top Drawer Soccer and 23rd by Soccer America.

Magnusson was the hero of that win, registering a pair of second-half goals to lead the Highlanders. The native of Sweden was also dangerous in Sunday's loss to USD.

San Diego State rebounded from that loss for a 2-0 Sunday win over Fairleigh Dickinson, making the final placing as: San Diego (2-0) first; NJIT (1-1) second; San Diego State (1-1) third; and, FDU fourth (0-2).

Three Highlanders were named to the 11-man all-Classic team. They were sophomores Devon Newton and Gustav Warfving and senior captain Robert Herrera.

Colin Jennings of champion San Diego was the Defensive MVP.

Magnusson, Newton, Warfving, Herrera and the rest of the Highlanders will play their home opener on Friday at 4 pm on Lubetkin Field against Long Island University.