NEWARK, N.J. --- The NJIT women's soccer team's 2019 season opener proved to be memorable in more ways than one.

The Highlanders, hosting the first-ever matchup at NJIT's new Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium on Thursday evening, played the UMBC Retrievers to a scoreless tie in a contest that was called with 6:47 remaining in the second overtime due to inclement weather.

Before Mother Nature forced the first outdoor sport contest on NJIT's campus since 2015 to end early, NJIT (0-0-1) played an inspired game on its brand-new home turf. The Highlanders kept consistent pressure on UMBC (0-0-1) to the tune of a 7-2 corner kicks advantage and engaged the crowd with a number of quality possessions. 

However, the Retrievers kept pace with the energized Highlanders throughout, producing a game filled with balance on both sides.

NJIT's best shot to break the scoring seal in regulation came late in the first half as junior Yasmeen Malik took a distance shot from outside the box and nearly curled it into the upper left corner of the goal.

The Highlanders had an even better chance to win the game - and recreate last season's overtime win over UMBC - moments into the first overtime. A goal kick by sophomore Molly Saylor started a crisp offensive possession that led to a Lauren Chamberlain through pass and a one-on-one opportunity for redshirt junior Alexis Magruder against UMBC's backup goalkeeper. 

Magruder dodged the keeper to her right and tapped in the potential game-winner before the ball went out of bounds. Unfortunately, Magruder was ruled a step offsides and the goal was waved off. 

The two teams completed the first overtime and proceeded into the second before lightning and the heavy rain that followed forced the game's premature completion.

NEXT UP
NJIT will travel to College Park this weekend for its first road game of the year, a 2 p.m. matchup against the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday, August 25.