NEWARK, NJ–Visiting La Salle topped NJIT 2-0 in men's soccer non-conference action inside Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium Tuesday evening.

La Salle registered its first win of the season, improving to 1-1-3 overall while the Highlanders moved to 1-3-1 on the year.

The Highlanders out shot the visiting Explorers, 20-to-9 paced by sophomore Diego Rebelo with seven shots while graduate student Giovanni Massacesi added six.  

NJIT had three opportunities in the opening 15 minutes on a pair of shots by Massacesi which hit the woodwork in the 10th and 12th minute while Sergio Martinez Cubel put back a shot wide off the Massacesi shot in the 12th saved by Valentin Kneis. 

La Salle got on the board in the 23rd minute off a pass up the field from Zeke Zambrano ahead of the Highlanders defense to Zach Forehand to give the Explorers a 1-0 lead.

The home team held a 9-to-3 overall shots advantage (3-to-1 SOG) after the first 45 minutes.  NJIT was led by Massacesi with five overall shots followed by Rebelo.

Late in the second half, Alvaro Heredia shot inside the box in the 72nd minute low and to the left was saved by La Salle goalkeeper Kneis and a minute later a low blast by Rebelo was saved.

La Salle doubled the score in the 78th minute on a goal by Kyrese Lynch-Bailey assisted by Pedro Amadou for a 2-0 advantage.

Armstrong combined for two saves while Kneis recorded his first clean sheet of the season, stopping four Highlander shots.

The cornerkicks favored the Highlanders 9-to-5.

Up Next
The Highlanders will conclude its three-match homestand on Saturday at 6pm against Saint Peter's as part of a doubleheader with the NJIT women's soccer who will kickoff against North Texas at 1pm. Both matches will be broadcast on America East TV.

Stay Connected
Stay up to date with the latest news and scores on X/Twitter and Instagram (@NJITSoccer) and liking NJIT Men's Soccer on Facebook.