NEWARK, N.J. - FDU Men's Soccer (5-0-1) used an 85th minute penalty kick goal from
Luke Ayaz to come from behind and win in dramatic fashion once again on Saturday evening, as the Knights took down NJIT 2-1.
FDU and NJIT traded chances in the early going of the match, with FDU getting the best one off the foot of
Ryan Kopay, only for it to be saved by Highlanders goalkeeper Andre Faerman.
NJIT would get some chances as well, with Knights goalkeeper
Matheus Franca standing tall, but eventually the dam broke in the 27th minute when Highlander forward Hugo Tavares scored his second goal of the season to put NJIT out front.
FDU could not find the equalizer in the opening half, as the two sides headed into the locker room with NJIT ahead 1-0, while also leading FDU in the shot department 9-4 after the first 45 minutes.
The Knights controlled the pace and possession in the first part of the second half, and finally found the equalizer when
Ryan Calheira headed the ball into the back of the net, causing confusion on both sides, with the Highlanders believing FDU was offsides. After video review, Calheira and the Knights were credited with the goal, leveling the match at one goal a side.
Dominic Valenzuela and
Andrew Araya were credited with assists on the tally.
More back and forth action followed in the match, with both goalkeepers making quality saves to keep their sides in the match. In the 85th minute,
Luke Ayaz was tripped in the box by a Highlander defender, and was awarded a penalty kick, giving the Knights a huge chance to pull ahead late.
Ayaz converted on the kick, slowing down his tempo to fake out Faerman, and tapping the ball into the open goal, and giving FDU a huge advantage. The Knights were able to hang onto the lead for the remaining five minutes, and secure a fifth straight victory.
This win marks the fifth in a row for FDU, as the Knights received multi-shot outings from Ayaz and ex-NJIT Highlander
Nathaniel Anevski.
Matheus Franca also added seven saves on what has been a fantastic season so far for the FDU keeper.
The Knights will return home to Macron Stadium on Tuesday, September 15th to take on an old NEC foe, the Sacred Heart Pioneers. Kick off is set for 6 p.m. from Teaneck.
Connect with the Knights on social media by following @FDUKnightsMSOC on Instagram and X.
Presto's Pizza is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 FDU Men's Soccer Season
