NEWARK, N.J. - Vermont (8-0-3) continued their impressive season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over NJIT (2-5-3) on Saturday afternoon at Lubetkin Field. The win extended Vermont's unbeaten streak to five matches while dealing NJIT their second consecutive home loss.
In a match marked by tactical discipline, both teams created quality chances throughout. David Ismail tested NJIT's defense early with a blocked shot in the 26th minute, while Diogo Rebelo responded for NJIT with a dangerous attempt in the 25th minute that required a defensive intervention.
The first half saw intense midfield battles, with Vermont's Philipp Kuehn receiving a yellow card in the 29th minute for unsporting behavior. NJIT's attack showed promise through Minki Jeong and Jack Krongold, who both registered shots in the opening period. The Catamounts' disciplined defensive unit, anchored by Ludvig af Ugglas, maintained their composure despite NJIT's pressing.
The second half intensity increased as both teams pushed for victory. Ryan Zellefrow created several opportunities for Vermont, including a threatening shot in the 57th minute. NJIT's Sergio Martinez Cubel responded with three consecutive attempts around the 70th minute, demonstrating the Highlanders' determination to find an equalizer.
Final statistics reflected the match's competitive nature, with NJIT recording 18 shot attempts to Vermont's 15. Both teams managed six shots on target, while Vermont held a significant 7-2 advantage in corner kicks. The disciplinary count was even, with each team receiving two yellow cards - Philipp Kuehn and Nick Lockermann for Vermont, Alvaro Heredia and Giovanni Massacesi for NJIT.
Individual performances shaped the outcome, with Vermont's David Ismail creating multiple scoring opportunities, including three shots. NJIT's Diogo Rebelo proved dangerous throughout his time on the pitch, forcing several defensive interventions before being substituted in the 61st minute. Both goalkeepers demonstrated skill, with Vermont's keeper making five crucial saves while NJIT's recorded four.
Tactically, Vermont's approach emphasized controlled possession and strategic pressing, particularly evident in their management of the second half. NJIT's counter-attacking strategy created several dangerous moments, especially through Sergio Martinez Cubel and Jake Rubis in the latter stages of the match.
The victory maintains Vermont's impressive form, having won five straight matches while conceding just three goals during this stretch. For NJIT, despite the loss, their competitive performance against one of the conference's top teams showed promise, particularly in their ability to create quality scoring opportunities.
Both teams made strategic substitutions throughout the match, with Vermont utilizing their depth effectively, including key changes involving Bruno Imarenakhue and Marcos Blasco Devesa. NJIT's tactical adjustments, particularly the introduction of fresh attackers in the final twenty minutes, demonstrated their commitment to finding an equalizer.
Looking ahead, Vermont faces a quick turnaround with a visit to Harvard on October 7, while NJIT travels to Villanova the same day, both teams seeking to build on their tactical developments from this match. The Catamounts' victory strengthens their position as one of the region's top teams, while NJIT showed they can compete with the conference's elite despite the unfavorable result.