NEWARK – Visiting UMBC dominated the shot counter, 19-6, but could not find the net and settled for a 0-0 draw at NJIT's Senior Night at Lubetkin Stadium.
UMBC (7-3-4, 3-1-2) officially clinched an America East Conference playoff spot and is now tied with Bryant for 3rd place with 11 points. They will face a critical match on Tuesday night at Retriever Soccer Park, as the Retrievers will host Binghamton at 7:00 p.m.
Vermont and New Hampshire, who are tied at the top of the conference with 12 points, face off against each other on Tuesday, while Bryant hosts UMass Lowell.
UMBC in now unbeaten in its last four road games, their longest unbeaten streak since winning four in a row away from home in 2013.
"We produced another solid road performance in the America East Conference tonight," said Head Coach
Anthony Adams. "I'm pleased with the shutout, we were unfortunate not to score with the chances we created. The team is looking forward to honoring our seniors on Tuesday night."
The host Highlanders came out strong, but UMBC dominated the final 35 minutes of the first half. In the 18', senior forward
Taylor Calheira's effort from inside the box was blocked and
Alek Wroblewski was barely unable to pounce on a juicy rebound.
UMBC continued its strong play in the second half. In the 68', senior defender
Hans Nesheim's well-directed long header was parried over the bar by NJIT goalkeeper Samuel Reisgys.
Each team created the game's best scoring chance in late going. In the 79', NJIT's Asembo Augo volleyed a goal-bound hard liner from 15 yards out, but UMBC sophomore goalkeeper
Emigdio Tormo Lopez made a quick reaction, leaping save and deflected the attempt over the net.
The Retrievers countered and sophomore defender
Lasse Kelp's header from eight yards out whizzed by the left post.
Tormo Lopez finished with four saves and recorded his third shutout of the season.
The Retrievers will compete in their fourth consecutive America East Tournament and sixth in the past seven years.
UMBC will honor 11 graduate students and seniors in a 6:45 p.m. pre-game ceremony on Tuesday.
