BALTIMORE – UMBC senior forward Meghan McKye notched her team-leading fourth goal of the season, but the host Retrievers were edged by the NJIT Highlanders, 2-1, on Thursday evening at Retriever Soccer Park. UMBC fell to 3-9-1 overall and 0-2-1 in the America East Conference.
 
McKye took advantage of an errant pass deep in the visitors' territory with just over 22 minutes remaining in the first half to spot the hosts a 1-0 advantage. McKye collected the miscue and converted on an open net opportunity from 25 yards out as Highlanders' goalkeeper Samantha Constantine was caught out of position on the play.
 
NJIT (4-3-5, 1-1-1) was able to knot the score in the 38' after a corner kick by graduate student midfielder Bailey Chant. UMBC graduate student keeper Morgan McGruder, making her first start of the season, inadvertently tapped the attempt to graduate student defender Madison Taibl, who headed in the equalizer along the far post.
 
The Highlanders nearly went ahead with just under 24 minutes remaining, but UMBC junior defender Alyssa Clearfield sprinted back to prevent an open-net goal after a breakaway attempt by sophomore forward Maria Nogueira.
 
UMBC was not as fortunate as Chant scored the game-winner for the visitors in the 83' for her second tally of the season.  Senior midfielder Gabby Zalot sent a cross into the box from the left side and sophomore forward Briana Andreoli tapped the ball over to Chant near the far post. Chant was able to get her foot on it and beat McGruder from point blank range.
 
The Retrievers mounted a furious rally over the final couple of minutes but were unable to come up with the equalizer.
 
NJIT attempted 14 shots compare to eight by the hosts. UMBC had won their first three games after scoring the first goal of the contest.
 
UMBC will travel to Maine on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.