NEWARK, N.J. (JMU Athletics) – NJIT goals in the second and 71st minutes proved to be enough to down James Madison, 2-0, on Labor Day at Mal Simon Stadium.
The Dukes were outshot, 16-9, while NJIT held an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks. Of James Madison’s nine shots, five were on goal, but none found the back of the net. Third-year forward Carlos Cámara Tur led the charge once again, posting a team-high three shots, two of which were on goal. In net, Erik Jaspers made three saves.
Quoting Head Coach Paul Zazenski
“The difference in these games come down to small margins,” said Zazenski. “Unfortunately they made a PK and we missed a PK and we never found a rhythm in the match. We need to understand how to compete and win with a collective mindset. We will keep working.”
How It Happened
• In just the second minute of action, NJIT was awarded a penalty kick. The Highlanders’ leading scorer, Diogo Rebelo, converted from the spot to give NJIT an early advantage.
• The Dukes’ first real scoring opportunity came in the 11th minute when Chris Niblock launched a cross-field pass into the box for the waiting head of Cámara Tur. The Iowa Western CC transfer directed the ball toward goal, but it landed in the waiting hands of NJIT’s goalkeeper.
• JMU earned a penalty kick in the 40th minute, but Jeffrey Aguilar’s attempt from the spot hit the crossbar and bounced away from traffic in the box.
• With the match still separated by one goal, NJIT continued to pressure JMU’s defense. Junee Lee fired a strong strike that was saved by Jaspers, who went airborne to keep the Dukes’ hopes alive.
• In the 71st minute, the Highlanders’ offensive pressure broke through once again as NJIT capitalized on a JMU own goal to double its advantage.
Game Notes
• JMU’s nine shots and two corner kicks were both single-match season lows in 2026.
• For the second straight match, Cámara Tur led the Dukes in shots. He has registered seven shots, including five on goal, over the last two matches.
• Monday’s match was the third all-time meeting between the Highlanders and Dukes, with NJIT taking a 2-1 series advantage following the 2-0 result.
Up Next
JMU will look to snap a three-match skid when the Dukes return to Sentara Park on Friday night to take on Longwood at 7 p.m.
— JMU Athletics —
