Junee Lee scored the game-winning goal in the 26th minute to lead fourth-seeded NJIT to a 1-0 upset of top-seeded UAlbany on Wednesday evening at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, sending the Highlanders to the America East Championship Final.
NJIT advances to the America East final for the first time in program history since joining the conference in July 2020.
Lee found the back of the net at 25:48 off an assist from Diogo Rebelo, giving the Highlanders a 1-0 lead they would maintain for the remainder of the match.
NJIT finished with seven shots, including three on goal, while UAlbany recorded 10 shots, with three reaching the target. Goalkeeper Andre Faerman played all 90 minutes, making three saves to secure the shutout. Rebelo added an assist, while Henrique Sardinha contributed two shots, including one on goal.
The Highlanders began building pressure early, earning corner kicks at 10:18 and 14:04. NJIT created another opportunity in the 23rd minute when Telmo Vila recorded two shots, with the second stopped by UAlbany goalkeeper Alexander Genz at 23:06.
Following Lee's goal, UAlbany looked to respond with a pair of corner kicks and several scoring opportunities. Faerman turned away Rodrigo Hermelo's attempt at 27:47, while Sondre Hladik sent a shot wide right.
The Great Danes continued to apply pressure late in the first half, but Faerman made another key save on Luca Clausse at 44:02 to preserve NJIT's 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
UAlbany threatened early in the second half, with Hermelo sending an attempt high at 47:53. The Great Danes continued their push between the 73rd and 81st minutes, generating opportunities through Yuta Kimata and Hermelo while earning two additional corner kicks. NJIT's defense held firm, keeping the hosts off the scoreboard.
The Highlanders created several opportunities of their own down the stretch. Sardinha forced a save from Genz at 82:31, while Jeremy Klinger sent an attempt high following a corner kick. Faerman then came up with his third save of the night on Ivar Orri Gissurarson's attempt at 86:10. Sardinha added another shot over the crossbar as NJIT closed out the 1-0 victory.
With the win, NJIT moves on to the America East Championship Final, continuing its historic postseason run.
NEXT UP
No. 4 NJIT travels to face No. 3 Bryant on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. in the America East Championship Final.
