Siena University Athletics

After a nearly two-and-a-half-hour weather delay and a steady rain throughout the match, Siena Men's Soccer opened its 2026 season in impressive fashion Thursday night, rallying from an early second-half deficit to defeat NJIT, 3-1, at Lubetkin Field at J. Malcolm Simon Stadium in Newark, NJ.
 
The Saints (1-0-0) trailed 1-0 following a 66th-minute penalty kick from NJIT's Diogo Rebelo, but responded with three goals in a span of less than 16 minutes to turn the match in their favor. The Highlanders (0-1-0) managed 27 shots, but Siena goalkeeper Bennet Glinder turned aside 12 of them to anchor a resilient defensive effort.
 
The 27 shots were the most Siena had allowed in a match since Vermont recorded 34 on Sept. 21, 2021.
 
Siena's response to NJIT's opening goal came quickly. Just over three minutes after Rebelo converted from the penalty spot, Lucas Almeida leveled the match in the 69th minute, taking advantage of a setup from Alejandro Perez Jorda for his first goal of the season.
 
The Saints then took the lead just over two minutes later. Emmy Horja, making an immediate impact, found the back of the net in the 72nd minute for his first goal as a Saint, putting Siena ahead, 2-1.
 
Siena added an insurance goal in the 85th minute when Campbell Stalker finished off a chance created by Antonio Vicente. The goal capped a three-goal second-half surge that allowed the Saints to close out the season-opening victory.
 
Glinder was particularly busy throughout the contest, making seven saves in the opening half before adding five more after halftime. His 12-save performance helped Siena withstand NJIT's offensive pressure.
 
The Saints were outshot 27-10 overall and 13-4 in shots on goal, but made their opportunities count. Almeida recorded two shots on target and converted one, while Stalker scored on his lone shot. Horja also scored on his only attempt of the match.
 
Neither team found the back of the net during a rain-soaked opening half. NJIT generated 12 shots before halftime, but Glinder repeatedly kept the Highlanders off the scoreboard, including key stops on efforts from Rebelo and Hugo Tavares.
 
Siena had its chances as well, with Almeida, Lee Mara and Oscar Dean all testing the NJIT defense. The Saints entered halftime tied at 0-0 before the match opened up after the break.
 
Thursday's victory marked Siena's third straight win over NJIT and improved the Saints to 3-0 all-time against the Highlanders. It also marked the first meeting between the programs in Newark.
 
Siena will return to action Sunday, Aug. 23, traveling to Boston College for a 5 p.m. matchup at Newton Campus Lacrosse & Soccer Field in Newton, MA.