SMITHFIELD, R.I. — Bryant defeated NJIT 2-1 on Friday, extending its winning streak to one game while the Highlanders dropped their third consecutive match. Paco Fernandez scored twice for the hosts, with his go-ahead goal in the 72nd minute proving decisive in a competitive NCAA Division I contest.
Fernandez opened the scoring in the 16th minute, assisted by Santiago Blasco Gomez, giving Bryant an early advantage. The hosts controlled much of the first half despite playing down a man after Tiago Dias received a red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity at the 22-minute mark. NJIT's defense held firm through the remainder of the half, keeping the deficit manageable heading into intermission.
The second half remained tightly contested until Fernandez struck again in the 72nd minute, this time assisted by Fermin Rodriguez, extending Bryant's lead to 2-0. The goal appeared to seal the match for the home team, but NJIT refused to surrender. Jack Krongold pulled one back in the 88th minute with an unassisted goal, setting up a frantic final minutes that Bryant weathered to secure the victory.
Goalkeeper Enzo Carvalho made three saves for Bryant, including a crucial stop on Sergio Martinez Cubel's low shot in the second half. NJIT's attack generated four shots on goal but couldn't find the equalizer despite sustained pressure late in the match. The Highlanders earned five corner kicks compared to Bryant's three, but couldn't convert those opportunities into additional scoring chances.
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