Box Score

Ewing, NJ … The College of New Jersey men's soccer team erupted for five second-half goals to defeat New Jersey City University 6-3 in New Jersey Athletic Conference action on Homecoming Day in TCNJ's Soccer Complex.
 
The Lions (7-10, 3-5 NJAC) kept their playoff hopes alive, earning three points in the NJAC standings. They are currently one point behind sixth-place William Paterson University with several conference contests to be played later in the day. The top six teams qualify for the post-season tournament.
 
Junior Tyler Higgins (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) led the offense, registering a hat trick in the game. He celebrated his first collegiate goal with his second and third career tallies, all coming in the second half. Senior Kevin Shaw (Brookside, NJ/West Morris Mendham) scored twice and had an assist, while Ray Nelan (Haddon Heights, NJ/Haddon Heights) netted a goal and served up two assists.
 
Sophomore Kevin McCartney (Old Bridge, NJ/St. Joseph's) also had two assists in the victory. Goalkeeper Matt Fredrick (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) recorded three of saves for his second win in goal this season.
 
The Gothic Knights (11-8, 2-6 NJAC) received goals from Eduardo Tejada, Aboucar Diawara, and Mohamed Coteh in the loss.
 
NJCU took an early 1-0 lead, capitalizing on their first opportunity of the game. Andrew Lopes took the ball off transition and dribbled down the right side before slotting a pass to Tejada. He ripped a first-time shot into the left corner for his 10^th goal of the season.
 
Nelan nearly tied the game when he took a feed from McCartney and dribbled past the keeper. His momentum took him near the end-line as he lined a shot that caromed off the post.
 
With just under 16 minutes remaining in the half, Nelan settled a headball from Shaw in the box. He ripped a left-footed shot from 10 yards out into the left corner for his first goal of the season. Nelan, who has been riddled with injuries the last two seasons, tallied for the first time since October 23, 2010 when he scored twice in a 4-3 overtime win over NJCU at the complex. He made a tremendous difference in the game.
 
Less than two minutes into the second period, Casey sent a long pass from behind midfield. Higgins streaked onto the ball, took it in on the goalkeeper from the left side, and slipped a shot between his legs as he came out to challenge for his first goal and a 2-1 lead.
 
Higgins struck again five minutes later when Nelan beat his defender to the end-line and slipped a pass across the box, which Higgins deposited for his second of the game.
 
Shaw scored his first of two goals less than two minutes later, taking a pass from Nelan and finding the back of the net from 12 yards out.
 
Higgins and Shaw capped the scoring as TCNJ enjoyed its largest offensive output of the season. The Gothic Knights added a pair of late goals, but it was not enough as the Lions now look forward to their next conference bout.
 
TCNJ will play its final regular season game in Lions' Stadium on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. The Lions will take on Rowan University and celebrate senior night at halftime.