GLASSBORO, N.J. - The third-seeded TCNJ men's soccer team was on the road to take on second-seeded and 13th-ranked Rowan in the NJAC Semifinals Tuesday night. And in a rematch of last year's conference championship it was the Profs scoring first and holding off a torrid Lions comeback attempt once again, handing TCNJ the 1-0 loss – its first of the season.
The Lions (9-1-9) were forced to weather an early offensive flurry from Rowan (13-1-3), after which it was TCNJ generating the game's first shot on goal in the 36th minute.
Rory Grace made a nice move down the left sideline before sending in a cross that was initially deflected by a Profs defender. The ball bounced toward
Matt Will, who saw his half volley parried away by a diving Matt Moore to keep the Lions off the board and send the game into halftime scoreless.
Rowan – which held a 7-2 edge in shots through the opening 45 – saw a pair of shots turned aside by
Sean Najdzinowicz to start the second before finally converting off the foot of Luca Ercolano to give the Profs the ever-important 1-0 lead at the 54:38 mark. TCNJ tried desperately to equalize, getting three shots on goal over the final 30 minutes, including another golden opportunity for Will in front of net, but saw all three denied before the final buzzer dealt the Lions their first loss in 2026.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- TCNJ and Rowan each finished with four shots on net.
- The Profs held a narrow, 5-4 edge in corners.
- Will led the Lions with two shots on goal.
- Najdzinowicz made three saves, all in the second half.
NOTES
- TCNJ's run of unbeaten games ends at 18, setting a new program record.
UP NEXT
- The Lions now wait to see if they have done enough to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, with the selection show scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m.
