PHILADELPHIA – Eddie Krupski converted a second-half penalty kick for his first collegiate goal, and the Saint Joseph's men's soccer team opened the 2026 season with a 1-0 victory over NJIT on Sunday afternoon at Sweeney Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- NJIT created an early opportunity 15 minutes into the match, but Rob Myrick and Diego Avelar each helped clear a shot off the goal line before Alex Smith made his first save moments later to deny the Highlanders.
- The Hawks grew into the match after halftime, with Matteo Mazzotta forcing a save from the NJIT goalkeeper in the 52nd minute.
- The referee went to the video monitor in the 58th minute and awarded Saint Joseph's a penalty after Charlie Undorf was fouled in the box. Krupski stepped to the spot and calmly buried his attempt past the goalkeeper to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.
- NJIT nearly equalized with seven minutes remaining when Jake Rubis struck a low shot off the left post.
- Conor Clair nearly doubled the lead moments later, curling a shot from the left side that missed the far post by inches.
- Saint Joseph's held firm defensively over the final minutes to secure the victory and open the season with a clean sheet.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Krupski scored his first collegiate goal in his return from an injury that sidelined him for the 2025 season. His 58th-minute penalty proved to be the game-winner.
- Eight Hawks made their Saint Joseph's starting debuts.
- Smith made four saves in his collegiate debut to record the clean sheet.
- NJIT held a 16-15 advantage in shots, while the Highlanders also led 5-3 in shots on goal.
- NJIT earned 11 corner kicks compared with five for the Hawks.
- Saint Joseph's has now won consecutive season openers. Head coach Tim Mulqueen has won each of his season-opening matches at the helm of the Hawks, snapping a seven-year streak without a season-opening victory.
- Saint Joseph's improved to 2-2-3 all-time against NJIT and extended its unbeaten streak against the Highlanders to three matches.
UP NEXT
Saint Joseph's returns to action Thursday, Aug. 27, making the short trip to Temple. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
