NEWARK, N.J. – A goal in the final minute of regulation denied the Niagara Purple Eagles their first victory of the season as the NJIT Highlanders went on to win in overtime on Friday night, 3-2.
 
Freshman defender Koby Sapon-Amoah put the Purple Eagles ahead just over two minutes into the match. Following a misplayed ball by the NJIT defense, Sapon-Amoah won the battle and was able to find the back of the net for his first collegiate goal.
 
Fellow freshman Alex Dimitriu gave NU a two-goal advantage in the 55^th minute with his team-leading second goal of the season. Dimitriu also had a season-high four shots on the night.
 
NJIT got on the board in the 75^th minute when Joshua Mercer beat Niagara keeper Joel Gerberich on the left side. The Highlanders netted the equalizer in the 90^th minute following a shot by Rickardo Oldham on a penalty kick. Oldham ripped the ball in the upper left hand corner from the spot to send the match into overtime.
 
Just under three minutes into the first overtime period, Mercer struck again. His initial shot was blocked, but he was able to get his own rebound for a game-winning header.
 
Niagara (0-5-0) returns to the pitch on Sunday, Sept. 13 when it travels to play Saint Francis University (Pa.) at 4 p.m.
 
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