NEWARK, N.J. — The Solvason-Bickus connection strikes again.
Freshman
Jonas Bickus took a pass from
Aki Solvason into the box and slotted a left-footed shot into the right side of the net to earn the Stony Brook men's soccer team a 2-1 victory over NJIT, ensuring a sweep of the Seawolves' road trip.
Stony Brook got its first-half goal from a new source, as redshirt freshman
Iker Alvarado curled in his first career goal from near the top of the box. He hit a
Trausti Birgisson cross first time that beat the NJIT keeper high to give the Seawolves a lead after the first 45 minutes.
Edmond Kaiser, the defending America East Defensive Player of the Week, was not called into action too often with only two Highlander shots on frame. He solidified the Seawolves' points late, making a great touch save in the 78th minute to keep his squad on top.
STATS AND NOTES
- Alvarado's tally came on his first career shot. He has started all 11 games in his inaugural season of action.
- Bickus, also a starter in all 11 games in his first season with the Seawolves, has four goals to his name this season.
- It is also the Lithuanian national's first goal away from LaValle Stadium.
- Birgisson's fifth assist of the campaign slots him third in the America East this season. The team's leader in assists, he now has eight for his career.
- Solvason has two assists this season after dishing on the game winner today.
- Evan Peters, who was also credited with an assist on the Bickus goal, recorded the first points of his collegiate career. The Loyola transfer snapped the pointless streak in his 23rd career appearance.
- The last time the Seawolves swept a two-game league road trip was in 2012, when they defeated Binghamton on October 10 and followed it up with a win at Hartford on October 13.
- As they head to the weekend, Stony Brook sits on nine points, which is good for a tie for second with UAlbany and Vermont. The Seawolves have three league games remaining until the playoffs.
QUOTES FROM THE SEAWOLVES
"I'm again proud of our team's performance tonight. It is never easy to win on the road, especially in conference games, but the group has shown a real determination and belief in this road stretch. I'm very happy for Iker who was able to get his first career goal, he's been very good for us at the back. Jonas again showed how dangerous he can be up front with a great finish. We will now turn our attention to Sunday and look forward to being back at LaValle!" - head coach Ryan Anatol
UP NEXT
The Seawolves return home on Sunday afternoon, taking on UMass Lowell for a 1 p.m., kickoff at LaValle Stadium as Coach Anatol's club looks to make it three wins in a row. The match is free and open to the public!
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