Pablo Jimenez connected in the 87th minute. (Photo by NJIT SID)

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. – Sophomore Pablo Jimenez scored the only goal in the 87th minute, leading NJIT to a 1-0 victory at Rider University Friday night.

NJIT improved to 3-0 as the Highlanders won their opening three matches for the second-consecutive season.

“A good win on the road for us, against a very strong team that I am sure will be a contender for the MAAC this year,” head coach Fernando Barboto said. “We played very well and scored a gorgeous combination goal.”

The goal was assisted by Rene White and Andrew Nino.

Jimenez, selected to the preseason ASUN All-Conference Team, recorded his first goal of the season.

For Rider (0-1-1), keeper Garret Poter posted one save.

NJIT junior goalkeeper Victor Pujades earned his second shutout of the season, making four saves.

The Highlanders host Saint Francis U at the Kean University East Campus in Hillside, N.J. Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.