Villanova, Pennsylvania – The Villanova Wildcats (2-2-2 overall, 0-0-1 Big East) kicked off regular season action in the Big East Conference on Saturday with preseason league favorites Providence in front of a near-capacity crowd. Won a 1-1 draw with the Flyers. Higgins Soccer Complex.
On a warm 84-degree afternoon, both teams displayed skills that will enable them to advance to the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
“I think our approach worked pretty well,” Villanova’s head coach said. Tom Carlin“This is as dangerous as any group of attached players you’ll see at this conference. They have a lot of dangerous guys, so we knew it was going to be tough.” I think we stood strong for the most part and I’m proud of our efforts.”
Villanova’s goal was the first shot of the day at 45.th minute.Anthony Cousins Jr. puts a great serve into his kick from the right side and puts his ball in to connect with the seniors Victor Benedixon At 44:20, he redirected the ball past Friars goalie Lucas Barnes into the net.
It was the second outing in which the pair scored a set-piece goal. They made the final score in his 3-0 victory over NJIT on Wednesday here at the Higgins Soccer Complex.
It was five from Providence and one of only six shots in the first half by both sides. The Wildcats took that 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
Villanova relied on defense in the second half to keep Providence’s hazards off goal. However, a failed clearance outside the top of the 18-yard box turned into a quick strike goal for the brothers at 74:03 (2-2-3, 0-0-1 BIG EAST overall). Thomas Talger found Bryan Lopez, whose winding shot hit the net to level the match at 1.
“I scored a set-piece goal,” Carlin said. “We have to get through it. Their score was a bit disappointing. There were mistakes. Other than that, I thought we were solid. Providence gave us a lot of trouble, but we Proud of how they produced two goals” or three more dangerous chances in the last 15 minutes. “
2nd year student indeed Vincent Petrella The pressure on Barnes as the keeper tried to launch the ball down the field nearly produced another Wildcats score. Petrella blocked the clearance attempt and won the race to a loose ball just ahead of Barnes. However, the Friars keeper recovered and blocked Petrella’s shot attempt over his line in the end.
later, Liam McKinnon Dribbling with space to the left, forcing Barnes to save another bid for the go-ahead score.
“Some big chances,” Carlin said.
At halftime, Villanova honored the student-athlete members of UNITAS, Villanova Athletic’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. Representatives of affiliated student organizations attended the ceremony.
“We have to be a group that stands out for UNITAS,” said Carlin. I wanted to make this a celebration of UNITAS on campus because it is so important to our team and to me personally.The support we have received from UNITAS today has been incredible.”
The Wildcats are taking a little break now. They’re next in action on Friday night in St. John’s (7pm/BIG EAST Digital Network).
“I told everyone to enjoy their Sundays,” Karlin said. “I haven’t had any free time on Sunday for a while. I’ll be ready for St. John’s on Monday.”