Nov. 14, 2003

VILLANOVA, PA. - At the 2003 postseason men's soccer banquet on Thursday, Nov. 13 in Vernon, Conn., Villanova senior back Dave O'Donnell (Nashua, N.H./St. John's Univ.) was named to the All-Big East Third Team. Voting was conducted by the league's 13 head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own players.

O'Donnell has been instrumental in the Wildcats' resurgence this season. He tallied three goals and one assist in 14 games, for seven total points. His two game-winning goals were a team-high.

O'Donnell's play from the defensive position enabled Villanova to register a 10-8-1 record on the season. The 'Cats 4-6-0 conference record was good enough to qualify for the Big East Tournament for the first time since 1997. The Wildcats lost in the first round to top-seeded St. John's, 2-1 in overtime.

O'Donnell and the 'Cats are hoping to earn an at-large bid to the 2003 NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament when pairings are announced early next week.

The honor is the first for O'Donnell in his Villanova career. The league's Offensive Player of the Year was Rutgers' Josh Gros, with Chris Wingert of St. John's earning Defensive Player of the Year. The Red Storm's Matia Damiani was named Midfielder of the Year, and Chris Sawyer of Notre Dame earned Goalkeeper of the Year. Virginia Tech's Ben Nason was tabbed the league's top rookie, with the Hokies' coaching staff recognized as the best in the conference.