Aug. 27, 2003

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Alan Mezger, a 1996 Villanova graduate, has joined the Villanova men's soccer staff as an assistant coach and will be on the sidelines when the Wildcats open their season on Aug. 29 at Drexel.

Mezger, who received a business management degree from Villanova in 1996 and a secondary education graduate degree in 2000, returns after serving successful stints as a club and high school coach. As head coach of FC Delco over the past three seasons, Mezger led the club to state, regional and national titles each year. His overall record with the club in that span is 55-3-4 and FC Delco is regarded as one of the premier club teams in the nation. Prior to becoming head coach, Mezger spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the team.

Mezger also served as head soccer coach at Radnor High School from 1999-2002, leading the varsity program to a 64-21-9 record. Radnor captured the school's first ever district titles in 2000 and 2002 and competed in the PIAA state playoffs in each of the past three seasons.

"We are excited to have Alan join our staff," said Villanova head men's soccer coach Larry Sullivan. "He is a bright young coach who has a great feel for the tactics of the game. His experience in that area will be invaluable to us."

Rounding out the Villanova coaching staff is Bryan Sullivan, who begins his fifth season as a Wildcat assistant coach.

The 'Cats open the 2003 with a pair of road dates. On Friday, Villanova meets Drexel at 4:00 p.m. in Philadelphia and on Monday there is a Labor Day match at Hofstra that also gets underway at 4:00 p.m.