Sept. 15, 2003

Villanova, Pa. - Freshman forward Marcelo Rodriguez (West Orange, N.J./West Orange H.S.) was named Big East Rookie of the Week and Philadelphia Soccer Seven Player of the Week for his exploits in helping the Wildcats to a pair of victories last weekend.

Rodriguez was instrumental in sparking Villanova to the wins at the Penn/Kappa Classic in Philadelphia. On Friday, Rodriguez was credited with an assist on Jonathan Lopuski's goal in a 1-0 win over Princeton. On Sunday, he scored both goals, including the game-winner four minutes into overtime, in a 2-1 victory over the University of Pennsylvania.

"Our team is playing well and Marcelo is too," said Villanova head coach Larry Sullivan. "We brought him here because we liked his ability to finish plays around the net and he's done that for us. He's getting better every day."

Rodriguez is Villanova's leading scorer with three goals and nine points in six games. He also leads the Soccer Seven in total points.

Villanova (3-3 overall, 0-2 Big East) returns to action on Wednesday at St. John's in a Big East battle.