Oct. 15, 2005

Final Stats

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova Wildcats (4-6-2 overall, 3-3-1 Big East) and Louisville Cardinals (4-8-2 overall, 2-4-2 Big East) played a scoreless tie here today.

Although the day offered abundant sunshine, the field was sloppy. Heavy rains have fallen in the Delaware Valley over the last nine days and the start time was pushed back two hours in an effort to allow the field at the Villanova Soccer Complex to dry. But footing was slippery in many parts of the pitch and that slowed the flow considerably. High winds also impacted balls in the air.

Louisville had the better of play in the early stages of the contest. Franke Jonke generated two shots in the game's first ten minutes that Wildcat goalie Jason Friel (Dublin, Pa.) was forced to make saves on. Later in the half, the Cardinals' David Guzman created a scoring chance but was thwarted by Friel.

Villanova turned the tables in the second half, creating its best scoring chances of the day. Near the very end of regulation Louisville goalie Steven DeGeorge was forced to make a tough save on a low blast off the foot of Wildcat senior Patrick Gallagher (Harrisburg, Pa.). The game headed into overtime.

The Wildcats dominated the two overtime sessions, producing six shots to the Cardinals zero. Villanova's Brett Stassfurth (Gahanna, Ohio) and Gallagher each had quality chances. However, Louisville kept the `Cats off the scoreboard and the game ended in a 0-0 tie.

DeGeorge made six saves in net for the Cardinals while Friel was credited with seven saves in the Villanova net.

The Wildcats next see action on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Lafayette in a non-league contest. The game gets underway at 7:00 pm.