Oct. 24, 2008
Final Stats
VILLANOVA, Pa. - The No. 12 University of South Florida Bulls (10-3-2 overall, 6-2-1 BIG EAST) scored an early goal and then fended off fierce pressure from the Villanova Wildcats (6-8-2 overall, 3-4-2 BIG EAST) to post a 1-0 BIG EAST Conference win on an overcast afternoon here at the Soccer Complex. Villanova owned a 22-16 edge in shots and forced USF goalkeeper Jeff Attinella to make seven saves, including several of the spectacular variety.
"They are a very patient team and our game plan was to try to attack them to put them on their heels," stated Villanova head coach Tom Carlin. "For the most part it worked. We moved the ball and got some great chances. Their keeper was good and we weren't able to come up with the one we needed."
On an afternoon when the Wildcats honored six seniors for their contributions to the program in pre-game ceremonies, it was fitting that the first scoring opportunity came off the foot of one of them. Midfielder Joe Taylor created two terrific scoring chances in the first two minutes, one for himself and another for freshman Jake Heyer. But Attinella was equal to the challenge and made the key save on Heyer.
USF made its first counter attack opportunity count at 6:29. Kevon Neaves fed a left-footed corner kick into the box. The shot carried all the way to in front of the far post where Yohance Marshall got a touch on the ball, tucking into the left corner behind Villanova goalie Chris Bresnahan.
The Bulls controlled the ball for much of the next 15 minutes before Villanova began applying heavy pressure in the final 20 minutes of the half. Anthony Yeboah and Sean Mergenthal each had chances but somehow USF kept the ball out of the net. The Bulls held the 1-0 lead at intermission despite a 13-7 Wildcat advantage in shots.
Villanova kept the heat on early in the second half. Among the better chances were headers from seniors Farris Fakhoury and Miles Harrison that Attinella came up with saves on. Freshman Kevin Garcia made a nifty move in the 87th minute that Attinella snuffed out too.
The Bulls rode out the storm and will take the victory back to Tampa.
The Wildcats created the considerable pressure without the services of leading scorer Mike Seamon, who sat out the game with a sprained ankle.
"We created chances from other people and that's a good sign," stated Carlin. "Now we just have to get back to work to get ready for Syracuse. We have two BIG EAST games left and are going to need to pick up some points."
Villanova hosts Red Division rival Syracuse on Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
