Nov. 1, 2008
Final Stats
CHICAGO, Ill. - A goal in the 96th minute from Peter Sterbenz lifted DePaul past Villanova (7-9-2 overall, 4-5-2 BIG EAST) by a score of 1-0 in the final regular season contest for both teams here on Saturday afternoon. Villanova has secured a berth in the BIG EAST Tournament and will play on the road on Wednesday at either Providence or Georgetown depending on the outcome of other action this weekend in the conference.
"Prior to the start of the season we wanted to be a part of the BIG EAST Tournament," stated Villanova head coach Tom Carlin. "We're disappointed with this loss but we have the mind set that it's a new season now and we'll be ready to go next week, wherever we play."
The winner of this game would earn the right to open the post-season at home. Both squads entered play with 14 points in the BIG EAST regular season and from the outset the stakes were clear. This was a taut defensive struggle where scoring chances were precious.
"DePaul is a very tough place to play," stated Carlin. "I thought our guys battled hard all the way. In a way it was the story of our season - we had some scoring chances but weren't able to get the goal that could have given us the lead."
There were only six shots in the first half, three by each side and no scoring at all. The Wildcats had a couple of chances in the second half, including ones initiated by sophomore Sean Mergenthal and junior Mike Seamon. However, neither team was able to snap the scoreless deadlock.
That changed six minutes into the first overtime. A long ball from DePaul came down in the Villanova box, where a battle for possession ensued. The Blue Demons knocked the ball to the opposite side where John Kornfeld was open. He fed Sterbenz who sent a header toward the Villanova net that goalie Chris Bresnahan managed to get his hand on. But the ball had enough momentum to roll inside the near post, giving DePaul the victory and the opportunity to host a BIG EAST Tournament game this week.
The Wildcats now will focus their energy on preparing for either Providence or Georgetown, Blue Division squads that will host BIG EAST opening round contests, likely on Wednesday. Villanova's opponent will in all likelihood not be set until Monday evening, as St. John's and Rutgers must play a game that was postponed last week due to inclement weather. The 'Cats and Georgetown battled to a scoreless tie at the Soccer Complex on Sept. 28 in a downpour. Villanova did not face Providence this season.
"We know both teams pretty well," stated Carlin. "We saw Georgetown and battled them. We also have a pretty good feel for Providence. They are both tough teams but we feel we've grown as this season has gone on."
