Oct. 24, 2014 VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova Wildcats (6-5-3 overall, 1-2-2 BIG EAST) have had a full week to fine tune their system for a critical stretch run that begins with a home match Saturday afternoon against Butler (5-5-4 overall, 1-3-1 BIG EAST) at the Higgins Soccer Complex.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
The Wildcats earned draws in each of their last two outings, against Seton Hall (1-1) and at No. 7 Marquette (1-1) last Saturday evening in Milwaukee. Yet there is also a gnawing feeling about what might have been dating all the way back to a 2-1 loss at Providence on Oct. 11. In each of the Wildcats' last three BIG EAST outings, an opponent goal in the final five minutes has cost Villanova.
Two late penalty kicks turned into a Seton Hall goal with 2:35 left to play. The Golden Eagles picked up the equalizer in the 89th minute last time out. The Friars broke a 1-1 deadlock late in regulation time.
"This week's been enlightening for us," states head coach Tom Carlin. "We know we had some things to fix and we had a little bit of time to focus on those things. It's been good to be able to take care of ourselves so we can get ready for this four game stretch."
Through five games in the nine game BIG EAST season, the Wildcats currently sit in a tie with Marquette for fifth place. But Butler and Seton Hall are close behind with four points with a good bit of soccer yet to be played. The top six finishers qualify for the BIG EAST playoffs with the first and second place finishers receiving a bye into the semifinals at PPL Park on Nov. 14.
This then becomes an important contest for both units.
"For us, we have to focus in on what we do," Carlin notes. "We are a team that had some things to resolve. We are a team that has given up goals in the 87th, 88th and 89th minute in our last three conference games and that is a sign you have things to work on. You could have gotten seven points in that stretch and you end up with two."
As is often the case, a combination of factors has contributed to those missteps. Carlin and his staff believe better ball possession would go a long ways toward helping finish off tight battles.
"It's a buildup," Carlin explains. "If we had more attacking possessions we would have less defensive pressure. When we don't have more attacking pressure or we don't score two or three goals, you are going to be on the receiving end of defensive pressure.
"Marquette is a good example. We had to defend for long periods in the second half because our possessions weren't as detailed or as efficient as they needed to be. Then you can become undisciplined, which creates fouls and free kicks for the other team. It keeps you boxed in. It's a lot to be able to handle and it wears on you. As we saw at Marquette, it only takes only quick transition to spell the difference between a win and a tie."
The Wildcats hope to alter that dynamic against a Butler team that is 1-0-1 in its last two outings with a home win over Marquette and draw at DePaul.
"Butler is a very good transitional attacking team," says Carlin. "They get at you quickly and effectively. They are a solid, well-rounded team."
"Hopefully we can neutralize their transition and be better in our attack. We want to take care of our business at home."
Following this game, Villanova has consecutive road dates at St. John's (Oct. 29) and Xavier (Nov. 2) before returning to West Campus on Nov. 7 to close out the regular season against Georgetown at the Higgins Soccer Complex.
