Villanova, Pa- The Villanova Wildcats defeated the 2018 SEC Champions, LSU Tigers, 1-0 in the season opener at Higgins Soccer Complex Thursday afternoon.

"It's one thing to schedule big time programs, it's another to get great results," shared head coach Chris McLain. "Beating the SEC Champions last year was special, but to beat them two years in a row shows that we are growing and learning how to play against some of the very best. What coach wouldn't be proud of his players beating a Top 25 team like LSU? But Game 1 for 2019 is now in the books, we will let the players enjoy it for the next 24 hrs... then it's time to focus on Game #2. We have to complete the weekend."

The Wildcats dominated possession during the afternoon match taking 20 shots to LSU's 6 along with 13 corners to one.  It was the shot during the 27^th minute by Chloe O'Neill that would be the game winner.  O'Neill broke down the field with two defenders on both sides and a through ball by Brice McInroy found her feet.  From there O'Neill got off a cross shot that would find the back of the net to get the Wildcats on the board.

Villanova keeper Hensley Hancuff, who finished with five saves on the day made a big save to shut out the Tigers towards the end of the first half. 

O'Neill had a team high five shots, placing four on goal while senior captain Kristin Barbour also took five shots and placed three on cage. 

McLain continued, "The goal was to dominate in this game; 20 shots, 13 corners; we can definitely build on that. But as a staff, we were most proud on how well they battled. There is no real stats for that, but I can tell you, it was pretty awesome to see. It wasn't the top 11, it was the whole squad."

The Wildcats continue play at Higgins this Sunday against Saint Joseph's.  Kick off is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. and can be seen on Nova Nation All-Access.