Villanova Univeristy Athletics

VILLANOVA, Pa. – A pair of well-executed goals, including one in the 86^th minute of a deadlocked match, helped carry Villanova past Creighton 2-1 in a BIG EAST game on a misty afternoon Sunday at the Higgins Soccer Complex.
 
The Wildcats (7-7 overall, 1-5 BIG EAST) got goals from seniors Chloe O'Neill and Brice McInroy in the win. Sophomore Emma Weaver also played a key role in keeping the area in front of the Villanova 18-yard box clear. Goalkeeper Megan McClay made two saves before exiting in the 87^th minute with an injury suffered while clearing a Bluejays' ball out of harm's way. Ela Kopec finished up in net for the 'Cats.

""Extremely proud of how well our team played today," stated Villanova Head Coach Chris McLain. "Creighton had seven days off and we knew our players legs were going to be very heavy from the double overtime game versus Providence this past Thursday. Once we gave up an early goal, the team needed to have a great response. Chloe O'Neil stepped up once again. You hope you prepare your leaders for tough challenges like these and that is exactly what she did."

"In all honesty, our team has been in a bit of a funk. We played two very good halves at Xavier, and Xavier just found a way to win; then we played DePaul who are always very tough on the road, but in that game we only played a great 2nd half; finally, we felt our tactical plan versus Providence was enough for us to get a result, but they too had a special player step up with great quality late in double overtime, and they put us away. Our kids were gutted. But they know they can compete with anyone in this league. We just have to stay with this growth mindset. We are getting closer but we still have a ways to go. Regardless, we were rewarded today with a win because every player fought for the player on the left and the player on the right."
 
Creighton (6-6-2 overall, 0-4-1 BIG EAST) scored at the 5:38 mark to grab the early 1-0 advantage as Abigail Santana came up with a loose ball inside the six and fed a pass to Madison Radke, who notched the goal for the Bluejays.
 
Villanova responded off a brilliant strike by O'Neill in the 19^th minute. From deep on the left side, she fired a shot into the upper right corner of the net, beating Creighton keeper Keelan Terrell at 18:23.
 
The game would remain level for the next 60-plus minutes as the sides competed to grab the advantage.
 
The decisive goal came in transition as Maddie Fried threaded a beautiful ball ahead to McInroy, whose run through the middle of the Creighton back wall was perfectly timed. McInroy stayed onside and then fired a strike into the back of the net at 85:11.
 
The Wildcats, who outshot Creighton 15-11 on the day, including 8-4 in the final 45, shut down a Creighton corner kick opportunity that ensued on the play along the end line which McClay was injured on. From there, the Wildcats effectively pushed Creighton away, not surrendering any further danger.
 
Villanova next heads to Washington, D.C. on Thursday for a BIG EAST clash with Georgetown. That game kicks off at 3 p.m. and can be seen via the BIG EAST Digital Network presented by Flo Sports.