OMAHA, Neb. – The Villanova Wildcats have spent much of this week's fall break tuning up for a hectic rush to the end of the regular season that kicks off Saturday here against the Creighton Bluejays (6-4-3 overall, 1-2-1 BIG EAST).
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. central time, 4 p.m. in the eastern time zone.
The Wildcats staged a late rally last Saturday night at Akron after falling behind 3-0 in the first 35 minutes. Villanova got goals from Jason Bouregy – his second of the season – and Jorge Garcia (fifth).
"We've been more effective on our set pieces lately than we were earlier in the season," noted head coach Mark Fetrow.
Bouregy has been especially effective recently, settling into a nice flow after arriving as a graduate transfer from Rutgers. His work alongside senior Jordan Canica and fellow graduate transfer Michael teDuits (Penn) has helped generate more chances in the attacking third for Nova.
"That group has found some nice chemistry," Fetrow said.
With five regular season games remaining, the Wildcats have registered 18 goals (a 1.50 average). In 2022 Villanova finished with 24 goals and ended the 2023 campaign with 23.
Villanova's challenge thus far in 2024 has been goal prevention. The wildcats have surrendered 29 goals in those 12 outings.
Injuries have played a part in that outcome. Center back Cole Knapp, an early season anchor after coming to Villanova from William & Mary, was sidelined for six games before returning last Saturday night to log 32 minutes as a reserve at Akron. Sophomore Luke Martelli, who emerged as a starting outside back in 2023 as a freshman, has yet to play this season due to recovery from injury.
"We've made some mistakes inside our own 18-yard box and at this level, those become goals," noted Fetrow.
That's been part of the focus of this week of training.
This series began in 2013 shortly after the Bluejays entered the BIG EAST Conference. Creighton. The Bluejays own a 9-3 edge in the series, including a 1-0 victory at Morrison Stadium in 2022.
"This is a tough team to play against in a tough venue," said Fetrow. "We're excited for the opportunity."
Creighton enters this game coming off a 1-0 win at Xavier last weekend, a match in which 37 fouls were whistled. The Bluejays' Blake Gillingham was named BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week after posting the clean sheet.
Following Saturday's contest, the Wildcats will return home to prepare for a midweek duel with Georgetown at the Higgins Soccer Complex at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
