VILLANOVA, Pa. – At the end of 90 minutes Friday night at Milwaukee's Valley Fields, Villanova's 2025 season will conclude.
 
In the interim, the Wildcats (6-6-5 overall, 1-3-3 BIG EAST) have a laser-like focus as they aim to post their first winning season since the 2021 team reached the NCAA Tournament (12-8-1). Standing in their way is a Marquette side (7-6-2 overall, 1-6-0 BIG EAST) eager to wrap its campaign up with a result as well.
 
Head coach Mark Fetrow, who on Tuesday served a one-game suspension for a red card incurred in a 3-1 loss to St. John's on Nov. 1, returns to the sidelines to lead the Wildcats.
 
"This season has been about a culture change, and we've made some very positive strides," Fetrow has said. "We have a chance to create some momentum heading into the offseason."
 
Indeed, Villanova has already added five wins to its 2024 total (1-10-6 overall). It has overcome a rash of injuries that have forced out lineup linchpins Luke Martelli, Luke Haggerty and Lorenzo Avalos. Among a group of 11 newcomers, many have established themselves at the BIG EAST level.
 
Junior Javon Daniels brought an energy jolt when he entered Tuesday's 6-0 win over Holy Family as a reserve. He ended up with two goals and helped create other attacking chances for the Wildcats.
 
"Coming off the bench bringing intensity was really important," said Daniels.
 
The chance to add to the Wildcats win total is on Daniels' mind too.
 
"The key to this is looking at (Tuesday) as a building point," noted Daniels. "It's important we have a couple of great training performances heading into Marquette."
 
This is Villanova's first visit to Valley Fields since 2021, when it posted a 1-0 victory. The Golden Eagles knocked off the 'Cats 3-2 last season at the Higgins Soccer Complex. VU holds a 6-5-1 edge in an all-time series that began in 2005.
 
Friday's match is one of six in the BIG EAST, all kicking off at 7 p.m. eastern. The live stream can be found on YouTube.