FDU notched the first goal scored by a Villanova opponent at the Higgins Soccer Complex this season in the 72nd minute, lifting it past the Wildcats (3-1-1 overall) in a battle of unbeaten sides this afternoon.
Ryan Kopay fired a shot at Wildcats' goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev that the junior was able to knock down. However, the rebound came directly back to Kopay's boot standing a few yards away from the right post. He sent the second shot into the net at 71:41.
That score ended a stretch of more than 340 minutes of scoreless soccer from the Wildcats on their home pitch across four games played on West Campus. It was also just the second goal allowed all season by the 'Cats.
Villanova applied significant pressure over the final 18-plus minutes but was unable to create the equalizer as the Knights improved to 4-0-1.
FDU owned a 22-13 advantage in shots. Yagudayev, announced as Philly Soccer Six Goalkeeper of the Week earlier in the day, was credited with six saves.
"I think it's been a consistent theme over the past few games," stated Villanova head coach Mark Fetrow. "What I'm realizing is that we may have to play a little different way than what we've been teaching and training for because it hasn't been as successful as what we want. We've got to create more scoring chances. We've got to be more threatening. If that means we must play an uglier brand of football we're willing to do that so that we can continue to get results."
The first half ended without a goal as both teams relied on sharp defense to minimize attacking moments in their own end. The Knights owned a 10-3 edge in shots over the initial 45 minutes.
The chances remained hard to find in the early stages of the second half on a beautiful late summer afternoon at the Higgins Soccer Complex on the Labor Day holiday. It wasn't until the Knights broke through that Villanova was able to press its case.
Senior Josh Oladele, making his first appearance of the regular season after being sidelined by injury over the first four matches, gave Nova a lift after entering the contest to replace Bar Netanel at left outside back. He made his presence felt on a series of set pieces in the final minutes, generating three shots, including one on frame, in his 23 minutes.
"Josh led the team in shots today despite playing only 23 minutes from the outside back role," noted Fetrow. "We've got to figure out why that's happening.
"But I thought he did a great job. He's been battling an injury since the preseason. He's a tough kid, a hard worker who wants to help the team. I thought he did a good job in what is an unfamiliar position for him."
Villanova will have the rest of this week to take a deep dive into ways it can generate more chances. The Wildcats don't return to action until Sunday when George Washington comes to Higgins for a non-conference clash that kicks off at 3 p.m. (ESPN+).
