Villanova 1 Colgate 1 – Men’s Soccer – A View From Papazian’s Perch

BOXSCORE

VILLANOVA, September 4, 2011 – There are games that can be characterized as a “find-a-way” tie.  That was the best way to describe Villanova earning a 1 – 1 tie against Colgate as Junior Defenseman Kyle Soroka scored the game-tying goal at the 86:55 mark as Villanova averted their first loss of the season at the Villanova Soccer Complex.

Tom Carlin

“Once we got down a goal, we said let’s get aggressive, let’s send numbers forward, we sent everything at them and we got one,” said Villanova Coach Tom Carlin.  A lot of it was winning first and second balls.  It was scrappy aggressive play that created the goal scoring chance.”

After an even first half Colgate scored the first goal of the game Forward Steven Miller put in a header off a corner kick from Midfielder Mike Garzi at 59:56.  Villanova upped the pressure as Hayden Harr sent the ball across the box to Soroka who beat Colgate Goalkeeper Grant Reed.

Kyle Soroka

“When I started my run I was hoping that Hayden would get it there,” said Soroka.  “He did and I was able to get a foot on it.”

Villanova continued the pressure in the overtime.  With 1:56 remaining in the second overtime period as Freshman Midfielder Oscar Umar got a crossing pass in front of the goal from Forward Aaron Dennis, but shot wide.  43 seconds later Sophomore Defenseman Adetomiw Adewole found Junior Midfielder Alec Weiss coming to the goal, but the shot went over the crossbar.

The Wildcats out-shot Colgate 22 – 17, and had a 5 – 4 edge in Corner Kicks.  Reed made 4 saves in the game.  Villanova Goalkeeper John Fogarty made 7 saves.

Villanova continues with its stellar defensive effort.  Carlin attributes the good play of the back line to experience.

“Our back line is a seasoned bunch,” said Carlin.  “We’ve been waiting for this the last couple of seasons.  They’ve been playing together for a while.  That is the strength of our team.  Our back line sets the tone, and our team responds off of that.”

The Wildcat team has created excitement.  Over a holiday weekend a crowd of nearly 1,000 people attended the game.

It was awesome, great,” said Carlin when he saw the crowd.  I was so excited when I saw that crowd.  Colgate is a good team.  Watching the crowd, that pumps the guys up.  They love that.  It shows Villanova Soccer is turning the corner, we’re coming, and I think people recognize that.”

Next up for the Blue and White is a trip to California to play UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly.

Written By: Glenn Papazian

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