Oct. 26, 2003

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Senior Colin Raws (Malvern, Pa.) scored his third goal in the last two games and it helped Villanova upend Providence in a critical Big East Conference men's soccer game played here on a mild, overcast afternoon. With the victory Villanova (9-6-1 overall, 4-5-0 Big East) clinched its first winning regular season record since 1992.

The Wildcats dominated the action in the early going. The first seven shots of the game belonged to Villanova and Providence (6-7-2 overall, 4-4-1 Big East) was not credited with a shot until the 32nd minute. By that point, Villanova already owned the lead.

The goal came off a loose ball inside the Providence box in the 20th minute. Senior David O'Donnell (Nashua, N.H.) deflected the ball to Raws who knocked the ball towards Providence keeper Jeff Newman. Newman got a piece of the ball but it rolled back at Raws who collected the carom and fired a low shot to Newman's right inside the post to give the 'Cats a 1-0 edge.

In the second half, Providence pushed forward and enjoyed several good scoring chances. In fact, the Friars owned a 13-11 advantage in second half shots and came close to a score on several occasions. But the Villanova defense, backed by goalkeeper Craig Bald (Edgewater, Md.), held firm.

Bald made four saves on the afternoon in posting his sixth shutout of the season. Newman made eight saves for the Friars.

Villanova resumes action on Friday night at Notre Dame in its final Big East regular season game of the campaign. A win would bolster the 'Cats hopes of qualifying for their first Big East Tournament since 1997.