Sept. 19, 2001

BACK TO IT

On Sept. 19 the Wildcats return to action for the first time in 13 days, following two postponements in the wake of last week's tragedy in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

One of the two games has been tentatively rescheduled. The Wildcats were originally slated to face La Salle in a Philadelphia Soccer Seven match on Sept. 12 on the road. That contest will now be played on Weds., Oct. 23 at 3:30 p.m. at La Salle.

The second of the two postponed meetings, last Sunday's home game against St. Joseph's, has yet to be rescheduled.

DEFENSE WAS OUTSTANDING

Despite the absence of several key regulars and the loss of another during the Sept. 6 game against Connecticut, Villanova came through with an excellent defensive effort against the defending NCAA champions.

Sweeper David Jones led the way, patrolling the middle despite a second half leg injury that hobbled him.

Anchoring the defense was junior netminder Sean Teesdale. Teesdale recorded eight saves on the day, several in spectacular fashion.

Teesdale has been forced to carry the goaltending burden through the early stages of the campaign. Jon Williams, who shared the spot with Teesdale in 2000, missed the first three games of the campaign with an injury and isn't expected to see action today after a bout with the flu.

GOALS HAVE BEEN HARD TO COME BY

If you are looking for an area to pinpoint as to the cause for the early season struggles, there are several.

First, is the schedule. Today's encounter with Philadelphia Soccer Seven rival Temple is Villanova's first this season against a team not ranked in the national top 25. Two of Villanova's three losses came away from home and the 'Cats hung tough with Connecticut, now ranked No. 5 in the country.

Another trouble spot has been in the offensive zone. To date, the Wildcats have scored only one goal in nearly 300 minutes of action. That one came off the foot of freshman Jonathan Lopuski in the first half against Connecticut. Villanova was scoreless for its first 190 minutes of action this season.

Injuries have also been a major issue. Chris Edgar, who tied for the team scoring lead last year, was injured in the opener at Notre Dame and is expected to be out another 10 days. Fellow sophomore Colin Raws went down with an ankle injury in the loss against Connecticut and is sidelined today. Freshman Tony Watkins is also out due to injury.