Sept. 4, 2000

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Senior midfielder Joe Noonan (Wilmington, Del.) scored his second game-winning goal in as many games to help lead Villanova past the La Salle Explorers on a humid afternoon at the Villanova Soccer Complex.

La Salle gained the early advantage in the contest with a goal from Nick Zegatowsky off a feed from Stephen Kohut at the 26:11 mark of the first period. It appeared the Explorers would take that lead to the half but Wildcat senior Jim Curtin (Oreland, Pa.) scored his first goal of the season with just 16 seconds left in the half to even matters at one.

The Wildcats moved ahead in the 59th minute on a brilliant individual play by Noonan. The senior dribbled through two defenders and then beat Explorer goalkeeper Josh Schoppe with a blast from ten yards out to give the 'Cats a 2-1 lead.

With the Explorers pressing in an effort to knot matters, Villanova sealed the victory on a counterattack in the 83rd minute. Noonan fed junior Tony Rod (Philadelphia, Pa.) who found the back of the net. Less than two minutes later sophomore Ron Durham was credited with his first goal of the season on a pass from Rod.

John Williams made four saves in the net to earn his first collegiate win. The Wildcats outshot La Salle 21-13.

Villanova (2-0-0, 2-0-0 Philadelphia Soccer Seven) returns to action on Wednesday evening at Syracuse. The 'Cats open the Big East portion of their schedule with a matchup against the Orangemen.