Oct. 21, 2006

Final Stats

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Cincinnati forward Kenny Anaba's goal in the second overtime lifted the Bearcats (11-4-2 overall, 7-3-1 BIG EAST) to a 2-1 victory over Villanova (6-10-1 overall, 2-9-0 BIG EAST) in the final regular season conference match of 2006 here at the Soccer Complex. The win wraps up the BIG EAST Red Division crown for the No. 21 ranked Bearcats.

Strong winds didn't deter Cincinnati from getting out to a fast start. The Bearcats generated five shots in the game's first 10 minutes before the Wildcats registered their first. But goalkeeper John Ward (Elysburg, Pa.), who got the start on Senior Day, and his defensive crew kept Cincinnati off the scoreboard for the first 45 minutes despite being out-shot 9-2.

Villanova broke through with the game's first goal at 52:27. Freshman forward Mike Seamon (Rahway, N.J.) advanced the ball along the right side and got the ball to Miles Harrison who touched a pass to sophomore Joe Taylor (Southampton, Pa.) Taylor lofted a gorgeous shot from 32 yards out over Bearcat goalkeeper Mike Vessells to give Villanova its first goal in three October outings.

The Wildcats couldn't enjoy the lead for long, however. Just under ten minutes later, Cincinnati evened the match off a play that began on an Omar Cummings corner kick. Kwame Sarkodie collected the ball after it was knocked away by a Villanova defender and he touched the ball to Brad Simpson who then found Kieron Gradwell, who nudged the ball past Ward at 62:05.

Both teams had chances in the last 28 minutes of regulation but could not break through. After a scoreless overtime the Bearcats took advantage of a seemingly innocent looking long ball sent into the Villanova end by Sarkodie. It appeared Ward would wrap up the ball but with Anaba running hard towards him it came loose and Anaba pushed it to his right six yards in front of the net. Ward slipped to the turf and Anaba had as much time as he needed to calmly push the ball into the empty net.

Cincinnati advances to the BIG EAST Tournament where it will receive a first round bye. Villanova concluded its season with this afternoon's match.

Notes: Ward was honored in a pre-game ceremony as Villanova's only senior... With his point this afternoon, Seamon became the third consecutive freshman to lead the `Cats in scoring with nine points. Dan DeMasters led VU in 2004 and Taylor did so as a rookie last season.