August 23, 1999

Villanova, Pa. --- The Villanova University men's soccer team hosted an exhibition game against the Catholic University of Chile today and dropped a 1-0 decision. The contest, the first played at Villanova's newly re-designed 1,000-seat on-campus soccer facility, was a hardfought, defensive struggle. The Wildcats had a couple of excellent scoring opportunities in the first half, but just could not seem to capitalize. The visitors also had their share of chances, but some fine saves by Villanova goalie Matt Malek kept Chile at bay. After a scoreless first half, the two teams continued their consistent defensive play, nullifying each other's scoring chances with big saves and forced turnovers. Finally, at 71:55 in the second half, Chile broke through the 'Nova defense with a drive from the left side that just barely got past the outstretched fingers of the diving reserve goalie J.D. Allen. A few more solid shots on net were all the 'Cats could muster, and the game ended 1-0. The Chileans, carrying a 27-man roster, are in the midst of a five game U.S. tour that began at Rutgers University on Aug. 21. After playing Villanova on Monday, the visitors will travel to East Stroudsburg University on Aug. 25, visit Rowan University on Aug. 27, and conclude their tour on Sunday, Aug. 29 versus Kean University.

Before the match, Villanova ninth-year head coach Larry Sullivan and his Wildcats were excited for the opportunity to compete against the Chilean squad, although Sullivan was also aware of the challenge that laid ahead: "Playing the Chilean team will be a great test for Villanova men's soccer. The Catholic University of Chile is one of the premier teams in all of Chile."

The Wildcats, 5-12 in 1998, return their top three scorers from last year, including senior forwards Donovan Hornsby (5 goals/10 points) and Dave Francalangia (3 goals/4 assists/10 points), and junior defenseman/midfielder Joe Noonan (4 goals/ 8 points). Villanova, with preseason All-Big East first teamer Jim Curtin (Jr., Oreland, Pa./Bishop McDevitt), opens the 1999 regular season on Sept. 1 at home against Saint Joseph's University.