Oct. 2, 2006

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Junior forward Mike Del Guercio (Chatham, N.J./Delbarton School) was instrumental in a pair of Villanova victories last week and his efforts were rewarded today when he was named Philadelphia Soccer Seven Player of the Week and to the BIG EAST Conference honor roll.

Del Guercio produced two big goals that helped make the Wildcats' first two BIG EAST wins this season possible.

On Sept. 27, Del Guercio collected a rebound of a free kick off the foot of classmate Matt Sleece and deposited it into the net to give Villanova a 2-0 lead against Rutgers. That cushion would prove vital when the Scarlet Knights scored in the 63rd minute and allowed the `Cats to prevail 2-1.

On Saturday, Del Guercio notched the game-winning goal in the 97th minute of an overtime battle with DePaul on the road. Del Guercio's third goal of the season lifted the Wildcats to a 2-1 triumph over the Blue Demons, bringing the team's overall record to 6-6-1.

Villanova is back in action on Wednesday evening (7 p.m.) at Lehigh.