Oct. 2, 2002

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Villanova men's soccer team scored an impressive 3-1 triumph over the Syracuse Orangemen here on Wednesday evening. The Orangemen are now 5-5 overall and 1-3 in BIG EAST play. Villanova improved to 3-8 overall and 1-4 in league play.

The loss was the first of the season at home for the Orangemen. Syracuse is now 4-1 at the SU Soccer Stadium. The loss also snapped a six-game unbeaten streak versus the Wildcats.

Villanova scored all three of its goals in the first half. Chris Edgar netted the first score in the 13th minute with a header off a free kick taken by Tony Rod. Dan Massimini tallied what proved to be the game-winner on an unassisted goal less than 10 minutes later. Ross Brindle ended the Wildcats' scoring in the 39th minute. Jonathan Lopuski had the assist on the play.

Syracuse's only goal came in the 74th minute when freshman midfielder Ilias Calaitzidis (Brossard, Quebec/Champlain Regional) converted on a penalty kick following a Villanova foul in the box.

Playing as many as nine men forward in the second half, the Orangemen outshot Villanova, 14-2 in the second stanza. Wildcat keeper Sean Teesdale made nine saves, including six in the second half. SU also held a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks. Syracuse goalkeeper Alim Karim (Scarborough, Ontario/West Hill Collegiate) went the distance, making one save.

Villanova returns home on Sunday afternoon to face Drexel in a non-conference match. Game time is 1:00 p.m.

1 2 Final

Villanova (3-8, 1-4) 3 0 3

Syracuse (5-5, 1-3) 0 1 1

Shots: SU 21, VU 6

Corners: SU 9, VU 4

Saves: Teesdale (VU) 9, Karim (SU) 1

Goals: Time Team Player (assist)

12:49 VU Chris Edgar (Tony Rod)

2217 VU Dan Massimini (unassisted)

38:45 VU Ross Brindle (Jonathan Lupuski)

73:56 SU Ilias Calatizidis (penalty kick)