VILLANOVA, Pa. – When asked to look ahead to Saturday's regular season opening match vs. Philadelphia rival La Salle, head coach Tom Carlin chuckled.

            "Your guess," he said, "is as good as mine. They haven't played a game since the fall of 2019 so trying to get a feel for tactics and strategy is tough. But I know our guys are excited to compete in games again, especially against a local rival. We can't wait."

            The Wildcats earned a 1-0 victory Saturday in Pittsburgh over perennial power Akron. They were boosted by a new look back four that featured sophomores Marcus Brenes, Anthony Dragisics, and Viktor Benediktsson along with graduate transfer Elan Koenig in front of goalkeeper Kent Dickey..

            "That group really played well for us," Carlin said. "They were our strength. To get a clean sheet against an attack of that caliber was a nice step for our guys, particularly since it was our first live game since November 2019."

            Indeed, like many of athletes and coaches across the nation, COVID-19 has altered the regular routine for the men's soccer program. When the pandemic's impact first began to be felt in March, Villanova shifted to online learning. That eliminated the normal spring training regimen and games.

            When campus reopened in August, word soon came that the usual fall regular season would be postponed until spring. And though the 'Cats did train on their Higgins Soccer Complex home pitch last fall, they were limited to small group workouts.
In January, the program resumed training and began regular COVID-19 testing for Tier 1 members of the program. While all has gone well thus far, the 'Cats did get a reminder of how quickly matters can shift when a scrimmage with Saint Joseph's scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled due to a Tier 1 issue within that program.

            Carlin credits Williams, senior Theo Quartey, junior Seidu Shamsudeen and Koenig, an experienced college performer from his time at the University of Wisconsin, with helping keep the group on course.

            "Our attitude has been good," he said. "Theo, Carson, and Seidu have really set a positive tone. Elan reminds us of Enda O'Neil, who gave us a boost in his year here (2018) as a graduate transfer. And I think Josh Belluz is an emerging leader.

            "We had our ups and downs in the fall. We weren't having full team practices and we tried to be creative within the pods to keep the competitive spirit up. Part of the excitement we've experienced these last few weeks is to just be back practicing every day. You still hold your breath every time you get the test results. When you hear that everyone's negative, it's a great start to the day."

            The Wildcats are slated to play a 13-game regular season, with 10 BIG EAST games including home and away clashes with regional foes Connecticut, Georgetown, Providence, Seton Hall, and St. John's. That is a powerful lineup of foes for a Villanova side that is introducing nine newcomers to the roster in a season with very little prep time.

            "We saw it against Akron," Carlin said. "Akron fully trained all fall and was further along than we are. What we learned is that we have a strong group that can buckle down and battle. That's what we want to see, the willingness to stick to it and compete.

            "We're still rusty and have to knock the dust off as we get more reps. But we have the tools we need."

            Most of all, there is opportunity.

            On Saturday, the Wildcats endured five hours of bus travel each way on the same day, to reach Pittsburgh. A pregame meal and stretch took place at a rest stop. In the end, it was all worth it to get the chance to play a real game – even an exhibition – against a top shelf opponent.

            "You could just feel the energy and excitement," said Carlin. "This has been a hard year for everyone in a pandemic. The guys have done all they can to be safe so that we can play. We're all appreciative every chance we get to be out there together. I think that's what you'll see from both teams Saturday."

               Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at the Higgins Soccer Complex. There is no public attendance permitted under Villanova Athletics COVID-19 safety guidelines, but a live stream of the match will be available via the Nova Nation All-Access Pass at villanova.com.