VILLANOVA, Pa. – The Villanova Wildcats (5-8-2 overall, 2-6-1 BIG EAST) will conclude the home portion of their regular season schedule Tuesday afternoon when they play host to the United States Naval Academy (4-3-7 overall, 2-1-4 Patriot League) at 3 p.m.
The game will stream on the Villanova Sports Network on Flo Sports with Nick Mantegna and
Steve Pinone on the call.
Prior to the game Villanova will celebrate its annual "Senior Day" tradition, honoring seven key members of the program who have contributed to growth that resulted in a 2021 NCAA Tournament berth and the first NCAA postseason victory in program history (a 1-0 victory at Vermont).
"This group has certainly made a major Impact on this program," stated Villanova head coach
Tom Carlin. "As young players they were kind of thrown into the fire. They kept working and were a big reason we were able to have a significant breakthrough for our program. They have done a great job representing their families and Villanova."
The Wildcats will honor:
Senior midfielder
Josh Belluz, who was chosen to the 2021 BIG EAST All-Tournament team after helping lead the Wildcats past Creighton in an opening round game. The native of Toronto has been limited to eight games and 547 minutes this season due to injury.
Senior center back
Viktor Benediktsson, who has scored five goals this season while providing superb defense in front of goalkeeper
Kent Dickey. The native of Iceland has been a four-year starter.
Midfielder
Marcus Brenes has been another longtime staple of the lineup. The native of Wayne Hills, N.J., has logged 1,271 minutes while starting all 15 games in 2022 (84.7 minutes per outing).
Outside back
Anthony Dragisics has been another regular over the course of his four seasons in the Blue and White. Last season he started 20 games for Nova and this season has one goal while serving as a team captain alongside Belluz. He hails from Ellicott City, Md.
Midfielder
Tomer Drimmer has appeared in five games for the 'Cats in 2022 after arriving as a graduate student from the University of Hartford.
Forward/midfielder
Lyam MacKinnon is tied for the team lead in goals this season with five – to go with an assist – and has scored 17 goals over the course of his four seasons at Villanova. The native of Lausanne, Switzerland has also been a four-year starter.
The seventh Wildcat to be honored is a versatile performer who has spent most of his time this season at outside back. This native of Belle Meade, N.J. logged more than 1,700 minutes last season and has again carried a heavy load in 2022.
