VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova returns to its home pitch Tuesday afternoon for a non-league matchup with Western Michigan. The Wildcats will celebrate UNITAS, Vilanova Athletics, Diversity, equity and Inclusion organization, at halftime.
Kickoff is set for just after 4 p.m. The match will be live streamed via Nova Nation on Flo Sports.
This will be the fourth straight game for Villanova on the home turf at the Higgins Soccer Complex. While the 'Cats have shown growth in some areas, they are still in search of a result (0-3-2 overall, 0-1-0 BIG EAST).
"We've been waiting for this thing to turn for us," stated Villanova head coach
Tom Carlin. "I feel like we're pretty far along and that we're a pretty darn good team. Unfortunately, we've had a few mistakes at critical moments. That's all part of sports. We've just got to keep chipping away."
Injuries over the last few weeks have done Villanova no favors. Forwards
Akinjide Awujo and
Luke Pompliano have yet to see game action this season due to leg injuries. Entering the new season, Awujo was Nova's second leading returning points producer (three goals, three assist for nine points in 2022). Center back ancd co-captain
Jack Bonas missed Friday's BIG EAST opener to Butler – a 2-1 defeat – and his steady presence in the middle of the VU defense was missed.
"Losing Jack the way we did was tough," said Carlin. "We found out he couldn't go on (Thursday) night and we had to shift some things around. I just thought it put us a little out of sorts."
The flip side of that equation is that it opened the door for a pair of freshmen, midfielders
Belmar Joseph and
Mikhail Zaretser, to make their debut as starters.
"We've got a talented freshman class," said Carlin. "Belmar and Misha stepped in there, gave us good energy, and looked like they belonged. We're going to need all of those guys as we go through the season."
Western Michigan brings a 5-1-1 overall record with it to Villanova's West Campus. The draw was a 0-0 affair with Butler on Sept. 4. The Broncos have won three straight, including a 1-0 win over Bowling Green on Saturday. WMU also owns a road victory (1-0) at Air Force.
"We need another game," Carlin said. "It gives us a chance to get right back out there against a quality opponent that is off to a great start. We're looking forward to the opportunity."
