Men's soccer remain undefeated at home with win over Villanova

Seton Hall men's soccer team defeated Villanova 1-0 on Wednesday to remain unbeaten at home this season an improve their record to 4-1-2 overall and 2-1-1 in the Big East.

Goals 

27’: James Boote's corner kick was flicked on by Luca Dahn into the middle of the box where Paavo Riihjarvi was positioned perfectly to deliver a powerful header into the top left corner of the goal. 

Breakdown 

From the first whistle, the Pirates had clear control over the game. They played well on both sides of the ball, creating 16 shots with five on target and holding Villanova to just eight shots with two being on target.

CJ Tibbling rose up over defenders to produce a threatening header from about 10 yards out in the 78th minute, but the ball just sailed over the net for a Wildcats goal kick.

Villanova had some great opportunities as well. Lyam Mackinnon missed high and wide on a free kick from just 25 yards out in the 82^nd minute – which turned out to be their second-best chance of the game.  

The Wildcats set up a brilliant play in the 86^th minute when two forwards dummied an incoming cross into the Pirates' box to find a wide open Mackinnon. He failed to keep his composure when the opportunity fell to him, though, and sent his shot over the net.

After Riihjarvi's goal in the first half, the game was relatively quiet in terms of clear-cut goal scoring opportunities for either side. Both sides had opportunities to score late into the game, but Seton Hall managed to see out their one-goal lead and clean sheet.

The game finished by the score of 1-0, as the Pirates moved to 2-1-1 in conference play, and 4-1-2 on the season. With this win, Seton Hall is now 4-0 at home this season, and they have not given up a single goal in back-to-back games for the second game this season. Andres Nota made a couple of really nice saves, and the defense played a strong, physical match.  

Seton Hall will look to stay undefeated at Owen T. Carrol Field on Saturday when they host Providence who are undefeated in Big East play.

Thomas Cugno can be reached at thomas.cugno@student.shu.edu.