On Saturday, Oct. 25, Villanova men’s soccer dropped a 3-0 decision at Georgetown.
The loss sank Villanova (5-5-5, 1-2-3 Big East) to sixth and last place in conference East Division standings.
This week, Georgetown (9-3-3, 5-0-1 Big East) was ranked No. 15 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, and put up 14 shots on goal in the game on Saturday.
“Georgetown is really good,” Villanova coach Mark Fetrow said. “Year after year, they’re one of the top teams, if not the top team, in the Big East, and they’re one of the best teams in the country. So, we knew it was a big test, a tough place to play. We were also really excited.”
In the first half, Villanova let up two goals. The first was scored by Tate Lampmann at 15:38, resulting from Georgetown’s fifth corner kick of the night. The second came from a counterattack at 23:10 and was scored by Max Viera.
At the half, the Hoyas held a 12-0 advantage in shots.
Despite the onslaught of shots from the Hoyas, sophomore goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev notched a season-high 11 saves.
“Alex Yagudayev had a really good game,” Fetrow said. “Again, made a lot of big, important saves.”
However, Villanova was unable to produce any meaningful offense. Penalties also got in the way, with three Wildcats (junior midfielder Mikhail Zarester, sophomore defender Lorenzo Avalos and freshman defender Zach Miles) receiving yellow cards.
“But we fell short in some key moments,” Fetrow said. “And our lack of production from the possession in the attacking side of things hurt us more than anything.”
In the second half, Zarester settled into his role as the six and moved the ball well, according to Fetrow.
“I thought Mikhail Zarester did a really good job in the second half as our six,” Fetrow said. “Being connected with our back three, and being patient with our possessions.”
Villanova became more goal-hungry and confident in the second half, but was unable to execute. The Wildcats took four shots in the final 45 minutes, with two shots on goal that were both saved by Georgetown goalkeeper Tenzing Manske.
“We started to get a little more aggressive around the goal mouth, looking to shoot,” Fetrow said. “We created a couple shots. I can’t say we had any chances that I thought were that dangerous for them. I thought we still could’ve executed a little more efficiently in the final third. But I think there were some good positive changes in the second half in terms of how we looked from a confidence and body language standpoint to play through their pressure.”
In the 79th minute, Georgetown’s Mitchell Baker hit a lower left shot and earned the Hoyas their third and final goal of the night.
By the end of the game, the Hoyas still had an advantage in shots on goal with a 14-2 lead. The team took 26 shots throughout the game.
After the game, Fetrow reflected on the importance of a strong defense and ensuring the team does not give up early goals.
“You have to be a really good defensive team.” Fetrow said. “We have to be more solidified and more consistent where we’re not giving up two goals in the first half, that puts us in a much better place where we can stay competitive throughout the entire game.”
Villanova welcomes St. John’s University next weekend on Nov. 1 (Noon, ESPN+).
