Both Villanova and Cincinnati began the game on Saturday at the Villanova West Campus Soccer

Complex with matching Big East records. The teams, both 4-1-2 in the Big East, played an even game

that resulted in a tie. Villanova, 8-5-3 overall, and Cincinnati, 6-4-5 overall were scoreless after 110

minutes of play in the Big East Red Division match.

The Bearcats scored a goal off of a header from freshman Alex Hadley but it did not count due to the

officials ruling that a foul was called on Tristan Watson before the goal was actually scored. The closest

the Wildcats came to scoring was at the end of the half, even with their 7 shots to Cincinnati’s 3 in the

first half. The excitement of making it into the Big East playoffs after beating Syracuse 2-1 in overtime

last Wednesday was not enough for the Wildcats to put the ball away, even with more opportunities

presenting themselves in the second half.

Freshman Dylan Rena and sophomore Kyle Soroka were responsible some of these opportunities but

none like the one the Bearcats saw in the 88th minute. Cincinnati took a corner kick into the box that

found Mark Konitsch who took a shot on goals. Wildcat goalkeeper Chris Bresnahan was able to save it

but the rebound then found Cincinnati’s Watson in the middle of the box. His shot on goal made it over

Bresnahan but was stopped by the crossbar and when it fell in front of the net Villanova was able to

successfully clear it. At the end of the second half the Bearcats had outshot the Wildcats 11-4 during the

last 45 minutes of play and 16-12 in total.

In overtime, redshirt junior Jake Heyer had a low shot that was stopped by Cincinnati’s goalkeeper

Matt Williams. Aside from that, neither team had much of a chance to score during the overtime

periods.

This draw allowed Villanova and Cincinnati to tie for second in the red division, behind second ranked

Louisville with 14 points.

Villanova goalkeeper Chris Bresnahan had four saves while Cincinnati goalkeeper Matt Williams

recorded five saves and his eight shutout of the season.

Villanova is on the road for the rest of the regular season. The first stop is Jamaica, N.Y. where they

will play powerhouse St. John’s at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday night. Then on Saturday night the Wildcats

will face Louisville at 7:00 p.m.