Villanova men fall to 0-4 to start season in overtime loss to Providence

Villanova men’s soccer lost for the fourth straight time to fall to 0-4 on the season, but the 1-0 loss to Providence in overtime was not a fair result given their performance on the day.

Despite an extensive list of injuries, the Wildcats played the Friars even through most of the match and had advantages in possession and outshot the visitors 11-7 in regulation and 3-2 in the overtime periods.

Lyam MacKinnon, Elan Koenig and young forwards Branden Johns and Akinjide Awujo all missed the match while Seidu Shamsudeen left in the early going and didn’t return.

After failing to capitalize on some positive attacking moments late in regulation and in the first overtime period, Providence rookie Gevork Diarbian provided the dagger in the 106th minute with a well-taken strike. The New England Revolution Academy alum removed his shirt and ran toward the bench where a mob of teammates greeted him. It was the fifth straight loss Nova has suffered to Providence.

As a team, Villanova has now lost 8 of their last 9 matches dating back to 2019.

Providence improved to 3-0 on the year and have yet to concede a goal in 286 minutes this season. Lansdale, Pa. native and Philadelphia Union Academy / YSC Academy grad Ramzi Qawasmy has helped anchor in the back line at center back for all 286 minutes.

Villanova will visit St. John’s on Saturday at 5 p.m. looking for their first Big East and first overall win of 2021.

Donovan returns to get revenge for Drexel in 4-0 win over St. Joe’s

Star striker Chris Donovan returned to the lineup to lead Drexel to a 4-0 win at home to St. Joe’s on Wednesday. Donovan had a brace and two assists on the day setting up Laolu Daranijo’s opener in the 28th minute and Tiago Teixeira’s goal in the 36th minute. Donovan added goals of his own in 32nd and 69th minutes. Through two games, the Paoli native now has 3 goals and 3 assists. Drexel improved to 2-1-0 on the year and St. Joseph’s fell to 1-2-0.