U.S. Open Cup homecoming creates memorable moment for Villanova grad

In a battle of cross-state teams meeting for the first time in their history, it was fitting that a recent Villanova grad would step up minutes after stepping onto the pitch and score a highlight-reel goal at Subaru Park in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Wednesday night.

With his team down 3-0 to the hosts, Pittsburgh Riverhounds rookie Jorge Garcia delivered a goal minutes after entering the match to cut the lead to 3-1. The Union would end up winning 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals but Garcia was the one with his name in lights for that unforgettable moment.

“Amazing feeling,” Garcia said post-game. “It’s a special occasion. Nice coming back, to be around the city, nice to see friends.”

Garcia, a Lawrenceville, Ga. native, spent the last four seasons at Villanova, appearing 68 games and scoring 8 goals and dishing 5 assists. He signed with Pittsburgh – along with Villanova teammate Jason Bouregy after a successful preseason with the ‘Hounds. Bouregy didn’t dress Wednesday. Garcia’s goal was his second of the season. His first was a similar Upper 90 placement shortly after subbing in last month against Loudoun United.

“He has the technical ability if you give him space,” head coach Bob Lilley said. “He’s been doing that since preseason and it’s good to see he’s been finding his moments and he’s getting better defensively.”

Garcia said the opportunity to face MLS competition was good both for him personally and for the team.

“I think that was the biggest thing we can take away is we didn’t make it easy,” Garcia said. “I don’t think it felt like a 4-1 score. We know Philly is a great team coming in strong but at the end of the day I think we competed and were resilient.”

While Villanova didn’t play any matches in the stadium during Garcia’s tenure, his familiarity with the facilities in Chester and his time playing in the Philly Soccer 6 made coming back extra special.

“I’m grateful for my time at Villanova,” Garcia said. “Just being back by the coaching staff, Coach (Mark) Fetrow and Tom Carlin before him and the assistants just prepared me for life not only in pro soccer but in the real world.

Jorge Garcia curler from distance!! ✌️🤯#GoNova pic.twitter.com/eWN4Mb4tM2

— Villanova Men's Soccer (@NovaMSoccer) May 22, 2025