MSOC Drops 1-0 Match to Villanova

MILWAUKEE — The Marquette University men's soccer team (3-4-0) fell to Villanova (5-1-0) 1-0 on Saturday night in the team's conference opener at Valley Fields.

Defense was on display in the first BIG EAST matchup of the season as neither team was able to convert on early shot attempts through the first 25 minutes. Villanova found the net first with a goal in the 28th minute to take the first half lead. Villanova would hold onto their one goal advantage through the remainder of the first half.

Marquette put the pressure on in the second half outshooting Villanova eight to one. Striker Beto Soto had a long shot on goal knocked away over the bar at the last second in the 59th minute, and another shot stopped by Villanova's keeper in the 68th minute. In the 82nd minute, Soto would have a third shot on net in the bottom left corner knocked away.

"In the first half it was back and forth, then in the second half we put the game in our hands," said Marquette head coach Louis Bennett. "We had the opportunities, but couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. Had we scored, I believe we would have won the game. I'm disappointed that we let a goal in, then we didn't have the quality to get back in the game."

Despite a heavy attack by Marquette's offense in the second half, Villanova's first half goal remained the difference maker in tonight's result.

Marquette out-shot Villanova 12 to 11 in tonight's contest.

UP NEXT:

The Golden Eagles will travel to Seton Hall for their first Big East road game on Friday, Sept. 24.

Keep up with the Marquette men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer).