Early Goal Guides Men's Soccer Past Villanova, 1-0 - GoCreighton.com

OMAHA, Neb. – A goal during the ninth minute proved to be the game winner as the Creighton men's soccer team posted a 1-0 win over Villanova on Saturday night at Morrison Stadium during the Bluejays' first BIG EAST home match.

Creighton improved to 6-2-1 overall and 2-0-0 in BIG EAST action, while Villanova fell to 5-3-1 overall and 0-1-1 in conference play. The victory also marked the Bluejays' fourth consecutive and sixth in their past seven contests.

Sophomore Charles Auguste tallied his second goal of the season during the ninth minute of Saturday's match. Senior Yudai Tashiro directed a pass down the near side of the box to junior Musa Qongo. Qongo sent a cross through the box that was deflected by a Wildcat defender before Auguste collected the ball and blasted a shot into the back of the net to give the Bluejays an early 1-0 lead.

Villanova's Lyam MacKinnon fired one of the Wildcats' two first period shots but was denied by Bluejay goalkeeper Collin Valdivia to preserve Creighton's one goal advantage heading into halftime.

The Bluejays controlled the ball for most of the second half firing off seven shots in the first 20 minutes after the break. No one came as close as senior Tor Trosten did in the 64^th minute. Trosten tried a bicycle kick off a cross but was denied by a Wildcat defender.

The Wildcats received a red card during the 50th minute and were forced to play a man down for the remainder of the match.

Villanova's best opportunity came in the 77^th minute as the Wildcats fired off three shots in the box, but the Bluejay defense denied each opportunity to maintain Creighton's one-goal edge.

Creighton finished the contest with a 17-13 advantage in shots, while holding a slight 7-6 edge in corners. Valdivia had to collect just one save to earn his second shutout of the season.

The Bluejays improved to a perfect 7-0 during BIG EAST home openers. Creighton also moved to 6-2 during the month of September, including 5-1 at home.

Creighton will return to the pitch on Tuesday against Green Bay in Omaha. First touch between the Bluejays and Phoenix is set for 6 p.m at Morrison Stadium.

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