Seton Hall Draws Villanova as Rain Pours in Pennsylvania

Published: Sunday, October 12, 2025

by Nicholas DiBlasi

VILLANOVA, P.A. – The #21 Seton Hall Pirates (5-2-5) drew the Villanova Wildcats (4-4-4) in a 1-1 affair at Higgins Soccer Complex on Saturday Afternoon.

Seton Hall, coming off a big win against FIU this past Tuesday night, came out swinging against the Wildcats. The Pirates would open the contest with heavy pressure on the Villanova defense, getting off multiple good looks in the game's beginning moments. 

In the first 33 minutes of action, their physicality and aggression paid off with seven corner kicks and multiple free kicks. Although their opponent tried to make key substitutions, the Pirates' early dominance ensued with a Sam Bjork goal in the 40th minute, assisted by sophomore Pyry Lampinen.

Villanova was not willing to give up, as just a minute later, they connected with the equalizer. A header from freshman Zachary Miles would hit the back net, evening the contest out at one a piece. This game-changing play by the Wildcats would be the first goal allowed in BIG EAST play by the Pirates' goalkeeper Matias Molina, who was entering the contest with a three-game shutout streak.

As the weather worsened in the second half, so did the energy from the two conference rivals. Both squads struggled on the defensive end, especially the Pirates, who could not seem to find a match for Villanova’s early hostility. A mix of harsh rain and yellow cards flew onto the field as the half progressed. 

In the final 20 minutes, Seton Hall was able to launch six shots into the Wildcats’ direction. Unfortunately for them, they were all kept out of the back net, with the game resulting in a 1-1 tie.

Although the score will not reflect it, the Pirates provided an outstanding offensive appearance, outshooting the Wildcats 13-10, along with recording 11 corner kicks to their opponents' five. The Bjork goal was his second goal of the season, his first being in their previous matchup against FIU at Owen T. Carroll Field. 

The Pirates will return to their home turf on October 17th, where BIG EAST foe Akron awaits. This matchup is scheduled for 6:56 pm, with Sean Casey and Ryder Nuesell on the call for 89.5 WSOU.

Nicholas DiBlasi can be reached at nicholas.diblasi@student.shu.edu.

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