Sept. 4, 2007
Final Stats
Loudonville, N.Y. - The Siena men's soccer team dropped its season opener 2-1 at Villanova this afternoon. Villanova (1-1) posted two second half goals courtesy of Danny DeMasters and Joe Taylor to get past the Saints.
Siena (0-1) controlled the first half and gained an one goal advantage on the Wildcats in the 33rd minute of action. Senior co-captain Liam Welsh served a free kick into the box only to be headed into the goal by a Villanova defenseman putting the Saints on top 1-0.
The Saints tenacious defense led by Welsh held the Wildcats to just three shots over the first 45 minutes.
Villanova proved to be reenergized in the second half bombarding the Saints with 10 shots. At the 52:12 mark, sophomore midfielder Danny DeMasters evened the contest at 1-1 when he lofted a shot from 30 yards out just over the fingertips of the lunging Siena goaltender Steve Skonieczny.
Skonieczny completed his collegiate debut with four saves over 90 minutes patrolling the pipes.
In the 58th minute, the Saints slightly missed an opportunity to retake the lead when freshman midfielder Sebastien Anzevui fired a shot on goal only to be saved by the diving Wildcats goalkeeper Jason Friel.
Taylor posted the game winner soon thereafter when he served one past the charging Skonieczny at the 68:00 mark.
With the loss, the Saints fall to 0-1 overall on the season. Siena returns to action for a non-conference contest at Buffalo on Friday evening. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m.
