Men's Soccer Rallies Late for Big Road Win at Villanova

Saturday, October 17

Philadelphia, Pa.

3 P.M.

Xavier University

8-4-1, 2-2-1

Villanova

7-6-0, 2-3-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Xavier	0	2	2
Villanova	1	0	1

Men's Soccer Rallies Late for Big Road Win at Villanova

10.17.15 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Musketeers score twice in final 4:20 for stunning comeback win

By: Brendan Bergen, Xavier Athletic Communications

VILLANOVA, Pa. – Majed Osman scored with 2:17 left on the clock, capping a remarkable comeback and lifting Xavier men's soccer to a 2-1 win at Villanova on Saturday afternoon.

Xavier trailed by one with under five minutes to play before Osman set up a Todd Pratzner goal with 4:20 left. The London, England native then went one-on-one two minutes later and buried a shot from the left side of the box to seal the win.

"This program hasn't had a come-from-behind win since 2012, and it's something we've talked about. We've tried not to highlight it, but what a great time for it to happen," said head coach Andy Fleming. "I knew at halftime, and I told the team, that I think they thought they were going to come back and win the game – and they did. We deserved to win the game and that doesn't always happen, but I'm really proud. We're a dangerous team right now and we needed this result today."

The Musketeers improved to 8-4-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the BIG EAST with the win. Villanova dropped to 7-6 and 2-3 in league play, as XU moves to 3-0 in the all-time series against the Wildcats.

Xavier was relentless on the attack in the second half, out-shooting Villanova 15-1. Still, the Wildcats were able to erase chance after chance until late in the match.

After a 16th minute goal by John Jlopleh put Villanova on the board, Xavier had to win via the comeback and it was the team's first since 2012. The Musketeers also continued to show well on the road, improving to 5-1-1 away from Cincinnati while snapping a scoring drought going back three matches.

"It's huge. We kept knocking away in the first half and we were confident it was going to come at some point," said Osman. That confidence never left us. I was playing outside and I knew I had the right back every time I got the ball, so I just kept trying. It was a huge result for the team."

Pratzner's goal was his first this season and second for his career. With it, 11 different Musketeers have now contributed goals this fall.

The Musketeers return home to face Marquette on Saturday, Oct. 24 at XU Soccer Complex. First touch is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.

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