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Princeton University Athletics
Men's Soccer Travels to Penn For Opening Weekend
September 11, 2003 | Men's Soccer
Sept. 11, 2003
PRINCETON, N.J. - The men's soccer team kicks off its 2003 season this weekend in the two-day Penn/Kappa Soccer Classic at Penn's Rhodes Field. The Tigers are scheduled to play Villanova and Lehigh but will not play host team Penn, who is currently ranked 25th in the NSCAA National poll, until Ivy League competition commences later this fall.
Princeton opens on Friday at 12 p.m. against Villanova, who has the advantage of already playing four games this year. The Wildcats have struggled with tough competition and are 1-3-1 overall and 0-2-0 in the Big East, with their only win coming at Hofstra, 2-1. Villanova began its season with a 3-2 loss at Drexel, who led the entire game, and then lost two home games to West Virginia, 1-0 (2OT), and Virgina Tech, 1-0.
Princeton last faced Villanova on Oct. 31, 2001, when current MLS star Mike Nugent had a goal and as assist in the 3-0 win. Jason White, the older brother of Princeton goalkeeper Erik White, recorded his eighth shutout of the season against the Wildcats. The Tigers have a day off following the Villanova game and then return to Penn on Sunday for a 12 p.m. match-up with Lehigh. The Mountain Hawks, who were one of three Patriot League schools to earn a trip to the NCAA tournament last year, were picked to finish third in the Patriot League this season behind American and Holy Cross. Lehigh is ranked fourth in the NSCAA Regional poll.
Lehigh enters the Penn Tournament with a 2-0-1 overall record that includes a 0-0 tie with Towson and two straight wins at the Lehigh-Lafayette Puma Classic. The Mountain Hawks defeated Rider, 1-0, and Hartford, 2-0.
The last meeting between Princeton and Lehigh was on November 6, 2001, when the Tigers won, 2-1, for their ninth consecutive win.
Princeton vs. Villanova
Domestic Threat - The Tigers finally face American competition after playing four games against top Italian club teams and scrimmaging Cork College from Ireland.
Can't Beat Barlow - Head Coach Jim Barlow is undefeated with Princeton against Villanova and is going for his third win in six years over the Wildcats.
Family Gloves - For the fifth straight year, a White brother will be in the goal for the Tigers. Erik White takes the starting job against Villanova after playing behind his brother, Jason.
More Family Ties - Brothers Jeff and Doug Hare will both be in the starting lineup this season, with Jeff anchoring the defense and Doug leading the midfield.
Fresh Legs - Freshmen Felix Vincent and Marcelo Rodriquez each have a goal and two assists for Villanova, leading the team with four points apiece.
Princeton vs. Lehigh
We Go Way Back - Princeton and Lehigh first played in 1922 when the Tigers won, 1-0. The Mountain Hawks earned their first win, 4-3, in 1931.
Barlow's Reign - Head Coach Jim Barlow is 1-2 with Princeton against the Mountain Hawks.
What's in a Name? - Kyle Hartman and Kyle Hansen are the Mountain Hawk's leading scorers so far this season, combining for two of the team's three goals and all three assists.
Getting Past the Bishop - Goalkeeper Sam Bishop has not allowed a goal in 290 minutes of action this year.
Loaded Guns and Sturdy Shields - Lehigh has out-shot its opponents 48-11 in three games.