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Princeton University Athletics
Friday, August 28
Myslik Field at Roberts Stadium
7:00 PM
Princeton University
0-0-1, 0-0-0
1
vs
1
Villanova
2-0-1, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Princeton | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Photo by: Sideline Photos, LLC
Tigers Open Season With 1-1 Draw Against Villanova
August 28, 2026 | Men's Soccer
PRINCETON, N.J. – In a gritty season opener, the Princeton men's soccer team battled Villanova to a 1-1 draw at home on Friday in Roberts.
Bardia Hormozi scored the Tigers' first of the year to open his 2026 account.
"There was a lot to build on against a strong Villanova team that is hard to score on," said Head Coach Jim Barlow. "We thought we had control for a while, with several close chances, and then scored a good goal. But we seemed to hit a wall with about 15 minutes left, and give credit to Villanova for capitalizing."
How It Happened
The Tigers came out with energy, creating chances with a shot by Hormozi in the 14th minute that forced a save by Wildcat keeper Alex Yagudayev.
The momentum continued in the Tigers' direction as they pressed, but Villanova was able to defend each chance.
In the 38th minute, it looked as though the Tigers would break through as Kevin Kelley hit a blast towards the net, but it found the crossbar and deflected out, with both sides going into the break scoreless.
Coming out of the half, the Tigers were relentless as they peppered the Wildcats with shots, but they could not find the back of the net.
In the 72nd minute, first-year Noah Hammerschmidt made a tackle and jabbed the ball to Hormozi, who launched it into the top of the goal.
The 1-0 lead was short-lived, however, as an out-of-shape Tiger defense conceded to Villanova just three minutes later.
With Princeton out-shooting Villanova 11 to five, the Tigers continued to look for a game-winner while thwarting a few late-game attacks from the Wildcats.
Still, the clock expired with the game knotted at one as the two sides split the points.
Up Next
Princeton will host No. 3 Portland on Monday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Roberts Stadium.
Bardia Hormozi scored the Tigers' first of the year to open his 2026 account.
"There was a lot to build on against a strong Villanova team that is hard to score on," said Head Coach Jim Barlow. "We thought we had control for a while, with several close chances, and then scored a good goal. But we seemed to hit a wall with about 15 minutes left, and give credit to Villanova for capitalizing."
How It Happened
The Tigers came out with energy, creating chances with a shot by Hormozi in the 14th minute that forced a save by Wildcat keeper Alex Yagudayev.
The momentum continued in the Tigers' direction as they pressed, but Villanova was able to defend each chance.
In the 38th minute, it looked as though the Tigers would break through as Kevin Kelley hit a blast towards the net, but it found the crossbar and deflected out, with both sides going into the break scoreless.
Coming out of the half, the Tigers were relentless as they peppered the Wildcats with shots, but they could not find the back of the net.
In the 72nd minute, first-year Noah Hammerschmidt made a tackle and jabbed the ball to Hormozi, who launched it into the top of the goal.
The 1-0 lead was short-lived, however, as an out-of-shape Tiger defense conceded to Villanova just three minutes later.
With Princeton out-shooting Villanova 11 to five, the Tigers continued to look for a game-winner while thwarting a few late-game attacks from the Wildcats.
Still, the clock expired with the game knotted at one as the two sides split the points.
Up Next
Princeton will host No. 3 Portland on Monday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Roberts Stadium.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
VIL
PRI
Goals
1
1
Shots
5
11
Shots on Goal
1
4
Saves
3
0
Corners
3
6
Fouls
11
9
Scoring Plays
Bardia Hormozi (1)
Assisted By: Noah Hammerschmidt , Dash Papez
GOAL by PRI Hormozi, Bardia Assist by Hammerschmidt, Noah and Papez, Dash.
71:44
Luke Martelli (1)
Assisted By: Karson Vazquez
GOAL by VIL Martelli, Luke Assist by Vazquez, Karson.
73:49
Game Leaders
Shots
5
SOG
4
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
def
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
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