The Official Newsletter of Villanova Athletics
Good Morning, Nova Nation. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Villanova soccer player?
Wonder no more! We’ve got you covered!
What all do we have in today’s edition? Check it out below!
📈 Rising Up
🏈 Tackling Machine
⚽️ And Another One
🔷 And much more!
Tommy’s Tavern + Tap is proud to be an Official Partner of Villanova Athletics!
🔼 Rising Up. After a strong 4-0-1 start to the 2026 campaign, Villanova finds itself in the top-25 in the latest national poll from TopDrawerSoccer, sitting at No. 23 in the nation as announced on Monday afternoon.
The Wildcats have been on a tear to start the season, outscoring their opponents 23-0 through the first five games of the season, giving them the third-best goal differential in the nation. Their unbeaten start through this point of the year is their best start to a year since they went 4-0-5 to open the 2023 season.
🔼 Praisin’ A Pair. For the second consecutive week, Meredith Palmer and Avrie Nelsen have landed on the BIG EAST Weekly Honors ledger. Palmer was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week for the second straight week with Nelsen landing on the Honor Roll.
These honors bring Villanova to six weekly awards from the conference this season with at least one Wildcat being honored in three of the four weeks awards have been announced.
When was the last time Villanova women’s soccer earned a national ranking?
Got a guess?
Scroll to the bottom to see if you know your stuff!
🔼 Tackling Machine. The man is on a mission.
Sophomore linebacker Omari Bursey has been a one-man wrecking crew to start the 2026 season for the Villanova Football program.
This week, the Brookfield, Colo., native was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week after racking up a game-high 14 tackles in Saturday’s win at Bucknell. He helped limit the Bison to just 60 total rushing yards in the game.
🔼 And Another One. For the second time this season, junior goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev earned praise as the BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week.
The Brooklyn, N.Y., native racked up 19 saves in the ‘Cats two games last week.
He was also named the Philly Soccer Six Keeper of the Week as well.
What’s Ahead is brought to you by our friends at Visit Delco, the #1 source for information on all there is to see and do in Delaware County, PA. Find fantastic places to stay, incredible food and drink, and music and art—and you may even find a few surprises
*All times listed in ET
Wednesday, September 9th
🥬 Oakmont Farmers Market
Thursday, September 10th
🧑🩰 The Mullen Center Presents: BalletX The Four Seasons Reimagined
⚽️ Women’s Soccer vs. Bucknell @ 4 pm
🏐 Volleyball at American @ 6 pm
Friday, September 11th
🍷 Red Brick Winery: Tasting Room Open
🏑 Field Hockey vs. Queens @ 12 pm (Collegeville, Pa.)
🏐 Volleyball vs. Iowa State @ 4 pm (American University Invite - Washington, DC)
🏈 Football at Louisville @ 7 pm
Saturday, September 12th
🐾 Puppy Yoga + Brunch at Harvest
Sunday, September 13th
🖌️ Linvilla Orchards: Arts & Craft Festival
🏑 Field Hockey at Lehigh @ 12 pm
⚽️ Men’s Soccer vs. George Washington @ 3 pm
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Answer: Sept. 18, 2008 (#19)
Have a great one, Nova Nation!
