PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - Providence delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Villanova in Big East conference action on Friday evening. The Friars (4-5-1) extended their winning streak to two games while handing the Wildcats (3-4-3) their first loss since September 23rd.
Bruno Rosa led the Providence attack with two goals, finding the net in both halves. Khayr Ogunsanya added a goal in the 77th minute off an assist from Pearse O'Brien, while Ian Abbey and Cameron Yriondo also contributed to the scoring. The Friars' offensive explosion marked their highest scoring output of the season.
The first half saw Providence establish dominance early, with Fernando Garcia Gil testing Villanova goalkeeper Alex Yagudayev with a low shot in the 11th minute. The Wildcats attempted to counter through Cam Tolson, who had two shots blocked in the opening period. Ian Abbey proved particularly dangerous for the Friars, recording three shots on goal before the break as Providence built their lead.
Providence continued their assault in the second half, with Bruno Rosa completing his brace early in the period. The Friars' tactical adjustments paid dividends when Khayr Ogunsanya, who entered as a 72nd-minute substitute, made an immediate impact by heading home O'Brien's corner kick delivery. Villanova's best chance came through Lorenzo Avalos in the 63rd minute, but Providence keeper Ryan Carney preserved the clean sheet with a crucial save.
The statistical dominance reflected the final score, as Providence outshot Villanova 17-8, including a 10-1 advantage in shots on target. The Friars earned four corner kicks to Villanova's one, while maintaining disciplined play with no yellow cards compared to the Wildcats' one caution, shown to Matthew Klann in the 74th minute.
Providence goalkeeper Ryan Carney recorded one save before being replaced by Julian Ballester in the 77th minute, while Villanova's Alex Yagudayev made five saves despite the difficult evening. Pearse O'Brien's creative presence in midfield generated multiple scoring opportunities, while Cameron Yriondo's work rate in the attacking third kept constant pressure on the Villanova defense.
The Friars' tactical approach emphasized quick transitions and width, consistently finding success through their wingers. Villanova struggled to contain Providence's movement off the ball, particularly in defending set pieces. The home side's press effectively disrupted the Wildcats' attempts to build from the back, forcing numerous turnovers in dangerous areas.
This result continues Providence's recent upward trajectory, following their win at Xavier and draw with Brown. The five-goal performance represents a significant offensive breakthrough for a team that had struggled to find consistent scoring earlier in the season. For Villanova, the loss interrupts their momentum following a victory at UConn and highlights defensive issues that will need addressing.
The match ultimately showcased Providence's superior execution in all phases, from their clinical finishing to their organized defensive structure. The Friars will look to extend their winning streak when they visit St. John's on October 11, while Villanova aims to rebound at home against NJIT on October 7.