POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Marist senior forward Myles Ashong (Pleasant Valley, N.Y.) scored the match's lone goal as the Red Foxes defeated Villanova 1-0 in the season opener for both teams on Friday night at Tenney Stadium.

Ashong one-touched it in off a cross from sophomore midfielder Mario Vukadinovic (Konstantz, Germany) to give the Red Foxes the lead for good in the 64th minute.

The competition level in division one is definitely really high," said Ashong. "It felt good to get the big win at home to start the season off right."

Freshman goalkeeper Mark Rajovic (Katonah, N.Y.) made three saves in his first collegiate game. All three saves came in the second half at a time when the team needed them the most. 

"Not a bad debut for the rookie," said head coach Matt Viggiano. "He did a great job, made a couple of huge saves. We're really proud of him"

Villanova sophomore goalkeeper Will Steiner made five saves for the Wildcats, three in the first half and two in the second half. One of the three saves in the first half was a penalty save off the foot of Marist freshman midfielder Erik Dahl (Helsingborgs, Sweden).

Marist outshot Villanova 13-11 but Villanova had the edge in corners eight to three in a very physical contest. Ashong led the Red Foxes in shots with four, with his lone shot on goal being the deciding factor. Villanova senior forward Aaron Dennis (Elmont, N.Y.) led his team with three shots.

"It was a good effort, I thought we deserved it," said Viggiano. "We worked hard and we showed a lot of character tonight."