WHO: No. 13 USF (6-2-1, 1-0-0) at Villanova (7-2-0, 0-0-0)

WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Villanova, Pa.

LIVE STATS

By TOM ZEBOLD

USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - Eric Osswald has had to be a patient man.

The junior came to USF in 2010 for what would be the start of a two-year wait to become USF's main man in front of the net. Year one it was all about learning from former Big East Goalkeeper of the Year Jeff Attinella, and year two was dedicated to backing up Chris Blais, who helped the Bulls make the Elite Eight.

Osswald admitted he never loved being on the bench, but the Powell, Ohio native knew it was for his own good.

"I think the waiting helped my character a lot and helped my patience. I appreciate it more," he said.

Osswald finally became USF's top keeper this preseason and fans have been very pleased with the product so far this season. The Bulls and their new starter have posted three shutouts, including a 3-0 win over FGCU on Tuesday when Osswald made two saves, including a diving stop in the closing seconds.

"Eric had two good years learning the college game and it's his time now," head coach George Kiefer said.

One thing people should know about the USF men's soccer team is each role has to be earned each season. The starting keeper job was wide open in preseason camp and Osswald needed to be sharp each day while competing with Dallas Jaye and Mike Mitchell.

"If the first person is clean, the next person has to be clean and we're always pushing each other. I love having Dallas and Mike out here," Osswald said.

Osswald prepared himself well for the position battle over the summer when he trained with the Columbus Crew and played in a league back down south.

"I think the combination of those two things really helped me come in strong for the preseason," said Osswald, who admitted he needed game experience.

Osswald got just what he wanted in advance of USF's season opener and he was victorious in his debut, posting a save in the Bulls' 2-1 win over Michigan. Osswald admitted he had the "jitters" in that one and has gotten much more comfortable while helping USF head into Saturday's game at Villanova with a 6-2-1 record.

"He's starting to communicate more and more as he gets comfortable," Kiefer said. "I think he's very good when he's talking a lot and keeping guys focused in front of him. I think you're starting to see him do that more consistently now."  

A 1-0 start in Big East play was just what USF was looking for and Osswald is eager to keep the good times rolling for the Bulls in the road ahead.

"It's been great playing with this team," he said.