Box-Score
| Arena Stadium, Milan; Att: 5000 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
| Villanova University Wildcats | 7 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
| University of Rhode Island Rams | 0 | 10 | 0 | 15 | 25 |
| Team | Scorers | Score |
| 1st Quarter | ||
| VIL | Scott Donald 10 yd Pass from Kirk Schuiz (PAT good) | 7-0 |
| 2nd Quarter | ||
| RIR | Kevin Neville 1 yd Run (PAT good) | 7-7 |
| RIR | John Duffy 26 yd FG | 7-10 |
| VIL | John Karoly 9 yd Run (PAT good) | 14-10 |
| RIR | Scott Hunt Pass from Kevin Neville (PAT good) | 14-17 |
| 3rd Quarter | ||
| VIL | Jeff Johnson 1 yd Run (PAT good) | 21-17 |
| VIL | Robert Brady 4 yd Pass (PAT good) | 28-17 |
| RIR | Jerry Williams 27 yd Pass from Kirk Schuiz (2xpt good) | 28-25 |
Report
The Division 1AA Yankee Conference made its’ second visit to Europe in as many years in 1989 when Villanova University Wildcats and Rhode Island Rams played the Milano Kickoff Classic at the Arena Stadium in Milan in front of 5000 spectators. Despite being 2-5 coming into the game, Rhode Island Rams gave Villanova Wildcats a scare with the lead changing hands numerous times. Villanova took a 7-0 lead on a Scott Donald reception from QB Kirk Schuiz in the first quarter, but Rhode Island responded in the second quarter with a Kevin Neville TD, the QB going in from 1 yard out and a 26 yard John Duffy Field Goal putting the Rams in a shock 10-7 lead. The second quarter scoring was not over however as John Karoly put Villanova back in front with a 9 yard run only to see the Rams regain the lead with a Scott Hunt reception from Kevin Neville. With Rhode Island 17-14 up at the half it seemed an upset was on the cards, however, the Wildcats scored two more touchdowns in the third as they came out fired up: Jeff Johnson diving in from a yard out and Schuiz hitting clutch receiver Robert Brady on a 4 yard Touchdown pass. The Rams did not give up however and were back within touching distance with 11:39 to go in the 4th and Final Quarter when Neville found Jerry Williams for a spectacular 27 yard TD pass. With the resulting two point conversion that left Rhode Island within a Field Goal of Villanova, but they were unable to score again on two further possessions and the Wildcats were able to run out the clock for a 28-25 victory. The win left Villanova on 6-2.
Villanova University is the only Augustinian Catholic University in USA and has a long relationship with Irish Athletes with many going over to study and compete, particularly in Basketball and Athletics. Names such as Robert Brady testifying to the Irish Connection. Rhode Island Rams also had two players with Irish names on the scorers sheet: John Duffy and Kevin Neville.
References
Newspapers / Magazines
[1] Glen Shields (1989) “Italy: Villanova University 28 University of Rhode Island 25” World American Football. 2 November 1989.
[2] Chris Poirier (1989) “Italy: Villanova University vs University of Rhode Island” World American Football. 26 October 1989.
Websites
[3] Villanova University (2021) Ignite Change. Go Nova. [Internet] Available from: https://www1.villanova.edu/university.html [Accessed 22 April 2021]
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Santina Farrinella.
About this document
Researched, compiled and written by Enda Mulcahy for the
Eirball | Irish North American and World Sports Archive
Last Updated: 22 April 2021
(c) Copyright Enda Mulcahy and Eirball 2021
You may quote this document in part provided that proper acknowledgement is given to the authors. All Rights Reserved.