DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Top Eastern Illinois in Home Opener
9/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Box Score
CHICAGO – Julianne Sitch’s goal with just 17 seconds left on the clock proved to be the difference on Friday afternoon at Wish Field. The goal was the lone score of the match in the 1-0 win for the Blue Demons over Eastern Illinois.
Following a scoreless first half, the Blue Demons turned up the pressure throughout the second period. After taking just four first-half shots, DePaul outshot the Panthers, 10-5, in the second frame.
The Blue Demons nearly scored early in the second half as Lauren Spacht hit the left post from a shot outside the box. DePaul (1-2) kept the pressure on as Lea Hill and Sitch fired shots in the next minute.
Eastern Illinois’ Sharyne Connell missed a tap in off a free kick with just over 15 minutes left in the second half in the best opportunity for the Panthers.
With the clock winding down, Katie Kiene dribbled down the left sideline and sent a pass into the box. Sitch beat an Eastern Illinois (1-2) defender and put it past keeper Tiffany Groene at 89:43. For Sitch, it was her first goal of the season and 30th of her career.
Sarah West earned the shutout with a save in 90 minutes. In the match, DePaul outshot Eastern Illinois, 14-10, and held a 5-1 advantage on corner kicks.
With the win, DePaul snapped a two-game losing streak and head into Sunday’s match against Northern Illinois with a five-match unbeaten streak at Wish Field dating back to last season. The Blue Demons and Huskies kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
