DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Knocks Off #10 USF
10/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO The combination of rainy conditions, a stingy DePaul defense and a timely goal by Steffen Vroom proved to be the answer as the Blue Demons upset No. 11/10 (NSCAA/Soccer America) USF, 1-0, on Tuesday at Wish Field. Vroom’s goal in the 69th minute was difference as DePaul defeated its third straight ranked opponent at Wish Field.
Rain dominated much of the match as the two teams attempted to play not only each other, but also the wet turf. The two sides combined for just 10 shots in the 90 minutes of action with six by the Bulls and four for the Blue Demons.
In the 28th minute, USF’s Jordan Seabrook got through the DePaul defense on the right flank. His low roller beat DePaul keeper Brian Visser, but Nathan Feltz was at the goalline to keep it in play and out of the Blue Demon net.
DePaul (4-4-3, 3-2-1 BIG EAST) kept on the counterattack and broke through midway through the second half. Erich Reichmann intercepted a pass at midfield and found Vroom on the run. Vroom took the pass and beat a USF defender to set up a one-v-one with USF keeper Jeff Attinella. Attinella charged and Vroom fired a shot from 15 yards that rolled to the back of the net at 68:06.
DePaul’s back line stayed strong over the remaining 20 minutes, but survived a scare in the final minute. Seabrook lofted a shot from 35 yards out that skidded its way through the DePaul defense and caromed off the right post. As a pair of DePaul defenders attempted to clear the ball, USF’s Jorge Mora came charging in, but his attempt from point-blank range sailed over the crossbar.
“It was a great college soccer game with two very technical teams playing with style,” said DePaul coach Craig Blazer. “We are very pleased with our effort and result and look forward to building on this success.”
Four different DePaul players took a shot while Seabrook led USF (6-2-2, 4-1-1 BIG EAST) with three attempts. Each goalkeeper was credited with a save and the Blue Demons totaled six corner kicks to four for the Bulls.
DePaul continues the three-game homestand on Saturday against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Wish Field. The Blue Demons conclude the non-conference schedule next week when Loyola-Chicago visits Lincoln Park on Wednesday.
Game Notes: DePaul has defeated three straight ranked opponents at Wish Field dating back to last season... a year ago, the Blue Demons topped No. 2 Connecticut on Sept. 23 and No. 21 Louisville on Oct. 24... Brian Visser notched his 24th career shutout... the goal was the fifth of Steffen Vroom’s career... all five goals have been game-winners... USF leads the series, 12-3-0... DePaul has won two of the last three meetings.