DePaul University Athletics
Sterbenz Sends DePaul Into the BIG EAST Tournament
11/1/2008 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO With the clock winding down in the first overtime period, John Kornfeld found Peter Sterbenz at the back post for the game-winning goal to send DePaul to a 1-0 victory over visiting Villanova. With the win, the Blue Demons set themselves up to host a first-round match in the BIG EAST Tournament on Wednesday. The finalized pairings will be announced on Monday evening following the St. John’s-Rutgers game.
DePaul (7-6-4, 5-4-2 BIG EAST) pressured the Villanova defense throughout the afternoon totaling 14 corner kicks and 12 shots. The Wildcats didn’t break through regulation and most of the first overtime period.
With four minutes left in the first extra session, Kornfeld lofted a serve from the right flank towards the back post. His pass found Sterbenz in stride and he headed home the game-winner at 96:07. The dramatic goal set off a wild celebration from the DePaul bench.
DePaul goalkeeper Brian Visser made four saves and registered his 10th shutout of the season. The shutout ties his season record set a year ago. Villanova (7-9-2, 4-5-2 BIG EAST) finished the game with five shots and five corner kicks.
The Blue Demons will learn their BIG EAST Tournament seed and opponent following the completion of regular-season games. Saturday night in the BIG EAST features Louisville at Syracuse, Notre Dame at West Virginia and Rutgers at USF. The last BIG EAST game of the regular season is Monday night when St. John’s visits Rutgers. To get the latest BIG EAST information, go to www.bigeast.org.
Game Notes: DePaul is now 5-0-4 in the last nine overtime matches... the goal for Peter Sterbenz was the fourth of his career... Brian Visser’s shutout tied his own season record of 10 set in 2007... it was also his 27th career shutout... the series between the two teams is now tied, 2-2-0.