DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Are Golden in Historic Win
10/24/2009 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO - Callie Hemming earned herself a new nickname Friday afternoon at Wish Field.
She became DePaul's "Golden Girl" after her golden goal brought about the golden moment in the history of the women's soccer program.
Hemming's deflection of a Tara Strickland free kick in the second overtime gave the Blue Demons a dramatic 2-1 victory over No. 22 Georgetown and sent DePaul soaring into its first-ever BIG EAST Championships.
"Tara had a great service on her free kick, and Lauren (Pagone) made a nice run at the goal to distract the goalkeeper," Hemming said. "I was there at the right spot and redirected the ball."
It was a memorable shot that would redirect a soccer program that had gone 17-49-7 the last four years. DePaul needs at least a tie with Villanova on Sunday to host a first-round playoff game.
"To finally make the BIG EAST tournament is so huge for this program," said Hemming, a junior midfielder. "I'm especially glad for all the seniors who have put in four years of hard work to reach this point.
"We knew the winning goal was coming because we had been pressing hard for more than 90 minutes. Right after I scored, everyone was running around and jumping up and down. It felt great."
DePaul (10-7-2, 5-5-0 in the BIG EAST) dominated right from the start, outshooting the Hoyas 18-5. DePaul had 11 shots on goal as Georgetown goalkeepers Jackie DesJardin and Elizabeth Hanna were forced to make nine saves. DesJardin started in the net but was injured and replaced by Hanna in the second half.
"In my three years here, this is the best game DePaul has ever played," said Blue Demon coach Erin Chastain. "And, this team has the talent and potential to get even better.
"It means a lot to make the BIG EAST tournament. That's why I came here three years ago because I could see the potential of this program. Now, we'd like to do well on Sunday against Villanova and host a first-round playoff game."
The Blue Demons were on the attack the entire first half, firing eight shots at the Hoyas' net while Georgetown (12-4-2, 6-3-1) didn't take a single shot at goalkeeper Claire Hanold.
After a scoreless first half, DePaul's leading scorer Tara Strickland did her thing again. She unleashed a direct free kick from 25 yards away that shot right past Hanna at the 53-minute, 4-second mark. It was the fourth time Strickland has scored off a free kick.
The Hoyas responded with a header goal from Catherine Cabot off a long throw-in by Samantha Baker at 57:23. DePaul had several dangerous scoring chances after that, but couldn't avert overtime.
In the second OT at 104:30, Hemming lifted DePaul to new heights with her second goal of the season.
"It feels so good because we beat Georgetown to get into the BIG EAST tournament," Hemming said. "We wanted to be in control of our own destiny. We wanted to decide our own fate.
"Sunday's game against Villanova is going to be so huge for all of us. We play so well at home in front of our families and friends. It would be great to have our first BIG EAST playoff game at Wish Field."
NOTES: DePaul is 6-1-1 at Wish Field and 4-6-1 away from Lincoln Park... this is the first postseason appearance for the Blue Demons since 2004 when they lost in the first round of the Conference USA tournament 3-1 to St. Louis... DePaul has double-digit wins for the first time since 2003 when it was 14-7-2---the best record in the program's 14-year history... the only other double-digit finish came in 2002 (10-8-1)... the 18-5 margin of shots ties the largest advantage the Blue Demons have enjoyed this season... they outshot Cincinnati 14-1 in a 1-0 victory on Sept. 27 at Wish Field... DePaul had 11 shots on goal to three for Georgetown, which came into Friday's match having outscored its opponents 44-14... Strickland leads the team in goals with seven and in points with 20... this was DePaul's second win over a nationally ranked opponent, beating then-No. 11 Missouri 1-0 in August... Villanova's 2-0 loss to Notre Dame on Friday night leaves the Wildcats in fifth place in the National Division with 12 points---three behind the fourth-place Blue Demons... the fourth-place teams in the National and American Divisions will host playoff openers.
