DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Hoping to Travel Well
10/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Oct. 14, 2010
CHICAGO - Kelly Blumberg will never forget her first BIG EAST Conference playoff game.
It was also the first time the DePaul women's soccer team had ever qualified for the BIG EAST Championship tournament.
The Blue Demons missed an opportunity last year to secure home-field advantage for their playoff opener and had to travel to Tampa.
"The USF fans were yelling and screaming at us," Blumberg said, also recalling the signs and banners hung around the Bulls' stadium meant to intimidate the playoff newcomers.
"They were trying to get into us. They did a lot of screaming at Claire (goalkeeper Claire Hanold)."
DePaul lost 1-0 on a late USF goal.
"After playing at USF, we know how important it is to have home field in the playoffs." Blumberg said.
The Blue Demons have a daunting task trying to secure a home playoff match despite playing their final four BIG EAST games on the road.
It begins Friday with a 2 p.m. match at Providence. Two days later, DePaul will face Connecticut in a noon showdown.
The Blue Demons are 2-2-1 away from Lincoln Park, 1-0 in the BIG EAST.
"This team is tough, and the seniors have been through a lot with this program," said DePaul coach Erin Chastain. "They have been in a lot of tight games, and they're leading the group in the right direction.
"Our players believe in themselves, and believe in what we're telling them as a staff. They've really embraced it."
It shows up in the four overtime wins---the most in one season in the program's 15-year history.
It shows up in the current five-game winning streak---the most since 2002.
In advance of the road challenge, the Blue Demons swept four straight at Wish Field at Cacciatore Stadium.
"One of our goals at the beginning of the season was to be undefeated at home," said Michelle Scandora, who was named BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week last Monday.
"We didn't quite make it (8-2-1 at home), but we did show a lot of pride playing on our home field.
"Those last four games meant a lot to us. Those wins put us in a good position in the BIG EAST and gave us a little cushion."
DePaul (10-4-2), 5-2-0) is locked in a battle with Georgetown (11-4-0, 5-2-0) for second place in the National Division behind Notre Dame (13-1-0, 7-0-0).
The top two teams advance directly to the quarterfinals and host that game.
"We're excited about this trip," Chastain said. "It's fun t be at different colleges and experiencing different campuses.
"Providence is a good team, and just like us, looking for points in the BIG EAST."
The Friars are 8-4-2 overall and 2-3-2 in conference. They have outscored teams 21-14 and outshot them 242-155. Providence has a 95-70 edge in shots on goal.
Leading the way are Amanda Webster with six goals and Jill Camburn with four goals and five assists.
Connecticut (7-6-2, 3-3-1) has outscored its opponents 24-15 and outshot them 264-190. The Huskies enjoy a 120-80 advantage in shots on goal
Angelika Johansson has only taken 11 shots, but nine have been on goal and six have found the back of the net. Jessica Shufelt has five goals and three assists.
This is not going to be easy.
"You just can't let all the distractions get in your way," Blumberg said. "Being on the road this year is different because we have so many returning players with experience traveling.
"That was so huge winning those four home games. It brought a lot of confidence for the whole team.
"We took care of business at home, and now we've got to get some wins on the road."
