DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
Syracuse
Blue Demons Get to the Point Against Syracuse
10/9/2010 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
Oct. 9, 2010
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Here is something to point out about DePaul's match with Syracuse Saturday night.
The Blue Demons are officially on the board in the BIG EAST Conference.
The scoreless tie in double overtime with the Orange gave DePaul (3-6-3, 0-2-1) its first point in the league.
That's a step in the right direction after opening the BIG EAST season with setbacks to West Virginia and Villanova.
"We were talking about how much we needed points, and the guys were talking about a three-pointer (win)," said DePaul coach Craig Blazer. "We were doing the things to get a result---working together, playing disciplined defense and staying committed to each other.
"Coming away with the point is meaningful. The guys feel good about themselves right now."
They overcame the absence of stalwart defender John Jandl, who was injured in Friday's practice. His replacement, Jared Blincow, injured his ankle on a high tackle just before halftime with Zach Forbes taking his place.
"We overcame a lot of challenges and showed a lot of guts tonight," Blazer said. "They came flying at us in the first half, and we handled it with good composure.
"This is the best result we've ever had here."
After two previous losses at the SU Soccer Complex, a big difference Saturday night was the goalkeeping debut of John Michael Kulnig.
The sophomore from Maine South stood tall in the face of 22 Syracuse shots and made six saves.
"He was outstanding," Blazer said. "He brought a tremendous amount of energy and confidence.
"Kulnig came up with some big saves. Getting a shutout on the road in your first Division I college start shows the confidence and ability he has."
Kulnig replaced Joe Ferrari, who had started the first 11 matches and recorded three shutouts.
"In training, some guys get better while some starters lose form," Blazer said. "When that happens, you go to the next guy."
The best chances for DePaul to score came from Antonio Aguilar, Art Garza and Andre Gutierrez, who each had a shot on goal.
Aguilar had an opportunity near the end of the second overtime, but Orange goalkeeper Jeremy Vuolo made the save.
"We got back to playing DePaul soccer tonight," Blazer said. "We defended first and made it difficult for Syracuse to get possession."
The Blue Demons will go for the three-pointer against USF in a 3 p.m. match Wednesday at Wish Field at Cacciatore Stadium.
NOTES: Kulnig picked up his first Division I shutout against Syracuse (1-5-4, 0-1-2)... he played at Oakton Community College before moving on to DePaul... Aguilar led the Blue Demon attack with five shots... Alex Mangan took three shots while Garza, Gutierrez and Matt Leinauer each had one shot... Aguilar, Mangan, Charlie Mancuso, Austin Toth, Gutierrez, Leinauer, Willy Lara, Kulnig and Ray De Leon all played the entire 110 minutes... Garza was on the field for 109 minutes... Mangan leads the Blue Demons with 12 points on a team-high five goals and two assists... Aguilar is second with nine points (four goals, one assist)... Lara leads in assists with three... Mangan has taken a team-high 31 shots with 12 shots on goal... Aguilar has 20 shots with 10 on goal.
