DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Want to be Tough on Their Turf
9/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Sept. 30, 2010
CHICAGO - There's no place like home.
That's the prevailing sentiment for DePaul as it opens a critical four-game home stand with a 3 p.m. match on Friday against BIG EAST Conference adversary St. John's.
Following the Red Storm into Wish Field at Cacciatore Stadium is BIG EAST opponent Syracuse for a 1 p.m. match on Sunday.
Next weekend, Rutgers and Seton Hall, who are battling the Blue Demons for a berth in the BIG EAST Championship tournament, are headed to Lincoln Park.
DePaul (6-4-2, 1-2-0 in the BIG EAST) would like to build up its conference record before embarking on a pair of road trips to finish out the BIG EAST season.
"All we're concerned about right now is Friday's game," said DePaul coach Erin Chastain. "Our coaching staff and players are totally focused on St. John's.
"We'll turn the page and concentrate on Syracuse as soon as Friday's game ends.
"We're not thinking about games at the end of the season."
Coaches in every sport endeavor to create a home-field edge. The Blue Demons are 4-2-1 at Wish Field with the losses coming to No. 5/7 Notre Dame and then No. 24/18 Louisville.
"We have played pretty well at home this season," Chastain said. "But in all honesty, we've also done well on the road (2-2-1).
"I just like to be consistent, whether we're home or away."
Chastain has been getting some consistently good performances lately from forwards Ashleigh Goddard and Arianna Foster.
"Ashleigh and Ari have been playing well," Chastain said. "They have both been dangerous and created some good opportunities for our team.
"Actually, everyone is making contributions and making an impact when they're on the field. Kelly Blumberg, Michelle Scandora and Casey Mercurio have also been coming through for us."
St. John's (4-5-1, 1-2-0) comes into Wish Field having lost three of its last four matches. The Red Storm has been outscored 9-6 on the season and outshot 132-106, but has 54 shots on goal to 52 for its opponents.
Amy Marron and Run Stefansdottir lead St. John's with two goals and one assist apiece.
Syracuse (5-4-3, 2-1-0) is undefeated in five of its last six matches, losing 3-0 to Connecticut last Sunday. The Orange is led by Brielle Heitman with four goals and Megan Bellingham with three goals and three assists.
Its physical style of play has resulted in 169 fouls being whistled against Syracuse.
Chastain is hoping for more sparkling performances from a trio of key seniors. Callie Hemming (four goals, two assists) and Lauren Pagone (three goals) are in the midst of career years while Tara Strickland is rounding into form.
"As a senior, you're a veteran who has experience in big games," Chastain said. "You are not going to back down in those situations.
"Callie and Lauren have scored big goals for our team. Our expectation is that they will continue to have big games.
"Tara played well against Cincinnati. We will continue to challenge Tara to raise the level of her game and score big goals for us."
