DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Ready for Rebound Against Drake
9/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
Sept. 20, 2011
CHICAGO - DePaul is hoping for a nice bounce-back match just before the onset of the BIG EAST Conference season.
The Blue Demons tackle Drake (4-3-1) at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa before opening the BIG EAST season Saturday at Wish Field against Seton Hall.
"We are focusing on getting the guys' energy level and confidence back up again," said DePaul coach Craig Blazer in looking to rebound from last Saturday's loss at Western Illinois. "We're going to put together a game plan they can believe in.
"Ultimately, it comes down to believing in each other and executing that game plan."
Drake has lost its last two matches after starting out 4-1-1. The Bulldogs dropped a 3-1 decision to Wisconsin last Friday and two days later fell to Illinois-Chicago 3-2 in double-overtime. DePaul lost to UIC 2-0 Sept. 1 at Toyota Park.
"We had shown progress in the Creighton and Loyola games," Blazer said about the 1-0, double-overtime loss to No. 3/3 Creighton and a 1-1 tie with Loyola Chicago. "There are times when you aren't able to build off every game.
"Our No. 1 objective going forward is to bring the energy and compete. Our guys know that's what we want---now, they just have to go out and do it."
Drake's attack centers around Charles Schwartz (three goals, five assists), Matt Kuhn (four goals), Thomas Ostrander (one goal, three assists) along with Michael Noonan and Erik Boyer with two goals apiece.
The Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 16-14, but have been outshot 125-91. Opponents have put 58 shots on frame compared to 47 for Drake.
"We have to do everything we can, maximize our play, to get a result," Blazer said. "We need our best effort because we are the underdogs going into every game.
"It's got to be a now thing. You've got to stand up, fight and compete. Cross that white line with a group of players who you know can rely on each other."
That could all come in handy against Seton Hall at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
"This is a new season where everybody starts over at 0-0-0," Blazer said. "Teams will be fighting to qualify for the BIG EAST Championship tournament, home-field advantage and a first-round bye.
"BIG EAST games are more competitive and everything is magnified. There are positives if a team is unified.
"The energy and fight, the competitiveness we brought to the Creighton game---that's what we have to bring to every BIG EAST game. All the guys are capable of doing certain things.
"We just have to do those things consistently with a high energy level."
Blazer shares in the doctrine that DePaul Hall of Fame coach Eugene Lenti and assistant coach Nancy Evans preach to their softball players every spring: Control the controllables.
"You can't control an unlucky bounce or a shot that hits off the post," Blazer said. "But the energy and fight you bring to every game is something you can control.
"Each individual in our group has to find a way to work together and to believe in his fellow teammates. Each player has an opportunity to make a contribution that will help unify this team."
Blue Demon Quick Kicks
• DePaul begins its quest for a sixth consecutive appearance in the BIG EAST Championship with its league opener Saturday against Seton Hall.
• Antonio Aguilar leads the Blue Demons in goals with three, points with seven, shots with 18 and shots on goal with 10.
• Aguilar is tied for ninth in the BIG EAST in goals and points per game and tied for 10th in shots per game.
• Goalkeeper Joe Ferrari is tied for seventh in the BIG EAST in saves with 22.
• Ferrari is No. 56 in the nation in saves and Aguilar No. 77 in the nation in goals.
• TopDrawerSoccer.com rates Aguilar the No. 4 player in the BIG EAST Red Division.
• DePaul and Drake share three common opponents. Both lost to UIC while DePaul lost to Western Illinois and Drake tied the Leathernecks. DePaul tied Loyola Chicago while Drake beat the Ramblers.
• Thiago Ganancio has one goal and one assist and is second on the Blue Demons in points.
• David Selvaggi has one goal and Anthony Hunter has one assist.
• After Aguilar's 18 shots, Selvaggi has 13 shots, Ganancio 10 and Michael Stankiewicz eight.
• After Aguilar's 10 shots on goal, Selvaggi has five and Ganancio and Stankiewicz have three apiece.
• Aguilar, Selvaggi, Ganancio, John Jandl, Austin Toth and Kyle Gustafson have started every game this season.
