DePaul University
Seton Hall
DePaul's Fresh Look Prevails in BIG EAST Opener
9/24/2011 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
Sept. 24, 2011
CHICAGO - Leave it to the young guys to get DePaul started on a new beginning.
Goals by freshmen David Selvaggi and Kyle Gustafson led the Blue Demons to a 2-1 victory over Seton Hall Saturday in their BIG EAST Conference Opener at Wish Field.
"We got a corner kick in the first half and Mauricio Velasco gave me a good in-swinger that floated over the goalie's head," Gustafson said. "Luckily I was able to get my head down on it. It's always good to get that first one out of the way.
"I've been close to scoring this season, and this is something I've been wanting to do all season. It's good to get the lead in our BIG EAST opener, and I knew we would keep the lead."
Gustafson's score in the 25th minute jump-started the Blue Demons. In the 36th minute, Selvaggi provided an insurance goal that turned out to be the game-winner.
Anthony Hunter made a run down the right side and sent a pass to Selvaggi, who cut inside a Seton Hall defender, took a touch and delivered his fourth goal of the season.
"I was making a run and Zach Forbes called out for Hunter to play the ball across the field," Selvaggi said. "I took a touch to slip past the defender and shot it into the lower corner."
This was Selvaggi's third goal in the two games after scoring a pair in last Wednesday's 4-2 loss at Drake.
"It's just good teamwork," Selvaggi said about his offensive burst. "We're all working together and finding the back of the net---and that's all that matters."
Seton Hall (3-3-2, 0-1-0 in the BIG EAST) scored in the 72nd minute when George Velasquez chipped one into the lower left corner after a pass from Damian Bziukeiwicz.
But goalkeeper Eric Sorby and a Blue Demon back line of Gustafson, Brian Lunar, Matt Leinauer and Austin Toth made the one-goal lead stand up over the final 18 minutes.
"This is a great way to start our BIG EAST campaign," said DePaul coach Craig Blazer. "Now our guys have some optimism moving forward into the rest of our season."
Blazer went with a young lineup, starting six freshmen and four sophomores with junior Antonio Aguilar.
"We're finding ways to bring in new looks," Blazer said. "It keeps everyone on a positive note as we find more opportunities for the guys.
"It's something we have to do with this team being so young. We're not ready yet, so we'll get it done in bits and pieces."
DePaul (2-5-1, 1-0-0) had its most aggressive offense of the season, firing off 21 shots with 12 on goal.
The Blue Demons had two excellent chances late in the second half. With Pirate goalkeeper Mario DeClarico out of the net, Hunter misfired on his attempt.
Thiago Ganancio had a breakaway one-on-one opportunity, but DeClarico came out and made the save.
"Hopefully we can keep this momentum going," Gustafson said. "We're a team that can go on a winning streak in the BIG EAST.
"It was important to get this one. This makes us realize we can win these next games coming up."
DePaul returns to the pitch at noon on Wednesday for a nonconference match against local rival Northwestern at Wish Field.
It will be Field Trip Day with busloads of school children packing Cacciatore Stadium and cheering on the Blue Demons.
NOTES: DePaul outshot Seton Hall 21-11 and had a 12-7 advantage in shots on goal... the 21 shots and 12 shots on goal were both season highs... Selvaggi, Aguilar, Hunter and Forbes each launched four shots... Gustafson took two shots and Velasco, Michael Stankiewicz and Matt Leinauer each took one... Selvaggi had three shots on goal while Forbes and Aguilar had two apiece... Hunter, Velasco, Gustafson, Stankiewicz and Leinauer each had one shot on goal... Gustafson earned his first points and Velasco his first point of the season... Selvaggi leads DePaul with four goals and Aguilar is next with three... freshman Curtis Weir made the first start of his collegiate career... Sorby made his second start of the season and is 2-0-0... he made six saves against Seton Hall... former Blue Demon women's soccer standout Tara Strickland was helping out with game-day operations Saturday and is working with DePaul's marketing department.
