DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Faces Key BIG EAST Tests Against Xavier, Butler
10/14/2014 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO - This could be a pivotal week for DePaul as the men's soccer team looks to build off a solid performance last weekend against one of the best teams in the country.
The Blue Demons hope to gather momentum for BIG EAST Conference matches Wednesday at Xavier (8-3-1, 2-0-1) and at home Saturday versus Butler (4-5-3, 0-3-0) after holding No. 3/4 Georgetown scoreless for nearly 70 minutes in last Saturday's 2-0 loss at Wish Field.
"We played a very good opening 20 minutes and continued that throughout the first half against one of the best teams that ever played at Wish Field," said DePaul coach Craig Blazer. "I was pleased with the 0-0 score at halftime and with the way we were playing.
"It was unfortunate to give up that goal in the 70th minute, and then the penalty kick ensued in the 78th minute. We did a good job of pressing the ball and doing the extra running. In the first half, we were maintaining good possession in the final third.
"I was encouraged by the performance of the team and how the guys want to keep responding. They have remained focused and keep getting better. We'll take the optimism from our last game into Xavier on Wednesday."
Xavier is receiving votes in the NSCAA/Continental Tire national poll and will step onto its home pitch riding a six-game unbeaten streak. The Musketeers have not lost since a 1-0 overtime setback Sept. 16 at Kentucky.
Since then, they have defeated Bucknell, Marymount, St. John's, Pittsburgh and Seton Hall while tying with Providence.
Xavier is outscoring opponents 19-12 with a 61-35 advantage in points. BIG EAST Honor Roll choice Will Walker leads the team with 12 points on three goals and six assists. Matt Vasquenza has four goals and two assists while Alex Ridsdale has three goals and three assists. Freshman Cory Brown was named BIG EAST Rookie of the Week on Monday.
"Xavier is having a good season, and they are good at home (5-1-0)," Blazer said. "This is a talented group of players. We'll have to play two very good halves of soccer to get the win."
The Blue Demons return home to face Butler in a 1 p.m. match Saturday at Wish Field that will be shown on the new BIG EAST Digital Network. Matt Menzl will handle the play-by-play while Matt Schroeder will serve as the analyst. This will be the first network appearance for the men's soccer team.
The BIG EAST Digital Network is a partnership between the league and FOX Sports to create a conference-specific, year-round HD digital channel via FOX Sports' mobile application, FOX Sports GO. BEDN is offering free live streaming of 80-100 sporting events annually in addition to the authenticated live streaming of BIG EAST events on FOX Sports networks.
Butler has lost its last three matches---two of them against nationally ranked Georgetown and Creighton. The other defeat was to St. John's. The Bulldogs have been outscored 16-15, and opponents have a 44-43 edge in points. Butler does have a 67-52 advantage in shots on goal.
Dangerous forward David Goldsmith leads the way with five goals and two assists. Jeff Adkins has four goals and two assists.
"You can see how competitive the BIG EAST Conference really is," Blazer said. "In this week's NSCAA national poll, Georgetown is No. 3, Creighton No. 6 and Marquette No. 7. We are the only conference with three teams in the top 10.
"We have one BIG EAST win and are very committed to getting another one on Wednesday."