DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Strong Up the Middle with Megally, Rodriguez, Beyers
9/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO - DePaul is developing a potent connection in the midfield with the sophomore trio of Simon Megally, Erik Rodriguez and Kevin Beyer.
Those three along with team captains Koray Yesilli, Art Garza and Brian Hindle plus goalkeeper Mack Robinson will lead the Blue Demons into a noon match on Wednesday against Drake at Wish Field.
Megally has three goals and one assist in the first five games of the season and scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Utah Valley in the home opener.
The midfielder from Maine South leads DePaul in goals with three, in points with seven and in shots on goal with nine. He enters the week fifth in the BIG EAST Conference in goals and points.
"We're not surprised by Simon's success," said DePaul coach Craig Blazer. "He has progressed after playing a lot last fall and spring. He has a very high soccer IQ and his work rate is fantastic. He is also very technically sound.
"At the end of the day, Simon is one of our best fighters and a real competitive player with a little edge to him. He is a pre-med student and very intelligent.
"Playing alongside classmates Kevin Beyer and Erik Rodriguez in the midfield, they have formed a real nice connection on and off the field. They work hard for each other. That trio has a very mature approach of how you are going to win games."
They help to set the tone for a youthful Blue Demon team where a mix of three sophomores and five freshmen are making solid contributions on the field.
Team leadership comes from seniors Yesilli, Garza, Jake Douglas and Anthony Hunter along with academic junior Hindle and junior Robinson who leads the BIG EAST in saves per game and is second in total saves.
"This is a young team that is still gaining experience as the season moves along," Blazer said. "We are encouraged by the way the guys have responded to our coaching. Our leaders are starting to run the team and have taken responsibility in a lot of ways.
"The guys are very receptive to new information, and that's a big part of their development. They understand the blueprint, and as a result, they realize what is expected. They are starting to demand more of each other. They know what is working and what needs to be eliminated to get results.
"Our players weren't satisfied with the tie against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville last Saturday. But at the same time, they realized they had done a lot of good things out there."
They would like to continue moving forward on Wednesday.
"We talked to our guys about taking it one half at a time, keeping the zero and scoring first," Blazer said. "These next five games provide an opportunity to build some momentum. We all know that we have to keep getting better, and for us to win, we have to be at our best on both sides of the ball."
Drake has gotten off to a 1-3-1 start with a victory over Green Bay, losses to Milwaukee, Illinois-Chicago and Marquette and a tie with Houston Baptist. The Bulldogs have been outscored 8-5 and opponents hold a 27-23 edge in shots on goal.
"We know we have a challenge on Wednesday, and we realize we are capable of coming away with a win," Blazer said. "Drake is a very consistent and successful program. We play the Bulldogs every season, and a great rivalry has developed over the years.
"We did everything we could last year to get a point at their field in a 0-0, double-overtime tie. We're trying to get a good result with the game at Wish Field this year."
