DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
Saint Francis (Pa.)
No. 19/14 DePaul Knocks Off Saint Francis 5-0
8/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO - Less than 48 hours after the Blue Demons set a program record for most goals in a game, they kept up the attack Sunday at the Loyola Invitational.
First-half goals by tournament most valuable player Elise Wyatt (fifth of the season), Franny Cerny (first collegiate goal) and Abby Reed (second of the season) sparked a 5-0 victory Sunday over Saint Francis (Pa.) at Loyola Soccer Park.
Following up Friday night's 7-0 win over Eastern Michigan gave No. 19/14 DePaul 12 goals in back-to-back games.
That eclipsed the previous program-high of nine goals in consecutive games back in 2004 when the Blue Demons defeated Northern Iowa 6-1 and two days later topped Marquette 3-0 on Sept. 19.
Sunday's triumph extended DePaul's regular-season undefeated streak to 22 games.
"We had another good game and created a lot of attacking chances," said DePaul coach Erin Chastain as her team improved to 3-0-1. "They have a talented goalkeeper who made some good saves.
"We knew it would be more difficult to score than our Friday game because they try not to let anyone get behind the ball. They defend with 10 players, and it's hard to get behind them. After we scored on Elise's penalty kick, we figured out how to be effective against their strategy and did a nice job."
Wyatt's penalty kick came in the 28th minute. Three minutes later, Cerny beat Red Flash goalkeeper Romina Kunze (ninesaves) near post after a cross from Elizabeth Endy and a pass from Madeline Frick.
Just 55 seconds later, Reed buried a shot inside the far post after Alexa Ben chipped it in to Cerny who set up Reed.
"It took us a little while to get that first goal," Wyatt said. "Our group was a little tentative and not finishing off passes in the final third. After the PK, we knew were going to score more.
"Our 7-0 win on Friday gave the back line confidence after allowing only three shots. Again today, our defense had a solid connection and that allowed our offense to take more chances."
The Blue Demon defense only yielded three shots the entire weekend as DePaul outshot St. Francis 31-0 on Sunday.
Wyatt scored her second goal of the game and fifth of the weekend in the 74th minute on a rebound off Alexa Ben's shot that deflected off the post.
In the 79th minute, Wyatt's corner kick was headed in by Lucy Edwards for her first collegiate goal.
"It was great that Franny and Lucy got their first goals," Wyatt said. "Last year, everyone thought Lucy had scored her first one, but it was officially credited to Alexa Ben. This time, Lucy is a tall player and got her head on the end of a corner kick.
"We are genuinely excited after every goal, but Lucy's was a special one.
"Franny is so hard-working and so deserving of her goal. Franny and the other freshmen are making timely contributions."
DePaul can generate its potent attack from anywhere on the field.
"It is nice to have that balance," Chastain said. "We've had different players on any given day step up and contribute to our offense."
The Blue Demons return to Wish Field on Friday to face Army for the first time in program history.
NOTES: Along with Wyatt, the all-tournament team included Reed, Ben and Sarah Gorden... DePaul has outscored its opponents 14-1 in its first four games... the Blue Demons outshot St. Francis 31-0 on Sunday and had a dominant 14-0 advantage in shots on goal... DePaul came away with an 11-0 margin in corner kicks... Edwards and Cerny each recorded the first goal of their collegiate careers... Wyatt's two goals on Sunday gives her five in the last two games and six on the season... Reed scored her first two goals of the season at the Loyola Invitational... Wyatt had game-highs with seven shots and four shots on goal... Ana Greik took five shots with two on frame... Reed fired off four shots with two on goal... Elizabeth Endy and Elizabeth Parrilli each took three shots with one on goal... Lauren Frasca opened the second half at goalkeeper... Frick picked up her first collegiate assist... on the season, DePaul has outshot opponents 69-27 and holds a 34-10 edge in shots on goal.
