DePaul University Athletics
Men's Soccer Earns Rematch at Villanova
11/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
DePaul at Villanova | Noon | Higgins Soccer Complex
| BIG EAST Digital Network
VILLANOVA, Pa. - DePaul gets a second crack at Villanova in Sunday's BIG EAST Championship opener at the Higgins Soccer Complex.
The Blue Demons (9-7-2) fell behind early and never recovered in a 4-2 loss Oct. 1 at Villanova. Part of that early deficit was an own goal left DePaul chasing two.
Coach Craig Blazer's side outshot the home team 16-12 and both sides had eight shots on goal. Leading the attack was Simon Megally who scored in the 88th minute as all four of the senior's shots were on target.
Villanova (10-6-2) has won five of its last six games and has a six-game home winning streak. The Wildcats have outscored teams 29-23 and hold an 82-67 advantage in points.
Lucas Hodges has six goals and three assists while points leader Miguel Polley has five goals and seven assists for a team-leading 17 points.
The DePaul-Villanova winner advances to the BIG EAST Semifinals and a matchup Thursday at Butler that will kick off at 6 p.m.
Notes
- Villanova is 7-3-1 against DePaul since 2005 when the Blue Demons joined the BIG EAST.
- The Blue Demons are making their second-straight appearance in the BIG EAST Championship and are 2-6-2 in BIG EAST postseason play.
- They advanced to the BIG EAST Semifinals in 2007 and 2008.
- Last year, DePaul jumped out to a 1-0 lead but couldn't hold on in a 2-1 loss at Xavier in the BIG EAST playoff opener.
- The Blue Demons have outscored opponents 28-21 this season with a 32-20 edge in assists.
- Erik Rodriguez is No. 36 in the country in game-winning goals. His seven goals overall this season are a career high.
- Simon Megally's seven scores this season are also a career high.
