DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Continue Progress Through Spring Season
5/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO -- Soccer's version of spring training yielded some positive results for the Blue Demon men's program in preparation for the upcoming fall season.
DePaul was looking to build on last season's strong finish that saw coach Craig Blazer's side engineer a remarkable turnaround after a slow start. The surge that kicked in during the BIG EAST Conference season boosted the team into the league's postseason tournament for the first time since 2011.
"We worked and collaborated every day with our players showing a lot of enthusiasm from the success of qualifying for the BIG EAST tournament last fall," Blazer said. "We faced numerous challenges in the spring season that allowed us to evaluate where we are. Now, we have a clear picture of our players, and overall, we are encouraged with their progress."
In some ways, the spring season mirrored last year's come-from-behind mentality. The Blue Demons started out the exhibition slate 0-2-1 with a 1-1 tie against Western Michigan, a 2-0 loss to Davenport and a 1-0 setback versus Notre Dame.
They rebounded to finish 2-1-1 with a 2-2 draw against Valparaiso, a 5-1 victory over Northwestern, a 2-0 loss versus Loyola and closing out the spring season with a 1-0 win over the University of Chicago.
"Our guys competed very well in every game," Blazer said. "They had success, and when they didn't, they were able to react and quickly find solutions. As a result, we played with a lot more consistency during games and throughout the spring."
DePaul was at its best facing rival Northwestern in Evanston. Caleb Pothast opened the scoring after an assist from Hans Wustling. Kevin Beyer's penalty kick was his second goal of the spring. John Freitag then set up Jake Scheper for the third score.
Philipp Koenigstein scored his first goal of the spring unassisted and Freitag closed out the scoring on a cross from Kosta Brkovic.
Freitag led the way in the offseason with three goals and one assist for seven points in seven spring matches including the game-winner against University of Chicago and the tying goal versus Valparaiso.
Beyer found the back of the net twice for four points and Scheper matched that point total with a goal and two assists. Austin Harrell finished with a goal and an assist while Pothast and Koenigstein each scored once. Wustling and Brkovic had one assist apiece. Goalkeepers Quentin Low and Spencer Ward performed well throughout the spring.
"We are looking to continue building on the spring season, developing through the summer and right up to the fall season so our guys are ready for every challenge and opportunity," Blazer said. "We like the way they managed the layoff during spring break.
"These guys are very committed and invested in the program and want to continue improving every day."
