DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Faces BIG EAST Challenge Saturday at Villanova
9/30/2016 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
DePaul at Villanova| Noon Saturday | Higgins Soccer Complex
| BIG EAST Digital Network
CHICAGO - There is no better time than Saturday for DePaul to begin making a successful run through its BIG EAST schedule.
It was about this time last season when the Blue Demons began to overcome a slow start with a winning record in the BIG EAST that led to a berth in the conference playoffs.
DePaul (5-3-2, 0-2-0) is on the road to face a Villanova team this weekend that is off to a 5-3-1 start with a 1-1-0 mark in the league.
The Wildcats have outscored their opponents 13-11, are even in points at 34-34 and have a 52-51 edge in shots on goal.
Their top marksmen are Lucas Hodges and Jacob Anderson with three goals apiece while Miguel Polley has four assists. Anderson has knocked in a pair of game-winning shots.
A key component to keeping the Villanova attack in check is the Blue Demon back line of Caleb Pothast, Max de Bruijne, Anton Sell and Sasa Labovic. Goalkeeper Quentin Low will also need to be on top of his game.
Notes
- DePaul entered the week No. 4 in the nation in total assists, No. 7 in total points and No. 8 in total goals.
- According to NCAA statistics, Low is No. 4 in the country in goalkeeper minutes and Simon Megally is No. 19 in points and No. 32 in goals. Megally and Hans Wustling are No. 29 in the nation in assists.
- The Blue Demons began the week leading the BIG EAST in points and assists and second in goals.
- Down 2-0 last year at Wish Field, DePaul rallied for a 3-2 win over Villanova as Megally converted a penalty kick in the 85th minute.
- Megally leads the team with five goals while Erik Rodriguez has four scores. Jake Scheper and Philipp Koenigstein have each found the back of the net three times.
- Coach Craig Blazer's side has a quick turnaround after this weekend with a Tuesday match at Wish Field against No. 12 Loyola Chicago.
