DePaul Secures OT Win Against Drake

Friday, September 7

Des Moines, Iowa

7:00 P.M.

DePaul University

3-2-0

Drake

3-2-0

OT 2

DEPAUL

Drake

9/7/2018 8:01:00 PM | MEN'S SOCCER

Box Score

Bryan Simons scores gamewinner in 94th minute

DES MOINES - With over 80 minutes of the match behind them, the Blue Demons (3-2-0) found a way to score two unanswered goals in their Friday night overtime road victory against the Drake Bulldogs, 2-1.

Drake, who is receiving votes in the latest national poll, struck first in the 16^th minute giving them a 1-0 lead for the majority of the game. DePaul's offensive attack in the second half proved to be worth it as they outshot Drake 12-6, seven of those on goal. Head coach Mark Plotkin noticed the team's increased pace after the first half.

"Offensively, things started to pick up after we went down a goal," Plotkin said. "The guys found a sense of urgency and fought their way back into the game. We moved the ball quickly and were much more active off the ball. I was happy with how many crosses we were able to get off and our increased pressure on Drake's back line."

Captain Harry Hilling would successfully fire an equalizing penalty kick into the net in the 82^nd minute, breaking the deadlock. The remaining eight minutes were scoreless and the game was sent into overtime - the first bonus soccer of the season for the Blue Demons.

"We talked at halftime about how well we finished the half and that the level had to pick up from there," Plotkin said. "They would not allow each other to give in and knew if they kept battling that we would find an equalizer. Jack Richards made a great play to earn the penalty kick and Harry stepped up big to put it away."

Just four quick minutes into overtime, senior midfielder Bryan Simons would give his squad the go-ahead goal to finalize the game and give head coach Mark Plotkin his first career road win. Sophomore midfielder Timmy Iscra picked up the ball on the left flank before passing a defender and sending it towards the near post where Simons was able to capitalize, re-direct the ball and send it into the far post.

Plotkin is extremely excited, as is the team, following this game and looking towards the next step this season.

"I am very excited for our team. Their ability to battle back and respond to adversity is something I am so proud of.

"We'll enjoy this win tonight and get back to work tomorrow preparing for our first Chicago Derby against UIC Tuesday."

Up Next
The Blue Demons will welcome the UIC Flames on Tuesday for another match against an in-state foe. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m.

Social Media
For everything DePaul Men's Soccer, follow the Blue Demons across multiple social media platforms: Twitter or Instagram. Join in the conversation using #playingpossesed and #DPUmsoc.
Be sure to like DePaul on Facebook and check out some of the sights and sounds around DePaul on Twitter or on Instagram.
Miss any of the action? Subscribe to the Blue Demons on YouTube.