In an Afternoon of Firsts, DePaul Downs UConn

Sunday, October 10

Chicago, Ill.

1:00 P.M. CT

DePaul University

6-7-0, 3-2-0

Connecticut

6-6-0, 2-3-0

Team	1	2	Final F
UConn	0	0	0
DePaul	0	1	1

In an Afternoon of Firsts, DePaul Downs UConn

10/10/2021 3:56:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER

Box Score

Ellie Mink's first-career goal gives DePaul its first-ever win over UConn

CHICAGO - DePaul women's soccer claimed its third-straight BIG EAST victory by securing a 1-0 win over UConn at Wish Field on Sunday afternoon. The win was the first in program history for the Blue Demons against UConn. DePaul senior Ellie Mink notched her first-career goal in the second half and the DePaul defense held strong, keeping the Huskies at bay to seal the victory.

After controlling the match in the opening minutes, the Blue Demons (6-7, 3-2 BIG EAST) were unable to connect offensive play until Mink converted a header on a free kick in the second half. DePaul's Mollie Eriksson and the rest of the defense dug in to earn a second-straight shutout.

"Our group looked a little off pace today and I wouldn't say it was our best performance," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "However, Sunday games are hard and to grind out a 1-0 win against a good team was huge for us."
DePaul set the pace in the opening minutes on Sunday afternoon. As the Blue Demons looked to connect chances, the Huskies (6-6, 2-3 BIG EAST) settled into their 4-4-2 formation. As the first half progressed, neither side produced many dangerous chances. The Huskies and Blue Demons both totaled four first-half shots with DePaul putting two on target. Katie Godden put a pair of attempts on goal in the final minutes of the first half.

After the break, the Blue Demons seemed to be picking up the offensive energy. In the 56th minute, the Huskies were whistled for a foul in the DePaul attacking end. Megan Malecha lined up the free kick and sent in a high cross into the box. Kristin Boos pulled a defender away with a run to the near-side of the box, and Malecha's pass ended up right on target to Mink. Mink knocked a well-placed header into the bottom left corner to give the Blue Demons a 1-0 lead. The goal was Mink's first of her career.

After gaining the lead, the DePaul defense fought off six UConn second-half shots to seal the win. DePaul repeatedly shut down UConn attempts to move forward. The shutout is the second-straight clean sheet for DePaul after holding Seton Hall scoreless in a 3-0 win on Wednesday.

"I'm glad we were able to capitalize on a set piece which was the difference-maker in the game," said O'Brien. "It's great for our team to grind out these tight games. We will take the three points and be ready for a very good Xavier team on Thursday."

KEY STATS

DePaul has now won three-straight BIG EAST matches after wins over Villanova, Seton Hall and UConn.
The Blue Demons are now 4-2 at home this season and have won three-straight matches at Wish Field
DePaul goalkeeper Mollie Eriksson has now posted five clean sheets in goal this season.
Mink's first-career goal came after firing off eight shots this season prior to Sunday's match.
DePaul claimed the match over the Huskies despite tallying fewer corner kicks and shots than visiting UConn.

UP NEXT

DePaul hosts Xavier at 3 p.m. CT at Wish Field on Thursday, Oct. 14. The match will be broadcast on the BIG EAST Digital Network on FloSports presented by SoFi.

For all of the latest on DePaul Women's Soccer, stay tuned to depaulbluedemons.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.