DePaul University
3-2-0, 2-2-0
Butler
7-1-0, 4-1-0
Hoard’s First-Career Goal Lifts Blue Demons Past Butler
3/21/2021 3:06:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
DePaul takes down Butler at Wish Field on Sunday afternoon
CHICAGO - DePaul women's soccer secured a 1-0 win over previously undefeated Butler on Sunday afternoon at Wish Field. Senior midfielder Mikaela Hoard scored in the first half and the Blue Demons (3-2, 2-2 BIG EAST) maintained the clean sheet to claim their second conference win of the season.
"I'm really proud of our team for executing the game plan we came in with," said head coach Erin Chastain. "We were very disciplined and didn't give up any clean looks to Butler. We were also able to create some dangerous chances."
Butler (7-1, 4-1 BIG EAST), a team that was coming off of consecutive 4-0 wins over Xavier and Creighton, was held in check all afternoon by the Blue Demons defensive unit. The Bulldogs were only able to muster four shots with two ending up on goal.
Meanwhile, the Blue Demons midfield unit controlled the pace of the game and opened up chances for Kristin Boos, Morgan Turner and Bina Saipi. Turner fired off six shots while the Blue Demons totaled 12 as a team with five ending up on goal.
In the 24th minute, Turner lined up a free kick from just outside the Bulldog 18-yard box. Turner sent in a hard shot that was glanced away by the Butler keeper. The ball deflected off the crossbar and Hoard was positioned perfectly to head the ball home. Hoard's goal was the first of her career and the senior from Mequon, Wis. is now the fifth Blue Demon to score this season.
After the halftime break, the Blue Demons settled in to defend the one-goal lead. DePaul anchored down, holding the Bulldogs away from key attacking positions. The Blue Demons were also able to possess the ball and control the pace, mixing in counter attack opportunities while managing the one-goal advantage.
DePaul sealed its second BIG EAST win of the 2020-21 season and handed the Bulldogs their first defeat of the spring. DePaul holds an even 2-2 conference record with four contests yet to be played.
UP NEXT
DePaul travels north to take on Marquette on Thursday at noon CT. The Blue Demons matchup with the Golden Eagles for the second time this season. Marquette claimed a 3-1 win at Wish Field back on March 7.
For all of the latest on DePaul Women's Soccer, stay tuned to depaulbluedemons.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Team Stats
Mikaela Hoard (1)
GOAL by DPU Hoard, Mikaela.
24:29
