DePaul University
2-1-0, 0-0-0
UIC
0-2-1, 0-0-0
Early Offense Leads DePaul Past UIC
8/29/2021 7:51:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Turner scores twice while Smyth notches first career score
CHICAGO - DePaul women's soccer cruised to a 3-0 win versus UIC at Wish Field on Sunday evening behind a pair of Morgan Turner goals. The Blue Demons came out of the gates quickly, scoring three goals in the game's first 22 minutes to gain control in the first half. Beth Smyth also found the back of the net, notching her first-career score.
After assembling an offensive attack during the match's opening moments, DePaul found its first dangerous chance in the ninth minute. Smyth fired off a shot from within the box in a two-on-one situation and when the ball was parried away by the Flames keeper, Turner found the ball and knocked a quick shot home.
Ten minutes later, Sydney Parker whipped in a cross that found Smyth towards the top of the 18. Smyth gathered the ball, found space to her right, and tucked a shot over the UIC goalkeeper. The goal was the first for the sophomore after she totaled four shots in last Thursday's win over Oakland.
DePaul kept focus on the attacking end and just moments later, the effort paid off again. Turner and Smyth executed a quick give-and-go that allowed Turner to find space for a clean shot. From just outside the box, Turner fired a high shot into the top corner to give DePaul a commanding 3-0 lead.
"I loved that we came out with a ton of energy," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "It was great to dominate early and score three goals in the first 23 minutes. Morgan and Beth executed perfectly in the attacking end early on."
After a weather delay in the 27th minute due to lightning, the sides played to the half with DePaul leading 3-0. UIC found more control in the second half, holding the Blue Demons scoreless. UIC keeper Lena Kurz made three second half saves. Meanwhile, DePaul's defensive unit kept the Flames out of dangerous areas, holding on to win 3-0.
"We never let up and were physical for the entire 90 minutes," said O'Brien. "I'm proud of the team for not allowing any goals through the last two games and for having a complete weekend. We still have a lot to improve, and we'll be ready for a tough Milwaukee team on Thursday."
KEY STATS
- DePaul controlled most of the match, outshooting the Flames 20-3
- Smyth's goal was the first of her career. The sophomore played in five games last season, starting four.
- Turner's two-goal game was her first since November 1, 2019, when she notched a pair in a 4-0 win over Marquette. Turner has now scored in back-to-back games for the fifth time in her career and has three goals through three games this season.
- Mollie Eriksson and the Blue Demon defense tallied a shutout, the second for the Blue Demons of the season.
UP NEXT
DePaul begins a two-game road trip with a matchup versus Milwaukee on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. The Blue Demons will then travel to take on the Michigan Wolverines at noon CT on Sunday, Sept. 5. DePaul returns to Wish Field for a matchup versus Loyola on Thursday, Sept. 9.
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
Morgan Turner (3)
Assisted By: Beth Smyth
GOAL by DPU Turner, Morgan Assist by Smyth, Beth.
09:45
Beth Smyth (1)
Assisted By: Sydney Parker
GOAL by DPU Smyth, Beth Assist by Parker, Sydney.
19:11
Morgan Turner (3)
Assisted By: Beth Smyth
GOAL by DPU Turner, Morgan Assist by Smyth, Beth.
21:23
