Blue Demons Suffer Setback versus UIC

Wednesday, September 15

Chicago, Ill.

1:00 P.M. CT

DePaul University

3-2-0, 0-0-0

UIC

2-2-2, 0-1-0

UIC

DePaul

9/15/2021 4:07:00 PM | MEN'S SOCCER

Box Score

Flames Claim Chicago Matchup, 1-0

CHICAGO - DePaul men's soccer could not make it four-straight wins, dropping a 1-0 decision versus UIC on Wednesday afternoon at Wish Field in Chicago. A first-half UIC goal was the difference in the match that saw the Blue Demons (3-2) end up unsuccessful in the attacking end. UIC (2-2-2) outshot the Blue Demons 15-9 and drew three corner opportunities to DePaul's one.

Early on, DePaul controlled the pace of the match, attempting to assemble attacks in the UIC defensive end. DePaul's Marek Gonda and Jack Richards both fired shots on target in the first 20 minutes. Towards the end of the first half, the physicality of the match picked up and the Flames picked their chances to attack in the DePaul end.

With five minutes left in the first half, UIC lined up a corner. On a cross to the back post, the ball was deflected in front of the DePaul net. Pau Mateo was parked in front of the net and was able to knock a close shot home to give the Flames a 1-0 advantage.

In the second half, DePaul pushed forward, looking to equalize. The UIC defense was able to limit dangerous chances and the Blue Demons were unable to connect on attacking runs. A handful of offsides calls canceled out Blue Demon chances.

With six minutes to go, Gonda was sent a quick through ball that ended up being corralled by the Flames' outstretched keeper. The chance, which was one of the best for DePaul down the stretch, was negated. In the end, the Blue Demons totaled five second-half shots and just one corner opportunity. UIC held on to claim its second win of the season while the Blue Demons moved to 3-2.

KEY STATS

The UIC victory was its fifth-straight versus DePaul
DePaul saw its three-match winning streak snapped in the loss. The Blue Demons have played exclusively one-goal games so far this season.
The match saw both teams up the intensity in the second half. UIC totaled 11 of its 18 fouls in the final 45 minutes and the Blue Demons totaled six of their 10 in the second period
Richards, Gonda and Youseff Ramadan led the Blue Demons with two shots apiece
Freshman Julian Saldana earned his third-straight start and logged a full 90 minutes for the first time in his young career.

UP NEXT
The Blue Demons will be back in action this weekend, hosting Oakland on Saturday, Sept. 18 for Alumni Day. For more information about the Alumni Day festivities and to RSVP, click here. DePaul begins the BIG EAST slate on Saturday, Sept. 25 by hosting Connecticut.

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