DePaul Wins Wild Affair Over Oakland

Saturday, September 18

Chicago, Ill.

Noon CT

DePaul University

4-2-0, 0-0-0

Oakland

2-3-1, 1-0-0

Oakland

DePaul

9/18/2021 3:32:00 PM | MEN'S SOCCER

Box Score

Blue Demons score twice in second half on Alumni Day

CHICAGO - DePaul men's soccer topped the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in a closely contested 3-1 affair on Alumni Day in Lincoln Park on Saturday afternoon. Jack Richards and Jacob Huth scored crucial second-half goals to propel the Blue Demons to their fourth win of the season.

To begin the match, Oakland controlled the offensive pace. The Golden Grizzlies created a handful of dangerous chances in the first 20 minutes. However, the Blue Demon defense dealt with each chance to keep the match scoreless. Gandhi Cruz made two saves on point-blank opportunities, managing the match between the pipes. Cruz totaled six first-half saves to keep the Golden Grizzlies off of the board.

With time winding down in the first, Santi Rodriguez found the ball with space on the right attacking wing. Freshman Julian Saldana forced a turnover and found Rodriguez who made a quick move to the inside and tucked a left-footed shot into the far corner of the goal. The strike gave DePaul a 1-0 lead and was the second score of the season for the sophomore. Entering halftime, the Blue Demons had been outshot 11-3 but clung to a 1-0 advantage thanks to the efforts of Cruz in goal and Rodriguez on the attack.

To begin the second, the Golden Grizzlies kept up the offensive pressure. In the 50th minute, Oakland captain Noah Jensen rifled a perfect shot into the upper corner, past Cruz. The score tied the match at one as both teams battled for control.

Down the stretch, the Blue Demons picked chances on counter attacks to push for a go-ahead strike. Jake Fuderer lined up a handful of free kick opportunities on the wing, swinging in crosses that the Golden Grizzlies were able to deal with.

In the 85th minute, the Blue Demons' efforts paid off. Fuderer streaked down the sideline, beating two Oakland defenders, and flicked a ball in front of the net where Richards calmly knocked it home. The go-ahead goal was his team-leading fourth of the season.

With Oakland attacking attempting to tie the match, the Blue Demons sparked a counter opportunity. Huth found the ball on the run after a pass from Rodriguez and beat a pair of Oakland defenders. Huth tucked in a low shot past the Oakland keeper to add insurance to DePaul's lead, making it 3-1. Huth's first goal of the season sealed the deal, giving DePaul a 3-1 win.

KEY STATS

Richards' game-winning goal was his second of the season, a team high. His four goals are the most ever for the senior in a single season.
Cruz made eight saves in the win, a career-high. Cruz has made six or more saves in three of his six starts this season.
Coming off of the bench in the win, Fuderer totaled a team-high four shots along with the key assist on the go-ahead goal.
Youseff Ramdan, Jacob Seeto and Kristian Malinich made their first starts of the season in the victory.
DePaul improves to 4-2 this season after the win. The Blue Demons have won four of the last five after dropping the season opener versus Loyola.

UP NEXT
DePaul hosts Connecticut in the BIG EAST opener next Saturday at 1 p.m. at Wish Field. The Blue Demons will play one final non-conference matchup, at Northwestern, on Wednesday, Sept. 29.

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