DePaul University
3-5-0, 0-0-0
Eastern Illinois
2-5-1, 0-0-0
DePaul Blows Past Eastern Illinois in 3-0 Win
9/18/2021 6:38:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Blue Demons find offensive groove in win
CHICAGO - DePaul women's soccer got back into the win column on Saturday afternoon, cruising past Eastern Illinois on Alumni Day, 3-0. A first-half goal by Olivia Cooke and second-half strikes by Kristin Boos and Morgan Turner were enough to seal a convincing DePaul victory.
"I'm really happy that we scored three goals at home on Alumni Day to get this win in our last non-conference match," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "We came out a little slow but were able to execute our chances once we got into the flow of things."
After being held scoreless for four straight matches versus tough non-conference opponents, the Blue Demons attempted to get the attack synchronized on Saturday afternoon. While both teams found their footing in the early going, DePaul looked to assemble quality offensive chances. In the 38th minute, Ellie Mink found a lofted ball in the top portion of the attacking box. She headed an attempt on goal but the ball struck the left goalpost and bounced out of danger.
Minutes later, the Blue Demons were able to convert. Boos played a long through-ball to Cooke who made a long run, found the ball, and tucked a shot home to get the Blue Demons on the board. Cooke's goal was the first of her career which included three seasons at USF. After starting the season in a defensive role, Cooke has transitioned into an attacking option for the Blue Demons.
After heading into the half with a 1-0 lead, the Blue Demons came out of the break with a desire to pull away. In the 50th minute, Grace Phillpotts played a perfect ball forward to Boos who corralled the ball and knocked in an arcing shot to make it 2-0. The goal for Boos was her first of the season after starting the fall by battling through an injury.
Less than 20 minutes later, Phillpotts set up another opportunity with a great lobbed pass. This time, the sophomore defender found Turner on the back post for a header that found the back of the net. The 67th-minute goal by Turner made the score 3-0.
DePaul held on to close out the win, giving the Blue Demons' their second home win of the season. The scoring outburst was needed after DePaul had been stifled by tough non-conference opponents over the last two weeks.
"This win was a great ending to our last non-conference match," said O'Brien. "We will have a week to prepare for conference play next weekend and we're excited to play a really competitive BIG EAST schedule."
KEY STATS
- Cooke's goal was her first collegiate strike through 33 games of action between USF and DePaul.
- Boos's strike was the junior's first since a goal versus Creighton earlier this spring during the 2020-21 season. Boos scored three times as a freshman in 2019.
- Turner extended her team-lead in scoring, posting her fourth goal of the season. The Blue Demons are now 3-0 this season when Turner finds the back of the net.
- Goalkeeper Mollie Eriksson and the rest of the defense posted their third shutout of the season. Each of the Blue Demons' three victories this season have been shutouts. Eriksson made three saves in Saturday's win.
UP NEXT
DePaul begins BIG EAST play next weekend, heading to the east coast to take on St. John's on Sunday, Sept. 26. The match is scheduled for a noon CT start and will be broadcast on the BIG EAST Digital Network presented by FloSports.
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
Olivia Cooke (1)
Assisted By: Kristin Boos
GOAL by DPU Cooke, Olivia Assist by Boos, Kristin.
43:03
Kristin Boos (1)
Assisted By: Grace Phillpotts
GOAL by DPU Boos, Kristin Assist by Phillpotts, Grace.
50:17
Morgan Turner (4)
Assisted By: Grace Phillpotts
GOAL by DPU Turner, Morgan Assist by Phillpotts, Grace.
67:13
