DePaul’s Late Goal Pushes Past Villanova for Senior Day Victory

Sunday, October 22

Chicago, Ill.

12:30 P.M. CT

DePaul University

6-6-4, 2-4-3

Villanova

4-6-7, 1-6-2

Villanova

DePaul

DePaul’s Late Goal Pushes Past Villanova for Senior Day Victory

10/22/2023 6:37:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER

Box Score

The Blue Demons defeat the Wildcats

CHICAGO – DePaul women's soccer defeated Villanova, 1-0 in the team's final home match of the season. After honoring DePaul's seniors, the team continued the celebration when Susie Soderstrom connected on the game winning goal in the second half.

"What an exciting win for our team," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "At home on senior day, in front of a great crowd on a beautiful fall day, it was a must win game. We didn't play our best soccer today, but what we did have was a ton of belief, passion and grit and a fighting mentality to get it done. And that we did. It was a great team effort and I'm proud of Susie for coming up big and finding the back of the net."

DePaul (6-6-4, 2-4-3 BIG EAST) and Villanova (4-5-8, 1-5-3 BIG EAST) each got off to a cagey start, generating shots on both sides within the first 25 minutes. Fifth-year goalkeeper Elena Milam tallied only one save in the first half, thanks to defensive efforts by Grace Menser, Lina Dantes, Kristen Schwartz and Schuyler Riese.

The defenders kept the Wildcats at bay, only granting three shots in comparison to DePaul's 10 in the first 45 minutes.

Both teams went into the half scoreless, until the 85th minute, when a pass from Ellie Mink gave Soderstrom an open opportunity in Villanova's box. With a quick strike, the Blue Demons found themselves on the board, leading the Wildcats, 1-0, with less than five minutes remaining.

Villanova rushed to find an answer, almost tripling their shot attempts from the first half, but came up unsuccessful. The Blue Demons earned three points with the victory and Milam recorded the fourth shutout of her career.

UP NEXT: The Blue Demons cap off their 2023 season with an away game at St. John's on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. CT.

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