DePaul University Athletics
Saturday, October 7
Akron, Ohio
11:00 a.m.
DePaul University
at
No. 5 Akron
Blue Demons Face Fifth-Ranked Akron on Saturday
10/6/2023 8:39:00 PM | MEN'S SOCCER
DePaul, Akron face off for the first time in program history
CHICAGO – DePaul men's soccer will face it's second ranked opponent in a week when the Blue Demons travel to take on No. 5 Akron on Saturday, Oct. 7 at FirstEnergy Stadium. The match will be streamed on the BIG EAST Digital Network carried on FloFC. First touch between unfamiliar conference foes is set for 11 a.m. CT.
Setting the Scene
The Blue Demons (2-6-2, 0-3 BIG EAST) head into the back half of BIG EAST play with heightened confidence after closing out non-conference action on Wednesday with a 3-1 upset against No. 25 UIC. It was a complete team effort that led DePaul to its first win since August 24, but freshman forward Noeh Hernandez led the way with a pair of goals, the first of his collegiate career. Junior Nathaniel Enriquez also found the back of the net for the second time in his career. Senior forward Marek Gonda tallied a pair of assists. Hernandez paces the Blue Demons in most offensive categories including goals (2), shots (20), shots on goal (8) and points (5). Junior goalkeeper Gandhi Cruz has been a bright spot on the back line, making 53 saves on the season to rank fifth nationally. Cruz's six saves against the Flames pushed his career total over 200.
About the Zips
The nationally ranked and respected Zips come into Saturday's matchup as one of nine teams in Division I that remain unbeaten at 7-0-4. Akron is coming off a 2-0 non-conference victory over Northern Kentucky on the road on Tuesday. The Zips boast a high-powered offensive attack highlighted by a nation's best eight shot on goal per contest as well as nearly 20 shots a match. Akron's 22 goals on the season ranks 15th among Division I programs. Junior forward Jason Shokalook is the catalyst on the front line, with a team-best eight goals including a pair of game winners. Jared Embick is in his 11th season leading the Akron program.
Series Stuff
Saturday's matchup marks the first between the two programs.
Up Next: Following another ranked matchup, the Blue Demons will return home to play three of their four remaining regular season matches at Wish Field. Butler is set to visit Lincoln Park on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Men's Soccer, visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Setting the Scene
The Blue Demons (2-6-2, 0-3 BIG EAST) head into the back half of BIG EAST play with heightened confidence after closing out non-conference action on Wednesday with a 3-1 upset against No. 25 UIC. It was a complete team effort that led DePaul to its first win since August 24, but freshman forward Noeh Hernandez led the way with a pair of goals, the first of his collegiate career. Junior Nathaniel Enriquez also found the back of the net for the second time in his career. Senior forward Marek Gonda tallied a pair of assists. Hernandez paces the Blue Demons in most offensive categories including goals (2), shots (20), shots on goal (8) and points (5). Junior goalkeeper Gandhi Cruz has been a bright spot on the back line, making 53 saves on the season to rank fifth nationally. Cruz's six saves against the Flames pushed his career total over 200.
About the Zips
The nationally ranked and respected Zips come into Saturday's matchup as one of nine teams in Division I that remain unbeaten at 7-0-4. Akron is coming off a 2-0 non-conference victory over Northern Kentucky on the road on Tuesday. The Zips boast a high-powered offensive attack highlighted by a nation's best eight shot on goal per contest as well as nearly 20 shots a match. Akron's 22 goals on the season ranks 15th among Division I programs. Junior forward Jason Shokalook is the catalyst on the front line, with a team-best eight goals including a pair of game winners. Jared Embick is in his 11th season leading the Akron program.
Series Stuff
Saturday's matchup marks the first between the two programs.
Up Next: Following another ranked matchup, the Blue Demons will return home to play three of their four remaining regular season matches at Wish Field. Butler is set to visit Lincoln Park on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Men's Soccer, visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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