DePaul University
1-1-0, 0-0-0
Samford
0-1-1, 0-0-0
DePaul Takes Down Samford 2-1, Winning Its First Match of the Season
8/20/2023 4:24:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
The Blue Demons Bring Home the Win
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – DePaul women's soccer (1-1) closed out its two-game road stint with a 2-1 victory over RV Samford, Sunday afternoon. The two-time defending SoCon Champions scored first, but DePaul answered in the second half with two connections to take its first win of the season.
"Our response in the second half was exceptional," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "We started the game a little sluggish and off the pace, but showed up in the second half with a ton of heart, passion and fight. Sunday games are a grind, especially on the road, and we found a way to execute and deserved the win. Our veteran players really took ownership at the end of the half to put the game away."
The Bulldogs took charge on the field upon the starting whistle, scoring within the first five minutes of the match to take an early lead. Goalkeeper Elena Milam held Samford at bay with assistance from Kristen Schwartz, Ebba Costow and Beth Smyth. Milam tallied six saves in the net, fending off late chances from Samford.
In the second half, the Blue Demons picked up the offensive pressure in their attacking third. Freshman forward Mya Gardner netted the first goal of her collegiate career with an assist from Susie Soderstrom in the 54th minute to tie the game, 1-1. The Bulldogs were frantic to take back the lead, but the Blue Demons beat them to the punch. In the 76th minute, Ellie Mink notched what proved to be the go-ahead goal, with a header off the boot of Ebba Costow on a Blue Demons corner kick.
Trailing by a goal late, Samford looked for the equalizer, but was unable to answer, granting DePaul its first victory of the season.
UP NEXT
DePaul welcomes Green Bay to Lincoln Park for its home opener, Thursday, Aug. 24 for a 4 p.m. CT matchup.
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS
For all the latest information on DePaul Women's Soccer, visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
2023 TICKET INFORMATION
Season ticket packages for the 2023 DePaul Women's Soccer season are available now. Season tickets start at just $39 and for a limited time include an exclusive DePaul soccer scarf. Single-game tickets and Group Ticket Offers will be made available in August and start at $5. Fans can visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets for more information.
Team Stats
Whitaker Buchanan (1)
Assisted By: Kyla Reynolds
GOAL by SAM Buchanan, Whitaker Assist by Reynolds, Kyla.
05:47
Mya Gardner (1)
Assisted By: Susie Soderstrom
GOAL by DEP Gardner, Mya Assist by Soderstrom, Susie.
54:53
Ellie Mink (1)
Assisted By: Ebba Costow
GOAL by DEP Mink, Ellie Assist by Costow, Ebba.
76:48
