Watts Lifts DePaul to Season-Opening Win

Thursday, August 24

Chicago, Ill.

10:00 A.M. CT

DePaul University

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Lindenwood

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Lindenwood

DePaul

8/24/2023 2:02:00 PM | MEN'S SOCCER

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Photo Gallery

Callum Watts connects on a header in the 83rd minute to secure 1-0 victory

CHICAGO – It was a header in the 83rd minute from Callum Watts that lifted DePaul men's soccer over Lindenwood 1-0 in the 2023 season opener.

Battling the blazing temperatures sweeping across the Midwest, the Blue Demons controlled pace and possession in the second half while the press remained persistent for Diego Benitez to connect with Watts on a cross and bury the game-winner.
DePaul (1-0) proved to be the aggressor from the jump, with Nathaniel Enriquez, Noeh Hernandez and Benitez registering quality looks in the first 20 minutes and earning the Blue Demons a pair of corner kicks.

The Blue Demons back line led by Ethan Gordon and Grant Herbek allowed Lindenwood to muster just one shot in the first 45 as the two teams went into halftime knotted 0-0.

The second half started much like the first, with DePaul firing off a trio of shots and turning those chances into corners.

Lindenwood (0-1) responded with a counterattack of their own as the Lions notched their lone quality look on frame in the 60th minute before Gandhi Cruz secured his singular save on the day.

After Watts broke through, the Blue Demons maintained in the final seven minutes of the match to earn the victory.

CALLLLLLLLLL!@CalWatts10 with the follow-up header and the Blue Demons break through!

83' | DPU 1, LWU 0 pic.twitter.com/yt5Yv7f1OC
— DePaul Men's Soccer (@DePaulMSOC) August 24, 2023

Match Notes:

Watts recorded the third goal of his career, the first in a Blue Demon uniform.
Benitez registered the first assist of his career.
Cruz collected his first clean sheet of the season and ninth shutout in his career.
The Blue Demons dominated in the attacking third, leading the shots category 11-5 and earning eight corners to Lindenwood's one.
DePaul moved to 1-0-0 in the series history over Lindenwood.
The Blue Demons improved to 2-2-2 in season openers under Mark Plotkin.

Up Next:
DePaul will take the weekend to prepare for a trip to No. 2 Indiana on Tuesday, August 29. First touch from Bloomington, Ind. is set for 7 p.m. CT with streaming on B1G+.

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.

2023 TICKET INFORMATION
Season ticket packages for the 2023 DePaul Men'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 are also available and start at $5. Visit DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets for more information.