DePaul University Athletics
Women’s Soccer Falls to Xavier in BIG EAST Semifinal
11/7/2024 9:00:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Blue Demons conclude season with 2-0 decision
BOYDS, Md. – DePaul women's soccer fell to Xavier in a 2-0 decision Thursday evening, marking an end to its 2024 campaign. The Blue Demons advanced to the final four of the BIG EAST Tournament, their best postseason finish in eight seasons, highlighting the progress and promise of continued success for the program.
"I'm proud of the team for the progress and growth we made throughout the year, and I credit the senior veterans for being great leaders and paving the way for the future of the program," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "Experiencing success is really motivating for the younger players and returners, as it shows them what it takes and what it feels like to reach this level. The program is left in a great place, which reflects this group's hard work and commitment to what we aimed to achieve this year."
DePaul (5-8-7, 3-3-4 BIG EAST) concludes its season after a remarkable mid-season turnaround, losing just once in an eight-match period, most of which took place during conference play, including a ranked victory over then No. 18 Georgetown. Selected to finish eleventh in the BIG EAST Preseason standings, the Blue Demons exceeded expectations by finishing in the final four of the conference championships, a testament to the leadership of head coach O'Brien, assistants Peter McKeown and Brendan Roth, and the hard work and commitment of each DePaul women's soccer student-athlete.
Xavier (15-3-2, 7-2-1 BIG EAST) continues its postseason push after achieving its fourth consecutive year with at least 14 victories and a third straight appearance in the BIG EAST Championship match. The Musketeers' top-ranked offense shined on the pitch, as they attempted 17 shots and netted two finishes in the semifinal against the Blue Demons.
How it Happened
On a temperate 70-degree evening at Maureen Hendrick's Field at Championship Stadium, the Bermuda short-grass created a slick, fast playing surface for a BIG EAST showdown between the two conference rivals.
In the tenth minute, Xavier created their first scoring opportunity when Emma Flick attempted a shot inside the goal box, but senior Susie Soderstrom made a crucial block to keep DePaul level early on.
Briley Hill responded with a breakaway for DePaul, sending a pass to Beth Smyth at the edge of the 18, just out of reach for the graduate Blue Demon captain.
Through the 10-20 minute mark, the Musketeers controlled possession in DePaul's half, keeping the ball for most of that stretch, but DePaul's backline held firm under pressure.
After fourteen minutes without a shot, Milam stepped up with a crucial save on a bottom-left attempt from Wiehe, diving to deflect the shot wide.
At the intermission, Xavier led the shot count 9-0, with DePaul blocking four shots and Milam making three saves in net.
The Musketeers began the second half determined, scoring two quick goals in the 51st and 52nd minutes. Xavier's first goal came from Samantha Erbach off a shot that Grace Menser had deflected into the air, while Elin Hansson added a second after a redirected pass deep in DePaul's box, assisted by Erbach.
DePaul found the net in the 57th minute via a Jen Devona header, but the goal was called back due to an offside ruling.
The scarlet and blue registered their first official shot in the 64th minute with Tessa Fagerson coming close. Fagerson created additional chances in the 71st and 73rd minutes, both narrowly missing the target as DePaul's offense began to build momentum.
On a free kick opportunity just outside the box, Eisenring took her shot, but it sailed above the goal, leading to a Xavier goal kick.
Xavier maintained pressure in the final ten minutes, taking three additional shots as DePaul's defense stayed on alert before the final horn sounded. The scoreboard read 2-0 in favor of Xavier, advancing them to the BIG EAST Conference Championship.
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 Facebook, Instagram, X.
"I'm proud of the team for the progress and growth we made throughout the year, and I credit the senior veterans for being great leaders and paving the way for the future of the program," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "Experiencing success is really motivating for the younger players and returners, as it shows them what it takes and what it feels like to reach this level. The program is left in a great place, which reflects this group's hard work and commitment to what we aimed to achieve this year."
DePaul (5-8-7, 3-3-4 BIG EAST) concludes its season after a remarkable mid-season turnaround, losing just once in an eight-match period, most of which took place during conference play, including a ranked victory over then No. 18 Georgetown. Selected to finish eleventh in the BIG EAST Preseason standings, the Blue Demons exceeded expectations by finishing in the final four of the conference championships, a testament to the leadership of head coach O'Brien, assistants Peter McKeown and Brendan Roth, and the hard work and commitment of each DePaul women's soccer student-athlete.
Xavier (15-3-2, 7-2-1 BIG EAST) continues its postseason push after achieving its fourth consecutive year with at least 14 victories and a third straight appearance in the BIG EAST Championship match. The Musketeers' top-ranked offense shined on the pitch, as they attempted 17 shots and netted two finishes in the semifinal against the Blue Demons.
How it Happened
On a temperate 70-degree evening at Maureen Hendrick's Field at Championship Stadium, the Bermuda short-grass created a slick, fast playing surface for a BIG EAST showdown between the two conference rivals.
In the tenth minute, Xavier created their first scoring opportunity when Emma Flick attempted a shot inside the goal box, but senior Susie Soderstrom made a crucial block to keep DePaul level early on.
Briley Hill responded with a breakaway for DePaul, sending a pass to Beth Smyth at the edge of the 18, just out of reach for the graduate Blue Demon captain.
Through the 10-20 minute mark, the Musketeers controlled possession in DePaul's half, keeping the ball for most of that stretch, but DePaul's backline held firm under pressure.
After fourteen minutes without a shot, Milam stepped up with a crucial save on a bottom-left attempt from Wiehe, diving to deflect the shot wide.
At the intermission, Xavier led the shot count 9-0, with DePaul blocking four shots and Milam making three saves in net.
The Musketeers began the second half determined, scoring two quick goals in the 51st and 52nd minutes. Xavier's first goal came from Samantha Erbach off a shot that Grace Menser had deflected into the air, while Elin Hansson added a second after a redirected pass deep in DePaul's box, assisted by Erbach.
DePaul found the net in the 57th minute via a Jen Devona header, but the goal was called back due to an offside ruling.
The scarlet and blue registered their first official shot in the 64th minute with Tessa Fagerson coming close. Fagerson created additional chances in the 71st and 73rd minutes, both narrowly missing the target as DePaul's offense began to build momentum.
On a free kick opportunity just outside the box, Eisenring took her shot, but it sailed above the goal, leading to a Xavier goal kick.
Xavier maintained pressure in the final ten minutes, taking three additional shots as DePaul's defense stayed on alert before the final horn sounded. The scoreboard read 2-0 in favor of Xavier, advancing them to the BIG EAST Conference Championship.
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 Facebook, Instagram, X.
Players Mentioned
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