DePaul and Butler Draw Thursday Evening

Thursday, September 26

Chicago, Ill.

4:00 P.M. CT

DePaul University

2-5-3, 0-1-1

Butler

6-2-2, 1-0-1

Butler

DePaul

9/26/2024 7:45:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER

Box Score DPU.BUT.Box Score Photo Gallery

Blue Demons hold Bulldogs to shutout

CHICAGO – DePaul women's soccer fought to a scoreless draw with Butler on Thursday evening at Wish Field. Although the Blue Demons were held to two shots in the first half, they turned it around by attempting nine in the second, the second-most in one half of any match this season.

"Anytime you can get a clean sheet in a shutout is a real positive for us," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "BIG EAST games are always challenging, so earning a point out of the game is helpful in the standings. The biggest takeaway is that we absolutely improved as the game progressed. We made some adjustments in the first half which truly helped us get on the front foot and create some quality opportunities."

After falling in its conference opener to then-No. 23 Xavier, DePaul (2-5-3, 0-1-1 BIG EAST) drew with Butler to remain unbeaten in four of its last five outings. The Blue Demons put together an impressive performance on both sides of the ball, securing their fourth shutout and recording eleven shot attempts.

Butler (6-2-2, 1-0-1 BIG EAST) was shut out for the third time this season, recording seven total shots and making three saves in goal. Redshirt-junior Anna Pierce preserved her fifth shutout of the season against DePaul, not allowing a goal in three straight matches.

How It Happened
In one of DePaul's most promising chances of the day, sophomore Lea Eisenring opened the match in the third minute with a left-footed shot, which Pierce saved.

All three of Elena Milam's saves occurred in the first 20 minutes, with Butler attempting shots in the 8th, 10th, and 21st minutes.

The Blue Demons' second opportunity came from a shot by sophomore Mya Gardner; however, her attempt sailed over the goal.

In a tale of two halves, DePaul came out with intensity, attempting seven shots between the 52nd and 72nd minutes.

The Blue Demon freshman pairing of Katelyn Jamie and Mia Veldman each attempted shots of their own in the 66th and 72nd minutes, respectively, but both missed over the top of the goal. Additionally, seven different Blue Demons took shots in the second half, but none could find the back of the net.

The final 15 minutes of the match proved to be aggressive, with both teams trading fouls, possession, and shots. While neither team could find the back of the net, the Blue Demons outshot the Bulldogs by seven attempts in the second half, tying the largest differential of this kind all season.

Match Notes

DePaul remains unbeaten in four of its last five matches.
The Blue Demons outshot Butler nine to two in the second half, tying their largest margin this year.
Elena Milam recorded her 34th save and fourth shutout of the season, the eighth of her career.
Briley Hill recorded her team-high 15th shot attempt.
Talia Sommer led Butler with three shot attempts, two on goal.
Anna Pierce recorded two saves and secured her fifth shutout of the season.

UP NEXT
The Blue Demons continue its conference slate, traveling to take on Villanova, Thursday, Oct. 3 with kickoff at 3 p.m. CT, with coverage on the BIG EAST Digital Network and FloSports.

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.

TICKET INFORMATION
Join DePaul Women's Soccer at Wish Field this fall! Blue Demon Soccer Supporter Memberships are on sale now, which include access to all regular season men's and women's home matches at Wish Field! Single-game tickets can be purchased at DePaulBlueDemons.com/Tickets.