Blue Demons Downed by Wildcats in BIG EAST Clash

Wednesday, October 1

Chicago, Ill.

4 P.M. CT

DePaul University

3-7-1, 0-2-1

Villanova

7-5-0, 2-2-0

Villanova

DePaul

Blue Demons Downed by Wildcats in BIG EAST Clash

10/1/2025 7:21:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER

Box Score Photo Gallery

Villanova secures result with 70th-minute finish

CHICAGO – After battling through a scoreless first half, DePaul women's soccer fell 1-0 to Villanova on Wednesday evening at Wish Field. Villanova secured the result with a 70th-minute finish.

Despite playing with an extra-player advantage following a Villanova red card in the 31st minute, DePaul (3-7-1, 0-2-1 BIG EAST) was unable to capitalize on its late chances. Graduate student Sienna Gonzales led the attack with two shots in the final minutes, while goalkeeper Maddie Iro tallied three saves to keep the Blue Demons within striking distance.

Villanova (7-5-0, 2-2-0 BIG EAST) secured the result with a 70th-minute strike from freshman forward Dez Zapata, her first collegiate goal, off assists from Isabella Panaccione and Hannah Curtin. Wildcats goalkeeper Hannah Dickinson finished with two saves to lock in the clean sheet as Villanova held a 9-2 edge in corner kicks.

How It Happened
DePaul produced the first chance of the night when captain Jen Devona's low drive in the 15th minute tested Dickinson. After Villanova's dismissal in the 31st minute, the Blue Demons looked to tilt momentum but couldn't find a finishing touch.

The Wildcats broke through at 69:30 as Zapata slotted home from the left side of the box, putting the visitors ahead. DePaul pushed hard for an equalizer, with Jamie forcing a save in the 62nd minute, Bennett denied in the 78th, and Gonzales firing twice in the final stretch; including a near miss in stoppage time.

Match Notes

Maddie Iro made her second straight start in net, recording three saves.
Sienna Gonzales led the team with two shots, while Fagerson, Jamie, Bennett and Seerup each added one.
Villanova outshot DePaul 10-6 and finished with a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Zapata's goal was the first of her collegiate career.

Up Next
The Blue Demons travel to Milwaukee, Wis. to face Marquette on Saturday, Oct. 3. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT, with coverage available on ESPN+

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