Header Lifts UConn Past DePaul Wednesday Evening

Wednesday, October 22

Chicago, Ill.

3 P.M. CT

DePaul University

UConn

Header Lifts UConn Past DePaul Wednesday Evening

10/22/2025 6:05:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER

Box Score (PDF)

Second-half goal proves difference at Wish Field

CHICAGO – After a tightly contested first half that saw both sides trade chances, DePaul women's soccer fell 1-0 to UConn on Wednesday afternoon at Wish Field. The Huskies broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half and held on to claim their sixth BIG EAST win of the year, clinching a spot in the BIG EAST Tournament in the process.

"I'm proud of the team for stepping up today, fighting, and competing," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "We've continued to show resilience and make progress, battling hard against a strong UConn team. We'll keep representing the core values of DePaul women's soccer, competing, and staying positive every chance we get to wear the jersey."

The loss came despite another solid defensive outing from sophomore goalkeeper Maddie Iro, who matched her career high with seven saves, including four in the opening period, to keep the match within reach. The Blue Demons (4-11-1, 1-6-1 BIG EAST) saw strong attacking moments in the first half but could not capitalize, finishing with eight total shots and two on frame.

How It Happened
DePaul's first big chance came in the 28th minute when Sienna Gonzales found space inside the box and forced UConn's Ava Yamas into a save low to the right. Moments later, Shayna Da Silva tested Yamas from distance in the 35th minute, but the Huskies' keeper parried it away to keep the match scoreless.

Iro made her presence known late in the half, diving to deny Farrah Stephens-Martin's near-post strike in the 36th and adding two more saves before the break to preserve the 0-0 scoreline.

UConn (10-3-3, 6-1-2 BIG EAST) capitalized early in the second half, converting off a corner kick in the 50th minute when Chioma Okafor headed home a cross from Maree-Anne van Doesburg for her eighth goal of the season.

DePaul earned its lone corner of the day in the 61st minute that set up a high effort from Jen Devona, followed by a blocked attempt from Gonzales in the 68th. Despite late substitutions and a final push that saw Marin Stamper and Gonzales each find shooting lanes, the Blue Demons were unable to break through.

Match Notes

UConn clinched a berth in the 2025 BIG EAST Tournament with the result.
Maddie Iro finished with seven saves, matching her career best.
DePaul's eight total shots came from six different players, led by Sienna Gonzales (4).
Jen Devona recorded the team's final shot on target in the 62nd minute.
The Blue Demons limited UConn to one goal despite facing nine corner kicks.
UConn's Chioma Okafor scored her conference-leading eighth goal of the campaign.
Wednesday marked DePaul's final home match of the regular season.

Up Next
The Blue Demons hit the road to take on St. John's, Saturday, Oct. 25 in Queens, N.Y. Action is set to begin at 6 p.m. CT.

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