Women’s Soccer Takes Momentum to NIU

DEKALB, Ill. – DePaul women's soccer makes its first road trip of the 2025 campaign on Sunday, Aug. 17, traveling west on Interstate 88 to face Northern Illinois. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex in DeKalb, Ill. Live coverage will be available through NIUHuskies.com with free admission for all fans.

DePaul (1-0-0) opened its season with a record-setting 6-2 victory over Chicago State on Thursday evening at Wish Field. The Blue Demons produced their best offensive output in a season opener in program history, highlighted by sophomore Katelyn Jamie's first career hat trick. Freshman Mya Gardner added a pair of second-half goals in the win, while goalkeeper Mason Hillery earned the victory in her first collegiate start.

Northern Illinois (0-1-0) fell to Marquette on Thursday evening in its season opener, dropping a 2-0 decision at home. The Golden Eagles struck twice in the first 23 minutes, and despite NIU creating multiple chances in the second half, the Huskies were unable to find the back of the net.

DePaul DeBrief

DePaul's six goals against Chicago State marked the most goals ever scored by the program in a season opener.
The four-goal margin was also the program's largest under head coach Michele O'Brien.
Jamie's hat trick was the first by a Blue Demon since Morgan Turner tallied three goals against Villanova in 2021.
Gardner doubled her career scoring total with two goals in less than two minutes to start the second half.
The Blue Demons fired 23 shots, their highest single-game total since 2022, while holding Chicago State to just seven attempts.
Hillery made her debut start in goal, earning the win in her first collegiate appearance.

Huskie Howl

NIU finished 2024 with a 9-5-5 record, its most wins since 2010.
The Huskies scored 29 goals last season, their highest output since 1998.
Forward Tyra King tallied eight goals in 2024, earning Second Team All-MAC and Second Team All-Region honors. King was named to the NCAA Division I Forwards to Watch List earlier this week.
NIU returns 21 goals from last season, including four from Kelsi McLaughlin in her first year with the Huskies after transferring from Illinois State.
The Huskies were picked eighth in the Mid-American Conference preseason poll announced on Aug. 12. Western Michigan was tabbed the preseason favorite.

Series History

DePaul and NIU last met in the 2024 season opener, playing to a scoreless draw at Wish Field.
The Blue Demons are unbeaten in their last four meetings with the Huskies, dating back to 2006.
The two programs have met eight times in program history, with the series tied at 3-3-2.

Up Next
DePaul heads to West Lafayette, Ind. to take on Purdue, Thursday, Aug. 21. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT at Folk Field.

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Players Mentioned

Mya Gardner

Mason Hillery

Katelyn Jamie