Sunday, August 17
DeKalb, Ill.
7 P.M. CT
DePaul University
1-1-0, 0-0-0
0
at
1
Northern Illinois
1-1-0, 0-0-0
1
2
F
DePaul
0
0
0
NIU
1
0
1
DePaul Drops 1-0 Decision at NIU
8/17/2025 9:41:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Early tally proves difference in Sunday night clash
DEKALB, Ill. – DePaul women's soccer came up short in its first road test of the season, falling 1-0 to Northern Illinois on Sunday night at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. The result marked the Huskies' first win over the Blue Demons since 2005.
Despite controlling much of the second half and outshooting NIU 11-7 overall, DePaul could not find the equalizer after conceding in the 36th minute. The lone tally came when Tyra King finished off a corner kick sequence from Laurina Bilombo-Bemba, providing the Huskies with the eventual game-winner.
"I thought our response in the second half was much better," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "We didn't show up in the first half, and in college soccer you can't afford to wait. We gave up a set-piece goal, and set pieces are controllable moments. We'll look at the film, make adjustments, and continue to grow. I was proud of the energy late; we just have to be ready from the start and be sharper in the key moments."
How It Happened
After NIU forced a pair of early saves from goalkeeper Mason Hillery, DePaul began to settle into the match midway through the first half. Tessa Fagerson sent the Blue Demons' first look wide in the 26th minute, before Nahla Dominguez produced back-to-back chances minutes later; one blocked and another sailing high.
The Huskies broke through in the 36th minute when King converted from close range off Bilombo-Bemba's delivery, giving NIU a 1-0 edge at halftime.
The Blue Demons came out stronger after the break and dictated play with seven second-half shots. Mia Veldman's attempt was blocked in the 47th minute, followed by Katelyn Jamie sending one just wide in the 53rd.
DePaul continued to press, as Maxwell forced a save in the 56th minute and both Marin Stamper and Grace Menser were denied around the 67th. The final push came in the closing minutes, when Gardner fired a header wide in the 83rd minute and Jamie's last shot missed just right in the 87th, but the Blue Demons could not find the equalizer as NIU held the 1-0 decision.
Match Notes
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.
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.
Despite controlling much of the second half and outshooting NIU 11-7 overall, DePaul could not find the equalizer after conceding in the 36th minute. The lone tally came when Tyra King finished off a corner kick sequence from Laurina Bilombo-Bemba, providing the Huskies with the eventual game-winner.
"I thought our response in the second half was much better," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "We didn't show up in the first half, and in college soccer you can't afford to wait. We gave up a set-piece goal, and set pieces are controllable moments. We'll look at the film, make adjustments, and continue to grow. I was proud of the energy late; we just have to be ready from the start and be sharper in the key moments."
How It Happened
After NIU forced a pair of early saves from goalkeeper Mason Hillery, DePaul began to settle into the match midway through the first half. Tessa Fagerson sent the Blue Demons' first look wide in the 26th minute, before Nahla Dominguez produced back-to-back chances minutes later; one blocked and another sailing high.
The Huskies broke through in the 36th minute when King converted from close range off Bilombo-Bemba's delivery, giving NIU a 1-0 edge at halftime.
The Blue Demons came out stronger after the break and dictated play with seven second-half shots. Mia Veldman's attempt was blocked in the 47th minute, followed by Katelyn Jamie sending one just wide in the 53rd.
DePaul continued to press, as Maxwell forced a save in the 56th minute and both Marin Stamper and Grace Menser were denied around the 67th. The final push came in the closing minutes, when Gardner fired a header wide in the 83rd minute and Jamie's last shot missed just right in the 87th, but the Blue Demons could not find the equalizer as NIU held the 1-0 decision.
Match Notes
- DePaul outshot NIU 11-7 overall, including a 7-1 advantage in the second half.
- The Blue Demons finished with two shots on target compared to NIU's four.
- Goalkeeper Mason Hillery recorded three saves while playing the full 90 minutes.
- Jamie led DePaul with three total shots; Dominguez added two.
- Jen Devona recorded her first 90-minute match of the season.
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.
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.
Team Stats
DU
NIU
Goals
0
1
Shots
11
7
Shots on Goal
2
4
Saves
3
2
Corners
2
5
Fouls
12
16
Scoring Plays
Tyra King (1)
Assisted By: Laurina Bilombo-Bemba
GOAL by NIU King, Tyra Assist by Bilombo-Bemba, Laurina.
35:57
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
3
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
D
/ WOMEN'S SOCCERM
/ WOMEN'S SOCCER
F
/ WOMEN'S SOCCER
GK
/ WOMEN'S SOCCERM/F
/ WOMEN'S SOCCERD/M
/ WOMEN'S SOCCERM/F
/ WOMEN'S SOCCER
M
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