DePaul Drops Conference Opener to No. 23 Xavier

Saturday, September 20

Chicago, Ill.

1 P.M. CT

DePaul University

3-6-0, 0-1-0

Xavier

6-2-1, 1-0-0

Xavier

DePaul

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Junior goalkeeper Mason Hillery boots the ball downfield on a goal kick.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Danielle Fjeldsted closes down the ball successfully.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Graduate forward Sierra Gonzales glides past her defender.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Standout midfielder Mia Veldman cuts off an opposing passing lane.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Freshman Sierra Bennett looks to progress the ball forward.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Freshman Sydnee Maxwell plays the ball to a fellow Blue Demon.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Marin Stamper tracks the ball up the field.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Captain midfielder Danielle Fjeldsted plays the ball downfield.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

Defender Grace Menser looks to find an open teammate down the pitch.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

DePaul Drops Conference Opener to No. 23 Xavier

9/20/2025 4:38:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER

Box Score Photo Gallery

CHICAGO – DePaul women's soccer dropped its conference opener against a ranked-Xavier team, Saturday afternoon at Wish Field. The Musketeers (6-2-2, 1-0 BIG EAST) picked up their third-straight victory while DePaul drops to 3-6-0 on the season.

"I'm really proud of our team for not giving up and continuing to play hard," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "I think it was a great first game for us against a strong top-25 ranked Xavier team. It really sets the standard of where we need to continue and grow to push to the next level.

HOW IT HAPPENED
After a weather delay prior to the start of the game, DePaul found itself down 1-0 early following a goal by Xavier's Peyton Kohls in the 6th minute. The Musketeers quickly added another goal in the 10th minute before DePaul's defense settled in. Sierra Bennett fired off the first shot of the game for the Blue Demons in the 24th minute but was off target.

Shayna da Silva nearly connected on a shot in the 51st minute for DePaul but it was saved by Xavier's goalkeeper, Maria Galley. DePaul held the Musketeers off the scoresheet again until the 54th minute where Emma Flick assisted a goal by Elin Hansson to increase Xavier's lead, 3-0.

Maddie Iro subbed in the goal for Mason Hillery in the 61st for her second appearance this season, notching a season high two saves. Hillery tied her season high with five saves. The seven saves mark a match-high this season.

UP NEXT
DePaul looks to snap its two-game skid with a matchup against Butler, Wednesday, Sept. 24. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m. from Indianapolis and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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.