DePaul University
1-0-4, 0-0-0
UIC
3-0-1, 0-0-0
Pace’s Late Equalizer Earns a Point for DePaul Against UIC
9/4/2025 7:30:00 PM | MEN'S SOCCER
Blue Demons and Flames tie for just fourth time in the series history
CHICAGO – In a tightly-contested battle between a pair of intra-city rivals, Keagan Pace's goal in the waning moments of the match earned DePaul a 1-1 draw with UIC on Thursday afternoon.
The Blue Demons move to 1-0-4 on the season and remain unbeaten through the first five matches for the first time in program history. The Flames are now 3-0-1 in 2025.
After DePaul conceded a goal in the 66th minute, the persistent pursuit of an equalizer was on, and Pace punched through for his fourth goal in four matches in the 86th minute to claim a point for the home side. Sophomore forward Jayden Waski provided a strong ball across the goal line for Pace to get a touch on it past the sprawling Flames keeper.
After trailing in shots at half, the Blue Demons outmatched the Flames 12-6 in the second stanza to hold a 17-13 margin on the match. DePaul totaled seven corner kick opportunities while limiting UIC to just one.
Senior goalkeeper Clayton Brooks made three saves in the first start of his career.
How it Happened
UIC had its first chance of the match in the 20th minute when a shot from the top of the box scurried across the mouth of the goal for a DePaul goal kick.
DePaul's first shot of the game came in the 23rd minute with Waski making his way down the right side of the field and firing to the center of the goal only to be corralled by the Flames keeper. The Blue Demons earned the first corner of the match in the 32nd minute but couldn't put together a quality look on frame.
The Flames countered with back-to-back shots on target in the 37th minute but neither broke through with Brooks making his second save of the match.
Both sides were scoreless headed into the half, with UIC holding a 7-5 edge in shots at intermission.
A cross from Tyson Amoo-Mensah in the 66th minute found the head of Daniel Hickiewicz just outside the six-yard box but the sophomore's header was directed into the hands of the UIC keeper.
The Flames responded 40 seconds later with the first goal of the match as Edouard Nys bent the ball to the far post on a throw-in entry from 25 yards out.
The Blue Demons put on the press with five shots on the doorstep within the next 10 minutes of play but couldn't find the back of the net until Waski's drive down the right channel set up a great chance for DePaul in the 85th minute and Pace capitalized to bring the sides level in the late stages of the match.
Three minutes later, Pace had another quality look on target but couldn't get it to go in what was the last chance for either side.
Match Notes
- Pace scored his fourth goal this season and seventh of his career on Thursday.
- Jayden Waski tallied his first assist of 2025 pushing his career total to three. He also recorded a career-high three shots.
- Clayton Brooks made his first collegiate start in cage in just his second appearance of his career.
- Sophomore forward Daniel Hickiewicz totaled a career-best five shots including three on goal.
- Christian Baumgartner started a match for the first time this season.
- DePaul and UIC met for the 36th time on Thursday afternoon with the Flames maintain a series lead, 18-14-4.
- The Blue Demons are now 9-6-2 against UIC at home.
Up Next
The Blue Demons close out their six-match homestand on Sunday, Sept. 7 when Loyola Chicago visits Wish Field for a renewal of the Red-Line Rivalry. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. with coverage carried on ESPN+.
Team Stats
Edouard Nys (4)
Assisted By: Darien Martin
GOAL by UIC Nys, Edouard Assist by Martin, Darien.
65:39
Keagan Pace (4)
Assisted By: Jayden Waski
GOAL by DPU Pace, Keagan Assist by Waski, Jayden.
84:22
