Opportunistic Strike and Stifling Defense Keep DePaul Unbeaten

Sunday, August 23

St. Charles, Mo.

1 P.M. CT

DePaul University

2-0-1, 0-0-0

Lindenwood

1-3-0, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
DePaul	1	0	1
Lindenwood	0	0	0

Opportunistic Strike and Stifling Defense Keep DePaul Unbeaten

8/23/2026 4:17:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER

Box Score PDF Box Score

Blue Demons hold Lindenwood shotless in 1-0 road victory

CHICAGO – The Blue Demon women's soccer team recorded its first shutout of the season, battling Lindenwood to a 1-0, Sunday afternoon result on the road. The victory, helped by an own goal by the Lions and an oppressive Blue Demon defensive effort, pushed DePaul to 2-0-1 on the season.

How It Happened
The first 20 minutes of the clash between the Blue Demons and Lions were spent largely in the midfield, as neither team managed a shot on goal, though the Blue Demons held a 4-0 shot advantage.
The final minutes before the half changed that. On a Blue Demon possession in the attacking third in the 43rd minute, sophomore midfielder Sierra Bennett fielded a pass from the far side. Striking the ball toward Lion goalkeeper Caroline Ritter as she fell to the ground, Bennett then watched as a Lindenwood defender poked the ball past her own netminder and into the goal.
In the first half, we had some chances and so for Sierra to get a shot off was really important for us, said head coach Michele O'Brien. We always tell the team that you've got to shoot to score, and however it's going to go in, it's going to go in. Part of the game is own goals and deflections, but you won't get those unless you're opportunistic and take that risk.
The own goal presented the Blue Demons with a 1-0 advantage at the half, a lead they sustained for the rest of the match, even as Lindenwood pushed for its first on-goal shot opportunity in the second half.
DePaul's defense never gave in, controlling the Lions' offensive possessions and allowing zero shots throughout the entirety of the match.
Our team defense was very organized and disciplined today, said O'Brien. In and around the box, we were gritty and stepped to shooters, making sure we denied any looks that they had on goal. I'm proud of the defense for taking on that responsibility and staying committed.
The Blue Demon offense matched its defensive stronghold with 10 shot attempts over 90 minutes, challenging Ritter to make three saves.
DePaul's Sunday afternoon win marked the first shutout of the season for goalkeeper Mason Hillery and the Blue Demons' first victory on the road.
Afternoon games are tough, especially on a Sunday, so to come away with a win, a shutout and a complete weekend is really impressive, said O'Brien. I think it will absolutely set us up for success moving forward.

Match Notes

The last time DePaul got a tally on the board on an own goal was a 4-1 loss to Marquette in 2025.
Hillery recorded her last clean sheet almost exactly one year ago, executing a 2-0 shutout at Purdue on Aug. 21, 2025.
The Blue Demons last held an opponent without a single shot attempt on Aug. 30, 2015, when No. 19 DePaul dominated Saint Francis (PA) 5-0 with a 31-0 shot advantage.

Up Next
The Blue Demons continue their first road trip much closer to home, taking on UIC on Thursday, Aug. 27. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT, with streaming available on ESPN+.

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