Sweet Home Chicago: Blue Demons Host Western Illinois Thursday in Home Opener

CHICAGO – DePaul men's soccer returns to action Thursday, Aug. 27 to host Western Illinois at Wish Field in the regular season home opener. Kickoff in Lincoln Park is set for 3 p.m. with admission free for all fans. Live coverage will be carried on Marquee Sports Network for subscribers or for fans with the network as part of their television package.

LAST TIME OUT
DePaul dropped a 6-0 road decision to Ohio State, falling to 0-1-1 after playing a man down for the final 50-plus minutes following a 38th-minute red card to Gavin Netzel. Ohio State scored four times in the first half and added two more after halftime, including a Chisholm penalty kick in the 54th minute. Mason Kutch's 81st-minute shot on frame was DePaul's best look of the night.

BLUE DEMON DEBUTS
Through the first two matches of the 2026 season, eight of 11 newcomers have made their DePaul debut, showcasing the depth of this Blue Demon squad. Wingbacks Scott Godden and Ronan Selbo have totaled the most minutes on the pitch for the Blue Demons with Godden picking up an assist in the season-opening draw at Bradley. Freshman forward Mason Kutch has also made the most of his late-game minutes, notching the tying goal against the Braves and firing a shot on goal at Ohio State. Sophomore center back Matt Eger has earned quality minutes on the Blue Demons' back line.

SCOUTING WESTERN ILLINOIS
The Leathernecks are 1-0 on the young season, having picked up a 3-2 victory over Division II Quincy on Aug. 22. Senior forward Xavier Gagnon is one of WIU's top returners after totaling 10 points (4G, 2A) in 18 starts a season ago. In 2025, Western amassed a 5-11-4 overall record and went 3-4-4 in conference action. Head coach Kooten Johnson is in his first season leading his alma mater.

SERIES HISTORY
The in-state programs meet for just the ninth time on Thursday. The Leathernecks lead the all-time series 5-2-1. The last matchup came in August of 2012, a 2-1 victory for Western Illinois. DePaul is 0-2-1 in the series in games played in Chicago.

WHAT'S NEXT
Following Thursday's match, the Blue Demons begin a big week of tests against intra-city foes, first with a road trip to Rogers Park to take on Loyola Chicago Aug. 30 before making the trip to the west side to battle UIC Sept. 3. DePaul will wrap up the week back at Wish Field to host Chicago State Sept. 6 for Alumni Day.

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Sweet Home Chicago: Blue Demons Host Western Illinois Thursday in Home Opener

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Players Mentioned

Matt Eger

Scott Godden

Mason Kutch

Gavin Netzel

Ronan Selbo

DePaul University Athletics