DePaul University Athletics
Shutout in Chicago: Hillery, Blue Demons Stifle UIC on the Road
8/27/2026 9:49:00 PM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Sixteenth-minute goal, four saves earn DePaul 1-0 win
CHICAGO – Backed by four critical saves from goalkeeper Mason Hillery, the DePaul women's soccer team only needed one first-half goal from Danielle Fjeldsted to outlast crosstown rival UIC and remain unbeaten in the early season.
How It Happened
As has become tradition with the two Illinois-based programs, the Blue Demons and Flames fought for possession from the first whistle. DePaul seized control early, using the first 15 minutes of the match to build strong opportunities in its attacking third.
The Blue Demons' efforts were rewarded in the 16th minute with what would become the game-winning goal. The play opened with DePaul regaining control in the attacking third and driving through the center of the pitch. Jericho Frigon picked up the pass before threading a precise ball to Fjeldsted, who beat the UIC defender and buried the ball into the back of the net.
"We practiced having Danielle running into that zone, and so in this game, the rest was up to her," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "I'm really proud of her for being able to step up in a huge moment like that. That early goal was critical to help us fight for that win."
DePaul guarded its 1-0 lead throughout the rest of the first half, fighting off four shot attempts from the Flames with the help of two strong saves from Hillery.
The second half momentum continued to favor DePaul, despite the Blue Demons being tested by an increasingly desperate UIC team. The Flames managed to rip off four more shots in the second 45, but Hillery and the Blue Demon backline had an answer for them all.
On the other end of the pitch, DePaul kept the pressure on, forcing UIC goalkeeper Sidney Lazenby to make four more saves. The Blue Demons' best second-half chance came from Mackenzie Lee, whose sharp 77th-minute strike slipped just wide of the left post.
As time ticked down, a composed save by Hillery in the 85th minute sealed the victory for the visiting Blue Demons. The senior located the ball through heavy traffic on a UIC corner kick attempt to prevent the equalizer.
"Mason's calmness, her composure and her assertiveness in goal have been really steady and consistent for us, said O'Brien. You know what you're going to get with her. Her saves throughout this match showed that.
With the 1-0 result, the Blue Demons move to 3-0-1 on the season.
Match Notes
The Blue Demons return to the comforts of Wish Field, playing host to Western Kentucky on Thursday, Sept. 3. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT. Live coverage will be carried on Marquee Sports Network for subscribers or for fans with the network as part of their television package.
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 X, Instagram and Facebook.
How It Happened
As has become tradition with the two Illinois-based programs, the Blue Demons and Flames fought for possession from the first whistle. DePaul seized control early, using the first 15 minutes of the match to build strong opportunities in its attacking third.
The Blue Demons' efforts were rewarded in the 16th minute with what would become the game-winning goal. The play opened with DePaul regaining control in the attacking third and driving through the center of the pitch. Jericho Frigon picked up the pass before threading a precise ball to Fjeldsted, who beat the UIC defender and buried the ball into the back of the net.
"We practiced having Danielle running into that zone, and so in this game, the rest was up to her," said head coach Michele O'Brien. "I'm really proud of her for being able to step up in a huge moment like that. That early goal was critical to help us fight for that win."
DePaul guarded its 1-0 lead throughout the rest of the first half, fighting off four shot attempts from the Flames with the help of two strong saves from Hillery.
The second half momentum continued to favor DePaul, despite the Blue Demons being tested by an increasingly desperate UIC team. The Flames managed to rip off four more shots in the second 45, but Hillery and the Blue Demon backline had an answer for them all.
On the other end of the pitch, DePaul kept the pressure on, forcing UIC goalkeeper Sidney Lazenby to make four more saves. The Blue Demons' best second-half chance came from Mackenzie Lee, whose sharp 77th-minute strike slipped just wide of the left post.
As time ticked down, a composed save by Hillery in the 85th minute sealed the victory for the visiting Blue Demons. The senior located the ball through heavy traffic on a UIC corner kick attempt to prevent the equalizer.
"Mason's calmness, her composure and her assertiveness in goal have been really steady and consistent for us, said O'Brien. You know what you're going to get with her. Her saves throughout this match showed that.
With the 1-0 result, the Blue Demons move to 3-0-1 on the season.
Match Notes
- Frigon's assist on the lone goal of the match marked the first point of her college career.
- Fjeldsted recorded her first goal of the season and fourth goal of her career with the first-half strike at UIC.
- Five of the last six meetings between DePaul and UIC have been decided by a 1-0 margin. After UIC claimed last year's match by that score, the Blue Demons returned the favor this year.
- Hillery earned her third-career shutout with the 1-0 result at UIC.
The Blue Demons return to the comforts of Wish Field, playing host to Western Kentucky on Thursday, Sept. 3. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT. Live coverage will be carried on Marquee Sports Network for subscribers or for fans with the network as part of their television package.
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 X, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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/ WOMEN'S SOCCERTuesday, September 16
Friday, August 22
Sunday, November 03
Monday, September 20