DePaul University Athletics
Friday, September 18
Chicago, Ill.
3:00 P.M.
DePaul University
vs
Xavier
Blue Demons Host Xavier in BIG EAST Opener
9/17/2026 5:48:00 PM | MEN'S SOCCER
Kickoff from Wish Field set for 3 p.m.
CHICAGO – DePaul men's soccer returns to the pitch Friday afternoon when Xavier visits Lincoln Park for the BIG EAST opener between the two sides. First touch from Wish Field is set for 3 p.m. CT with the contest streamed live on ESPN+. Admission to all soccer matches is free.
Demon Doings
The Blue Demons are 2-1-3 on the season headed into BIG EAST play and look to defend home turf, where they are 2-0 on the campaign. A week ago, the Blue Demons battled to a 2-2 draw on the road versus Bowling Green, marking the third tie this season in come-from-behind fashion. Against the Falcons, senior forward Keagan Pace netted a goal in his second game back from injury while Jordan Clagette notched the equalizer with 23 seconds remaining in the match to earn the road result for the Blue Demons. Senior midfielder Noeh Hernandez recorded a pair of assists in the match to earn BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll recognition for the second time this season.
Hernandez has had his footprints all over the Blue Demon attack this season with 12 points (four goals, four assists), a figure that ranks 13th in Division I and fifth in the BIG EAST. Junior Daniel Hickiewicz has four assists to his credit as well, joining Hernandez as a key catalyst in DePaul's potent offense that has scored 2.17 goals per game, which is good for fifth in the conference. DePaul's 19 assists on 13 goals scored as a squad ranks 10th in the nation.
Climbing the Ladder
After his two assists last week, Hernandez has moved into eighth on DePaul's career points list with 55 in 52 appearances. His 15 career assists slot him in a tie for eighth all-time in program history.
Scouting Xavier
The Musketeers enter Friday's match unbeaten at 4-0-1 including a 1-0 victory over St. Thomas in their most recent outing. Six different players have netted a goal this season for Xavier, led by Ekene Okeke and Jose Pedro with a pair of goals apiece. Xavier boasts a stout defense, limiting opponents to a collective three goals through five matches in 2026. Graduate goalkeeper Jonny Mennell owns 22 shutouts in his career, including three this season. Head coach John Higgins is in his fifth season leading the program.
Series Stuff
Xavier has historically owned the series, 16-3-4, but four of the last five matchups have resulted in draws. A season ago, the Blue Demons came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw in Cincinnati in the regular season finale.
Up Next
The Blue Demons hit the road to take on Seton Hall Saturday, Sept. 26. Kickoff from Owen T. Carroll Field is set for 5 p.m. CT. Television coverage will be carried on ESPN+.
Follow the Blue Demons
For all the latest information on DePaul Men's Soccer, please visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Demon Doings
The Blue Demons are 2-1-3 on the season headed into BIG EAST play and look to defend home turf, where they are 2-0 on the campaign. A week ago, the Blue Demons battled to a 2-2 draw on the road versus Bowling Green, marking the third tie this season in come-from-behind fashion. Against the Falcons, senior forward Keagan Pace netted a goal in his second game back from injury while Jordan Clagette notched the equalizer with 23 seconds remaining in the match to earn the road result for the Blue Demons. Senior midfielder Noeh Hernandez recorded a pair of assists in the match to earn BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll recognition for the second time this season.
Hernandez has had his footprints all over the Blue Demon attack this season with 12 points (four goals, four assists), a figure that ranks 13th in Division I and fifth in the BIG EAST. Junior Daniel Hickiewicz has four assists to his credit as well, joining Hernandez as a key catalyst in DePaul's potent offense that has scored 2.17 goals per game, which is good for fifth in the conference. DePaul's 19 assists on 13 goals scored as a squad ranks 10th in the nation.
Climbing the Ladder
After his two assists last week, Hernandez has moved into eighth on DePaul's career points list with 55 in 52 appearances. His 15 career assists slot him in a tie for eighth all-time in program history.
Scouting Xavier
The Musketeers enter Friday's match unbeaten at 4-0-1 including a 1-0 victory over St. Thomas in their most recent outing. Six different players have netted a goal this season for Xavier, led by Ekene Okeke and Jose Pedro with a pair of goals apiece. Xavier boasts a stout defense, limiting opponents to a collective three goals through five matches in 2026. Graduate goalkeeper Jonny Mennell owns 22 shutouts in his career, including three this season. Head coach John Higgins is in his fifth season leading the program.
Series Stuff
Xavier has historically owned the series, 16-3-4, but four of the last five matchups have resulted in draws. A season ago, the Blue Demons came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw in Cincinnati in the regular season finale.
Up Next
The Blue Demons hit the road to take on Seton Hall Saturday, Sept. 26. Kickoff from Owen T. Carroll Field is set for 5 p.m. CT. Television coverage will be carried on ESPN+.
Follow the Blue Demons
For all the latest information on DePaul Men's Soccer, please visit DePaulBlueDemons.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Blue Demons on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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