DePaul University Athletics
Thursday, September 3
Chicago, Ill.
4 P.M. CT
DePaul University
vs
Western Kentucky
DePaul Aims to Stand Ground in Home Test Against Western Kentucky
9/2/2026 9:55:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
Blue Demons face unfamiliar foe in third home match of 2026
CHICAGO – DePaul women's soccer returns to Wish Field looking to defend its unblemished record and hand the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers their first loss of the season on Thursday, Sept. 3. The match marks the two programs' first-ever meeting.
DePaul Debrief
Bolstered by one goal in the first half from midfielder Danielle Fjeldsted and four crucial saves from goalkeeper Mason Hillery, the Blue Demons defeated UIC 1-0 on the road to remain unbeaten on the season.
DePaul got on the board early, scoring in the 16th minute on a strike from Fjeldsted on the far side of the pitch. The play unfolded with a forward pass from Jericho Frigon to the feet of Fjeldsted. Maneuvering around the defender, Fjeldsted took the shot from just inside the 18-yard box, sending the ball into the top left corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.
From there, Hillery kept the Blue Demons' advantage with stellar saves between the posts. In the 20th minute, the senior netminder faced two shots within the same minute, batting away a shot from the middle of the box with a diving save and then rerouting a second UIC attempt.
The senior effectively clinched the match with a save in the 85th minute on a UIC corner kick. Reacting with composure to heavy traffic in the box, Hillery located the ball bouncing dangerously close to goal, getting her hands on it to deny the equalizer.
Hillery recorded her fourth collegiate shutout with the four-save day at Flames Field, while Frigon earned her first career point and Fjeldsted recorded her fourth career goal.
Scouting Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky travels to Wish Field on Thursday for just its second away match of the season. Ahead of the matchup, the Hilltoppers accumulated two 2-0 victories over the last week and a half. Most recently, Western Kentucky defeated Union by two goals at home.
In that 2-0 win over Union, April McDonald opened the scoring in the 46th minute with a goal assisted by Mya Jackson and Georgia Liapis. Western Kentucky's other goal came in the 80th minute on an unassisted score from Sophia Lezizidis. The Hilltoppers held a 17-3 shot advantage and forced Union to make seven saves.
This season, McDonald leads the roster with three goals on eight shots. Other notable offense comes from Maggie Bellair, Makenna Egan and Lezizidis, who each notched one goal this season.
Mia Riddick takes a lead role in goal this season for the Hilltoppers. Riddick started four of Western Kentucky's five matches, allowing just one goal, grabbing 17 saves and earning three shutouts.
Series History
The Blue Demons and Hilltoppers will meet for the first time in history on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026.
Up Next
Loyola Chicago is the next Illinois-based team to host the Blue Demons this season. The two storied programs are set to face off at Loyola Soccer Park for the 18th time in history on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. CT. Streaming is available on ESPN+.
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.
DePaul Debrief
Bolstered by one goal in the first half from midfielder Danielle Fjeldsted and four crucial saves from goalkeeper Mason Hillery, the Blue Demons defeated UIC 1-0 on the road to remain unbeaten on the season.
DePaul got on the board early, scoring in the 16th minute on a strike from Fjeldsted on the far side of the pitch. The play unfolded with a forward pass from Jericho Frigon to the feet of Fjeldsted. Maneuvering around the defender, Fjeldsted took the shot from just inside the 18-yard box, sending the ball into the top left corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.
From there, Hillery kept the Blue Demons' advantage with stellar saves between the posts. In the 20th minute, the senior netminder faced two shots within the same minute, batting away a shot from the middle of the box with a diving save and then rerouting a second UIC attempt.
The senior effectively clinched the match with a save in the 85th minute on a UIC corner kick. Reacting with composure to heavy traffic in the box, Hillery located the ball bouncing dangerously close to goal, getting her hands on it to deny the equalizer.
Hillery recorded her fourth collegiate shutout with the four-save day at Flames Field, while Frigon earned her first career point and Fjeldsted recorded her fourth career goal.
Scouting Western Kentucky
Western Kentucky travels to Wish Field on Thursday for just its second away match of the season. Ahead of the matchup, the Hilltoppers accumulated two 2-0 victories over the last week and a half. Most recently, Western Kentucky defeated Union by two goals at home.
In that 2-0 win over Union, April McDonald opened the scoring in the 46th minute with a goal assisted by Mya Jackson and Georgia Liapis. Western Kentucky's other goal came in the 80th minute on an unassisted score from Sophia Lezizidis. The Hilltoppers held a 17-3 shot advantage and forced Union to make seven saves.
This season, McDonald leads the roster with three goals on eight shots. Other notable offense comes from Maggie Bellair, Makenna Egan and Lezizidis, who each notched one goal this season.
Mia Riddick takes a lead role in goal this season for the Hilltoppers. Riddick started four of Western Kentucky's five matches, allowing just one goal, grabbing 17 saves and earning three shutouts.
Series History
The Blue Demons and Hilltoppers will meet for the first time in history on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026.
Up Next
Loyola Chicago is the next Illinois-based team to host the Blue Demons this season. The two storied programs are set to face off at Loyola Soccer Park for the 18th time in history on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. CT. Streaming is available on ESPN+.
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
Thursday, September 03
Thursday, September 03
Thursday, September 03
Thursday, September 03