The Blue Demons will open their preseason campaign on Wednesday at 4 p.m. on Wish Field, the historic soccer venue on the South Side of Chicago. Admission is free, inviting fans to watch a high‑profile matchup before the team’s regular season begins.
Indian Hills arrives as the NJCAA Division I preseason No. 1 squad, a first‑place ranking that marks a historic milestone for the program. Under third‑year head coach Zac Newton, the Warriors captured their inaugural national championship last season, finishing 12‑6‑4.
A Milestone for the Program
The No. 1 ranking reflects the Warriors’ rapid ascent and sets the stage for a competitive preseason encounter that could foreshadow deeper runs in national tournaments.
The exhibition serves as a showcase for both teams, with DePaul using the game to fine‑tune tactics ahead of a road trip to Wisconsin where they will meet the Badgers on August 15. That contest will be the final tune‑up before the Blue Demons open the regular season at Bradley on August 20.
Coach Zac Newton’s impact has been immediate; his leadership guided Indian Hills to a championship that cemented the school’s rising profile in junior college soccer. The Warriors’ blend of disciplined defense and dynamic attacking play makes them a formidable test for the Blue Demons.
DePaul’s coaching staff, led by head coach, will look to translate the preseason experience into a strong start in the upcoming collegiate season. The schedule underscores a strategic approach to building depth and confidence early in the campaign. Fans attending the free event will get a first look at the new‑look Blue Demons, who have bolstered their roster with transfers and returning veterans. The match also provides a platform for local youth soccer enthusiasts to see high‑level play up close.