DePaul's women's soccer team captured its first victory of the season, defeating the Denver Pioneers 2-1 on a crisp evening that saw the Blue Demons dominate possession and execute key tactical adjustments.
Match highlights
The breakthrough came in the 47th minute when veteran midfielder Shayna da Silva stepped up to convert a penalty, marking her first career spot‑kick and her second collegiate goal. The strike gave the Blue Demons a 1-0 lead and settled the tempo for the remainder of the half.
Early in the second half, freshman forward Katelyn Haiser burst past two defenders, collected a pass from Mackenzie Lee, and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Lucy Garnsey for her inaugural collegiate goal. The play underscored Haiser's composure under pressure and hinted at a promising future.
Denver answered back in the 53rd minute when Camila Palacios rose to head home a cross, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal shifted momentum briefly, but the Blue Demons regrouped quickly.
Mackenzie Lee contributed her first career assist on Haiser's goal, showcasing her playmaking ability, while goalkeeper Mason Hillery made four crucial saves to preserve the lead.
With the win, DePaul improved to 1-0-1 and took a 1-0 advantage in the all‑time series against the Pioneers. The team will next travel to St. Charles, Missouri, to face Lindenwood on August 23, marking their first road test of the campaign.