A Test of Depth and Defense
The DePaul Blue Demons women's soccer squad will hit the road on Thursday, August 27, for a 6 p.m. CT showdown at Flames Field, where ESPN+ will broadcast the match. The game marks the next step in a schedule that also includes a home contest against Western Kentucky on September 3.
A week earlier the Blue Demons secured a 1‑0 victory over Lindenwood, a result that preserved their unbeaten start and featured a decisive own goal scored by sophomore midfielder Sierra Bennett in the 43rd minute. The defensive unit kept a clean sheet, limiting Lindenwood to few chances.
Sophomore midfielder Sierra Bennett’s contribution extended beyond the goal, as she helped orchestrate play while freshman midfielder Carolina Capizzi added three shot attempts, two of which tested the opposition’s keeper. The early-season performances suggest depth in the midfield.
UIC’s Scoring Drought
UIC, meanwhile, has been unable to break its own drought, having gone scoreless for 327 minutes since the season opener when Gracie Lisota found the net. Goalkeeper Sidney Lazenby has been busy, making nine saves in 135 minutes, while Bella Lister recorded ten saves over 225 minutes.
The Flames’ attack has been hampered by the absence of leading scorers Riley Collett, Hannah Gryzik and Bella Baker, leaving the team reliant on a thin attacking pool. Historically, DePaul holds the edge, having won four of the five meetings, including a 3‑0 victory in 2021 and three consecutive 1‑0 wins from 2022 through 2024.
The upcoming clash will be the sixth all‑time encounter, and the Blue Demons hope to continue that dominance while testing the resilience of a UIC side that has shown grit despite its offensive struggles. Coach and staff will look to maintain the defensive discipline that has defined their early season.
Looking ahead, DePaul returns home to face Western Kentucky on September 3, with kickoff set for 4 p.m. CT on Marquee Sports Network, a match that could further cement the team’s early momentum.