A Fresh Start for the Blue Demons
DePaul’s men’s soccer team will kick off its 2026 campaign on Thursday, August 27, when it welcomes Western Illinois to Wish Field in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. The match is set for 3 p.m. and admission is free for all fans, offering a lively atmosphere as the program looks to build on recent progress.
The roster features a mix of established contributors and a large influx of newcomers. Among the returning players, forward Mason Kutch and midfielder Scott Godden have already made notable impacts, with Kutch scoring the equalizer against the Braves and assisting in the season‑opening draw versus Bradley. Freshman forward Mason Kutch has also added goals and shots on goal early in the season, while veteran Ronan Selbo and Scott Godden have logged the most minutes so far.
Western Illinois arrives with momentum after a 3‑2 victory over Division II Quincy on August 22, improving to 1‑0 on the young schedule. Senior forward Xavier Gagnon, the team’s top returning scorer with ten points last season, leads the attack, while first‑year head coach Kooten Johnson, a former player at the university, guides the squad.
The two programs have a modest but competitive history, meeting nine times prior to this encounter. Western Illinois currently holds a 5‑2‑1 edge, including a 2‑1 win in August 2012. DePaul’s recent performances in Chicago have been mixed, entering the game with a 0‑2‑1 record in home series matches.
Looking ahead, the Blue Demons will test themselves against Loyola Chicago on August 30 and UIC on September 3 before concluding the non‑conference stretch with an Alumni Day clash against Chicago State on September 6.