Seton Hall University
DePaul
Players Mentioned
WSOC Edged by #15/15 DePaul; 1-0
10/2/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - It took nearly 85 minutes for the most potent attack in the conference to break through against an inspired Seton Hall defense, but a well-hit direct free kick by Amber Paul proved to be the difference between visiting #15/15 DePaul and the Pirates in BIG EAST women's soccer action on Thursday night.
The Hall (3-7-2, 0-3-0 BIG EAST) limited a Blue Demons squad averaging over 2.5 goals per game to just three shots on goal in the contest but could not overcome the late strike.
The single goal matches the lowest offensive output of the season for a DePaul side (10-0-2, 2-0-1 BIG EAST) that also entered the night as one of six unbeaten teams in the nation as well as the only squad in the league that has yet to be shutout this season.
The first 45 minutes were tightly-contested in a classic BIG EAST fashion that saw aggressive play from both sides. Blue Demons' senior Elise Wyatt was denied by Seton Hall sophomore keeper Illissa Blackshear (West Orange, N.J.) inside the first minute and though DePaul built an early advantage in attempts, a back line featuring Emily Hansinger (Mount Laurel, N.J.), D'Yonna Riley (Washingtonville, N.Y.), Cathy Chukuka (Marlboro, N.J.) and Melissa Blevins (Laurel Springs, N.J.) helped deny any more quality chances.
On the other end, the Pirates worked an opening in the 23rd minute when sophomore Sarah Fiorino (Glen Rock, N.J.) - who scored the eventual game-winner in the squad's previous home appearance against LIU-Brooklyn - found herself with an opening to go for goal but fired her shot wide.
In the 37th minute, a Blue Demons foul gave The Hall a free kick in the attacking third and off a well-rehearsed set piece, junior Amanda Gulli (Toms River, N.J.) found a cutting Frankie Maier (Oradell, N.J.) in the box but the sophomore could not get a clean shot off under duress.
Seton Hall defenders closed down the final two DePaul chances of the period; two of five blocked shots for The Hall in the match.
A sharp angle shot from Blue Demons' forward Abby Reed struck the outside of the post just over six minutes after the restart but the DePaul would not threaten again until the 58th minute when Blackshear corralled a central effort from substitute Ana Greik.
Riley worked another chance for Seton Hall with just over 23 minutes remaining in regulation, pushing forward and firing a shot on frame but BIG EAST Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year Alex Godinez was there to make the stop.
The later stages of the period grew increasingly physical with both teams pushing for the result but with just under 84 minutes gone; the Pirates were called for their 15th foul of the night, giving DePaul an opportunity from the edge of the area.
Amber Paul stepped up to take the free kick and unleashed a rope that found its way around the wall and inside the left post to put the Blue Demons in front for good.
The goal was the fourth of the year for Paul who is the fifth DePaul Player to reach nine points this fall.
In what was a two-way physical battle, both squads were issued a pair of yellow cards but Seton Hall finished with 17 fouls to four for the visitors.
The result marks fifth loss that has come by a one-goal margin for the Pirates this season and it was the third-consecutive meeting that DePaul has squeaked by The Hall, 1-0.
Following their first home appearance of the conference season, Seton Hall hits the road for the third time in four matches this Sunday, October 5 when the squad travels to Omaha to take on Creighton. Start-time is set for 2:00 p.m. ET
