DePaul Secures First Win of Season with 2-1 Victory Over Chicago State Blue Demons Break Through Early Season Struggles Behind Strong Attacking Display at Home Stadium
CHICAGO, IL – DePaul University finally found their breakthrough moment of the season, defeating cross-town rival Chicago State 2-1 at Home Stadium on Thursday evening in a match that showcased the Blue Demons' attacking potential while highlighting the Cougars' continued early-season struggles.
The victory marked DePaul's first win of the campaign, improving their record to 1-1-2 after opening the season with two draws and a loss. For Chicago State, the defeat extended their winless streak to start the season, falling to 0-3-1 with their goal differential now sitting at a concerning -10.
DePaul dominated the statistical battle from the opening whistle, outshooting Chicago State 21-4 and putting six shots on target compared to the visitors' two. The Blue Demons' attacking intent was evident throughout, with forwards Keagan Pace and substitute Luca Iaccino leading the charge.
Pace proved to be the catalyst for DePaul's offensive surge, recording four shots with two on target while finding the back of the net for what appeared to be the opening goal. The forward's 64-minute performance demonstrated the kind of clinical finishing that had been missing from the Blue Demons' early season matches.
The breakthrough came as a relief for DePaul, who had managed just four goals in their first three matches while conceding six. Their improved attacking display suggested head coach's tactical adjustments were beginning to take hold, with the team generating significantly more quality chances than in previous outings.
Chicago State's lone bright spot came through forward Jack Geist, who converted the Cougars' only shot on target with an assist from midfielder Karma Bhagentsang. The goal represented Chicago State's first of the season, breaking a scoreless drought that had plagued their opening matches.
However, the Cougars' offensive limitations were starkly apparent throughout the contest. Despite midfielder Bill Okumu and Saul Silva each registering shots, Chicago State struggled to create sustained pressure against a DePaul defense that had been vulnerable in earlier matches.
The match's defining moment came through substitute Luca Iaccino, who required just 21 minutes on the pitch to make his mark. The forward's clinical finish from his lone shot attempt proved to be the difference-maker, showcasing the depth that could prove crucial for DePaul as the season progresses.
Defensively, both teams showed improved organization compared to recent performances. DePaul goalkeeper Santiago Davila earned his first victory of the season, while Chicago State's Johan Rodriguez Morales made several crucial saves to keep his team competitive despite the shot disparity.
The disciplinary statistics revealed a relatively clean contest, with each team receiving two yellow cards. Chicago State's Owen Santos and Aaron Zhao were cautioned, while DePaul's Tyson Amoo-mensah and Ryan Thomas received bookings.
Looking ahead, DePaul will aim to build on this momentum when they host the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) on August 31st. The Blue Demons will be eager to string together consecutive victories for the first time this season.
For Chicago State, the search for their first win continues as they face the challenge of improving their goal-scoring output while tightening a defense that has now conceded 11 goals in four matches.
This cross-town rivalry renewed DePaul's all-time series lead to 2-0-0, with the Blue Demons having now won both meetings between these programs.
Key Players
- Luca Iaccino (DePaul) - Scored the winning goal in just 21 minutes as a substitute, converting his only shot attempt
- Keagan Pace (DePaul) - Led the attack with 4 shots and 2 shots on target, scoring one goal in 64 minutes
- Jack Geist (Chicago State) - Scored Chicago State's first goal of the season, converting their only shot on target