CHICAGO, Ill. - Creighton (5-2-2) extended their winning streak to five matches with a 2-0 victory over DePaul (2-3-5) in Big East conference action on Saturday afternoon at Wish Field. The match remained scoreless until Matthew Reed's 90th minute strike, assisted by Miguel Arilla, secured all three points for the visiting Bluejays.
In a match defined by defensive discipline, both teams struggled to find the breakthrough for nearly 90 minutes. Reed's decisive goal came in the final minute of regulation, as he connected with Arilla's setup to place a low shot into the corner. The late goal punctuated a tactical battle that saw both sides create chances throughout the contest.
The first half saw Creighton establish control through measured possession, generating several quality opportunities. Miguel Arilla tested the DePaul defense in the 6th minute with a shot that drifted wide left. Andrija Savic followed with another attempt in the 13th minute that missed the target. Brady Bragg and Miguel Arilla both saw shots blocked as the Bluejays maintained offensive pressure, while DePaul's Noeh Hernandez managed two blocked attempts of his own before the break.
The second half intensity increased as both teams pushed for the opener. DePaul's Daniel Hickiewicz fired wide in the 46th minute, while Ethan Gordon and Noeh Hernandez both had attempts in quick succession around the 48th minute mark. The Blue Demons showed increased attacking intent after the break, with Jayden Waski and Sam Tinoco both creating dangerous moments. Creighton's defensive unit, anchored by Lucas Cavalcante, held firm under the pressure.
Final statistics reflected the even nature of the contest, with both teams recording 17 shot attempts. Creighton held a slight advantage in shots on target (6-4) and corner kicks (7-6). The match saw four yellow cards issued, with DePaul's Tyson Amoo-Mensah, Nolan McGuire, and Creighton's Lucas Cavalcante all cautioned for unsporting behavior.
Several players stood out individually throughout the match. Creighton's Matthew Reed proved decisive with his late winner, while Miguel Arilla contributed both in attack and with the crucial assist. For DePaul, Noeh Hernandez was particularly active with multiple shot attempts, while goalkeeper Santiago Davila made four saves to keep his team in contention until the late stages.
The tactical approach from both sides emphasized defensive organization, with Creighton's possession-based style eventually wearing down DePaul's resolute defensive block. The Bluejays' patient build-up play and strategic use of width created the spaces that ultimately led to the breakthrough.
This victory continues Creighton's impressive form, having won their last five matches across all competitions. The result moves them to 2-0 in conference play, while DePaul's struggles continue as they search for their first conference win of the season. The Blue Demons have now gone winless in their last three matches, though their defensive organization shows promise for upcoming fixtures.
The match ultimately turned on Reed's moment of quality in the final minute, but both teams demonstrated the competitive nature of Big East soccer. Creighton's ability to maintain their tactical discipline throughout the full 90 minutes proved decisive, while DePaul's improved second-half performance suggests better results may be on the horizon. The Bluejays will look to extend their winning streak when they visit UConn on October 3, while DePaul hosts Butler the same day seeking to reverse their recent form.