CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Villanova (7-5, 2-2 Big East) earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DePaul (3-7-1, 0-3-1 Big East) on Wednesday evening at Wish Field. The Wildcats managed to secure all three points despite playing with 10 players for nearly 60 minutes following a red card.
The match's decisive moment came in the first half when Tea Gambardella received a straight red card in the 31st minute for unsporting behavior. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Villanova's defensive organization proved impenetrable, preserving their slim advantage throughout the second half.
The first half saw both teams creating opportunities, with Villanova showing more attacking intent. Gabby Koluch registered the first dangerous attempt in the 5th minute, sending a shot high over the crossbar. The Wildcats continued to press, with Isabella Panaccione striking the left post in the 21st minute, followed shortly by Hannah Curtin's low effort that tested the DePaul goalkeeper. Tewabech Seerup provided DePaul's best chance of the half in the 23rd minute, but her attempt sailed high.
The second half saw DePaul attempting to capitalize on their numerical advantage, but Villanova's disciplined defensive shape frustrated the Blue Demons' attack. Katelyn Jamie had DePaul's best opportunity in the 62nd minute with a low drive that was well-saved. The Wildcats remained dangerous on the counter, with Dez Zapata forcing a save in the 70th minute. Sienna Gonzales had two late chances for DePaul in the 89th minute, but both efforts missed the target.
Statistically, Villanova demonstrated their attacking superiority despite playing with ten players, outshooting DePaul 10-6 overall and 4-2 in shots on target. The Wildcats also dominated set pieces, earning 9 corner kicks to DePaul's 2, showcasing their ability to maintain offensive pressure even while focusing on defensive stability.
Individual performances highlighted the tactical battle, with Villanova's Avrie Nelsen and Morgan Kotch providing crucial defensive coverage before being substituted in the 76th minute. DePaul's Marin Stamper showed creativity in midfield until being replaced in the 68th minute, while Sierra Bennett posed a consistent threat with her late runs into the box.
The tactical approach from both teams evolved throughout the match. Villanova head coach adjusted their formation after Gambardella's dismissal, dropping into a more compact 4-4-1 that effectively neutralized DePaul's numerical advantage. The Blue Demons attempted to stretch the field with width but struggled to break down Villanova's organized defensive block.
This victory continues Villanova's bounce-back from their recent setback against Xavier, improving their conference position. For DePaul, the loss extends their winless streak and highlights their ongoing offensive struggles, having failed to score in three of their last four matches.
The match showcased Villanova's resilience and tactical discipline, particularly after going down to ten players. Multiple defensive stands in the final minutes, including crucial interventions from their backline, preserved the clean sheet. DePaul's inability to capitalize on their advantage will likely prompt tactical reassessment before their next fixture.
Looking ahead, DePaul faces a quick turnaround with an away match at Marquette on October 4, while Villanova will have extended preparation time before visiting St. John's on October 11. Both teams will look to build on the tactical lessons learned in this tightly contested affair.