October 25, 2012
MAKING HISTORY
DePaul gets first Big East tournament road win

VILLANOVA, Pa. – Elise Wyatt and Ashleigh Goddard teamed up to make a little history on Thursday. Wyatt’s two goals and Goddard’s pair of assists led DePaul to a 3-0 victory over Villanova---the first Big East Championship road win in program history.

DePaul (9-9-2) advances to the Big East quarterfinals for a noon match on Sunday at Georgetown. Villanova's season ends with a 7-9-3, (5-4-1) record.

This was also the first victory over Villanova in nine tries. And, when Wyatt scored that first goal in the 69th minute, it was the first time the Blue Demons had found the back of the net at the West Campus Soccer Complex.

“Elise had just come on, and as she ran by me, I said: ‘You know, it’s about time we scored a goal.’” Goddard said. “You can ask Elise. And on the next play, there was the goal.

“You can’t make up stuff like that.”

Goddard and MaryKate Cicinelli were credited with assists on DePaul’s first goal in four matches.

“After scoring the goal, I was laughing as I ran across the field,” Wyatt said. “I was thinking about what Ash had just said. And, it was us two.”

In the 76th minute, they struck again.

“I saw Ash running up the right side and I slipped her the ball,” Wyatt said. “It wasn’t a very good pass, but Ash gave it a great first touch, beat the defender and passed it back to me. I just came across my body and shot it into the net.”

Blue Demon coach Erin Chastain was happy with her team’s effort that included Kylie Nordness’ penalty-kick goal in the 79th minute


“That second half was the best soccer we have played this season,” Chastain said. “Everyone stepped up and contributed. You want to be playing your best soccer at the end of the year when it matters the most.

“Before the game, I talked to the team about what kind of legacy they wanted to leave. This was an opportunity to leave behind a lasting memory.”

A sturdy backline of Kylie Nordness, Rachel Pitman, Sarah Gorden and Ren Stoecklin closed down the Villanova attack until the second-half fireworks put the game out of reach.

“Our defense and goalkeeping have been so solid all season,” Goddard said. “They are one of the best defenses in the Big East.

“It feels great what we did here today. I feel honored and privileged to be a part of history.”
DePaul close out the scoring in the 79th minute on a penalty kick by Kylie Nordness.

Villanova outshot the blue Demons 16-10. DePaul goalkeeper Megan Pyrz made nine saves. Villanova's Jamie Kranich made two saves in the first 82:43. Kelsey Quinn went the rest of the way without making a save.