PEORIA, Ill. – The Bradley soccer team remains unbeaten during the 2023 season after a 1-0 victory against DePaul. The Braves are now 2-0-1 after three games, while the Blue Demons drop to 1-2-0.
Game Recap
In the first half of the match, the score remained 0-0 despite both teams creating several scoring opportunities. Both defenses denied any breakthroughs and both goalkeepers were sharp, resulting in a closely-fought battle. Bradley outshot DePaul 10-9 in the first half. Bradley goalkeeper
Alex Grow made a critical save in the 18th minute, denying a DePaul penalty kick to keep the match scoreless.
As the second half unfolded, fatigue became noticeable in both defenses, resulting in the development of dangerous goal-scoring chances. In the 64th minute,
Gonzalo Gil was credited with the decisive goal after the ball found the back of the net following a defensive deflection.
Nathaniel Isom earned his first collegiate assist on Gil's game-winner.
Notable Performances and Statistics
Similar to Bradley's game versus Kansas City, both teams employed physical tactics. The two teams combined to record 37 fouls over the full 90 minutes, with Bradley getting tabbed with 13 fouls and DePaul committing 27.
Alex Grow led BU to its second clean sheet of the season, stopping all 5 shots he faced during today's game. Bradley goalkeepers have not allowed a goal in 199 minutes and 46 seconds, dating back to Thursday, Aug. 24 against Chicago State.
This is the first time Bradley has gone unbeaten in its first three games since 2019.
Both teams recorded 18 total shots, with Bradley firing eight shots on goal to DePaul's five. Eight Braves recorded a shot, with DJ Koulai leading the Braves with four shots and Kevin Mejias and
Ian Ferguson pacing the Braves with two shots on goal.
Coming up...
The Braves will be back in action as they travel to Charleston, Illinois on Sunday to take on Eastern Illinois at 1 p.m.
