CHICAGO – DePaul women’s soccer kicked off its season Thursday night with a commanding 6-2 victory over Chicago State at Wish Field. The offensive outburst marked the Blue Demons’ most prolific scoring in a season opener in program history, as well as the largest margin of victory and most goals under head coach Michele O’Brien.
 
“I think it means our program is taking a step in the right direction,” said Coach O’Brien. “To show up for our home opener, execute, and score six goals is not easy; every Division I soccer game is hard. Putting six goals away, regardless of the opponent, is a big task. I’m proud of the team for stepping up, being clinical, and grinding to get those goals.”
 
In this exciting match, DePaul’s offense shone brightly, with sophomore Katelyn Jamie recording her first career hat trick. Jamie, who had only scored once during her freshman year, netted three goals in the match alone, opening the scoring early in the fourth minute and adding her second and third goals in the 19th and 53rd minutes, respectively.
 
Freshman Mya Gardner also made a significant impact, scoring twice within the first two minutes of the second half, effectively doubling her career goal tally. Tessa Fagerson contributed by scoring her second career goal and adding an assist. Other notable contributions came from Shayna da Silva and Nahla Dominguez, each chalking up their third and second career assists, respectively. Sienna Gonzales was a constant threat, attempting seven shots, three of which were on goal.
 
On the defensive side, the Blue Demons allowed just three shots on goal, with Mason Hillery making her debut start as goalkeeper. The team’s defensive solidity was a key factor, limiting Chicago State to only seven total shots throughout the match.
 
“For Kate Jamie to score a hat trick is impressive, and Mya’s two quick goals in the second half were important for confidence,” said Coach O’Brien. “Tessa finding the net was great, and Sienna, Marin, and Mia all had chances; credit to the keeper for some big saves. It’s encouraging to see players have conviction, believe in themselves, and create quality opportunities. Everyone who was available and healthy got minutes, making it a true team performance that gave valuable experience to younger players and spread out minutes, which will help us in the long run.”
 
How It Happened
DePaul wasted little time finding the back of the net, with Jamie opening her sophomore season in the fourth minute by burying a close-range finish to put the hosts ahead 1-0.
 
Chicago State equalized in the 16th minute when Gabby Flores converted from the penalty spot after a foul in the box.
 
The Blue Demons responded quickly. Fagerson restored the lead in the 18th minute with her second career goal, slotting home a feed from da Silva. Just two minutes later, Jamie struck again, finishing off a pass from Fagerson to give DePaul a 3-1 advantage heading into halftime.
 
The second half started with a burst from Gardner, who scored twice in the opening 95 seconds. Her first came in the 47th minute off an assist from Dominguez, followed by an unassisted strike less than a minute later to push the lead to 5-1.
 
Flores pulled one back for the Cougars in the 52nd minute with her second penalty-kick goal of the match, but Jamie completed her hat trick less than a minute later with a composed finish to seal the 6-2 final.
 
Match Notes

  • Most goals in a match since 2018.

  • Most goals under head coach Michele O’Brien.

  • Most goals in a season opener in program history.

  • Largest margin of victory since 2019 and the best margin in the O’Brien era.

  • The Blue Demons fired 23 shots, one of their highest totals in recent memory.

  • DePaul held Chicago State to three shots on goal and seven total attempts.

  • First career hat trick for Katelyn Jamie, who had one goal as a freshman in 2024.

  • Jamie’s performance marked the first hat trick by a DePaul player since Morgan Turner against Villanova in 2021.

  • Mya Gardner scored twice in the second half, doubling her career goals from two to four.

  • Tessa Fagerson recorded her second career goal and third career assist.

  • Shayna da Silva tallied her third career assist; Nahla Dominguez earned her second.

  • Sienna Gonzales attempted seven shots, three on target.

  • Jericho Frigon registered her first shot attempt as a Blue Demon.

  • Mason Hillery made her first career start in goal, recording the win.

 
Up Next

DePaul heads west on Interstate 88 to face Northern Illinois on Sunday, Aug. 17. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex.
 
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