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DePaul Tops Villanova with Ramadan's Overtime Strike - DePaul Blue Demons

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VILLANOVA, Pa. - DePaul men's soccer claimed a thrilling 3-2 double-overtime win against the Villanova Wildcats on a game-winning goal in the 110th minute of action by Omar Ramadan. Ramadan's first-career goal gave the Blue Demons their first road win in conference action and gave DePaul (7-6-1, 3-3-1 BIG EAST) three important points in the BIG EAST standings with the season winding down to its final two weeks.

Ramadan's game-winner came on the attack with time winding down in the second overtime period and the score knotted at two. Jake Fuderer played a ball into the box and Jacob Huth slipped a quick pass to Ramadan after corralling the ball. Ramadan's right-footed shot tucked past the Villanova keeper and gave the Blue Demons the win in a match that saw back and forth action all afternoon.

"This was a huge result for us and I couldn't be prouder of our guys," said head coach Mark Plotkin. "After surrendering the lead twice, to come back in overtime and create the winner is a testament to who these guys are. They don't give in and they stayed after it until we found the winner."

The offensive pace picked up right out of the gates on Wednesday, as three goals were scored in the game's first 12 minutes. DePaul lit the scoreboard first on a punch in by Jack Richards inside the box. Richards connected with a low cross from Jake Fuderer and knocked in the first goal of the game to make it 1-0 in the fourth minute. Richards' goal was his team-leading fifth of the season and put DePaul out to an early lead.

Villanova (8-6, 4-4 BIG EAST) did not waste any time on the attack, responding quickly with a goal by Balthi Saunders just seven minutes later. With the match tied at one in the early going, DePaul gained an opportunity to pull ahead in the 11th minute. A Marek Gonda shot from the edge of the box was deflected by a Wildcat defender's hand, giving the Blue Demons a penalty kick chance to pull ahead. Jake Fuderer lined up the opportunity and slotted a left-footed shot, giving the Blue Demons a 2-1 advantage with just eleven minutes gone by.

After a flurry of offense to start the match, both defenses settled in as the first half moved along. DePaul and Villanova entered the halftime break with the score still 2-1 in favor of the Blue Demons.

Out of the intermission, Villanova attempted to spark the offense. In the 57th minute, a dangerous cross entered the box in front of Gandhi Cruz. The opportunity was managed by the DePaul defense and the danger was cleared. Less than 15 minutes later, the Wildcats created additional chances in the DePaul defensive box. Grant Herbek and Matty Brickman dealt with each opportunity, keeping the Blue Demons in front. Herbek made a key clearance in the 70th minute when a loose ball ended up in front of goal.

However, the Wildcats were finally able to break through with 12 minutes to go. A back-post cross beat the DePaul back line and Anthony Dragisics headed home the chance, making the score 2-2. The equalizer kept the match tied until the end of regulation and the Blue Demons and Wildcats headed to overtime.

In the first extra period, Villanova had a chance from a tough angle just three minutes into the action. The Wildcat shot went wide and the Blue Demons quickly received a chance of their own on the other end. A Fuderer free kick from outside the box sailed high, and the teams played on.

In the second overtime period, Jacob Huth had a scoring opportunity on a shot through some traffic in the attacking end. His attempt was knocked away by Villanova's Carson Williams and Williams made an even better save on the ensuing corner. After the Blue Demons played the ball short, Fuderer swung in a ball that was grabbed by the outstretched Williams. The save kept the match going with the 2-2 tie.

Moments later on the other end, Cruz and Brickman combined to shut down a Villanova chance in the box. The second overtime period wound down to the final minute with the Blue Demons on the attack. Fuderer swung in a pass that was collected by Huth and slipped to Ramadan who tucked a quick shot home.

"Credit to Jake Fuderer for an outstanding game," said Plotkin. "Huth and Omar had incredible composure on the game-winning goal. We're also thrilled to see Jack Richards get back on the scoresheet with a great team goal."

KEY STATS

  • DePaul's seven regular season wins are its most since DePaul posted a 9-9-3 record during the 2016 campaign. 
  • Ramadan's goal was the first of his career. Ramadan has tallied five assists and has played a key midfield role during his DePaul career so far, but his game-winner on Wednesday was the first time he has found the back of the net.
  • Wednesday's match featured plenty of offensive action. DePaul totaled 19 shots with nine ending on target while the Wildcats totaled 22 attempts with five being on goal.
  • DePaul moves to 7-0 this season in matches when the Blue Demons find the back of the net first.
  • Richards' strike was his fifth of the season and he moved in front of Marek Gonda for the team lead this season. 
  • Fuderer's goal was his first of the 2021 season. The Blue Demon senior has played more of a defensive role this season after leading DePaul in goals in each of the last two seasons. Fuderer also collected a pair of assists, moving his season total to five. His two assists matched a single game career-high: Fuderer also notched two assists in a win over Drake back on Sept. 9, 2019.
  • DePaul is unbeaten in overtime this fall after battling to a 1-1 draw versus Providence and picking up the win over Villanova.

UP NEXT
With more BIG EAST action happening tonight around the conference, DePaul now has 10 points in the standings with three matches to play. DePaul hosts Butler on Saturday, Oct. 23 for a 1 p.m. CT start at Wish Field. The match will be broadcast on the BIG EAST Digital Network on FloSports presented by SoFi.

For all of the latest on DePaul Men's Soccer, stay tuned to depaulbluedemons.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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