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Blue Demons Drop Exhibition Match at Saint Louis
ST. LOUIS A goal early in the second half proved to be the difference as the Saint Louis Billikens knocked off the DePaul Blue Demons, 1-0, in an exhibition match on Wednesday. Dado Hamzagic scored on a 20-yard liner to push the No. 8 Billikens ahead in the 52nd minute. DePaul outshot Saint Louis, 5-3, in the first half with Matt Leinauer and Erich Reichmann creating chances for the Blue Demons. The Billiken defense was there on each occasion to clear out any Blue Demon opportunity. The Billikens returned the offensive favor in the second half as they totaled 10 shots to four for the Blue Demons. Minutes into the second period, Hamzagic started the scoring play with a pass to Brandon Barklage at the top of the box. Barklage returned the ball back to Hamzagic and he connected for the eventual game-winner at 51:12. DePaul’s Brian Visser totaled six saves, all in the second half, while Pat Disbennett and Ross Kaufman combined on the shutout for Saint Louis. The Billikens created four corner kick chances and DePaul was able to take a pair of second-half corner kicks. The Blue Demons wrap up the three-game exhibition schedule on Sunday afternoon at Western Michigan. DePaul tangles with the Broncos at 2 p.m. ET in Kalamazoo, Mich. The regular season opens at Wish Field on Sunday, Aug 31 when the Blue Demons host Valparaiso. Game Notes: Wednesday was the first meeting between the two programs since they both left Conference USA... DePaul joined the BIG EAST Conference and Saint Louis became a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference in July 2005.
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