Mirsberger Nets Overtime Game-Winner vs. DePaul

MILWAUKEE - The No. 21 Marquette men's soccer team completed a season sweep of DePaul with a 2-1 victory in the second overtime period on Wednesday night at Valley Fields.

Redshirt sophomore defender Alex Mirsberger headed in the game-winning goal in the 108th minute off a free kick from Zyan Andrade, sending the Golden Eagles (7-1-1, 4-1-1 BIG EAST) to their fifth overtime win of the season. MU won despite being outshot 20-11 and surrendering several excellent scoring chances.

"We were extremely resilient tonight," Marquette head coach Louis Bennett said. "DePaul outplayed us for a lot of the game and they definitely held an edge in scoring chances. Our lads never gave up - they kept at it and eventually they were rewarded. It wasn't our best performance, but it's great to come away with a win and keep us at the top of the table."

The Blue Demons (2-4-2, 2-4 BIG EAST) came out aggressively in the first half. They started the scoring in the 12th minute when Jack Richards scored his first goal of the season after a left-footed volley from teammate Kristian Malinich found the back of the net.

DPU dominated much of the first half of play, outshooting the Golden Eagles 12-1 and controlling nearly 60 percent of the possession.

MU was able to even the game in the 36th minute after a ball sent into the box by defender Manuel Cukaj redirected off a Blue Demon foot and went in for an own goal. This sent the teams into halftime tied at one.

The Golden Eagles were able to create more scoring chances in the second half and outshot the Blue Demons, 7-6.

Beto Soto missed a shot wide and had a left-footed strike blocked in the final 15 minutes of regulation while Jonathan Robinson laced a shot from outside the 18 that nearly ended the game in the 90th minute. DPU's Nuelle made a diving save to send the game to overtime.

DPU was shutout in the second half and overtime despite having shots hit the crossbar and right post in the final 45 minutes of the game.

Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Chandler Hallwood (6-1-1) saved three shots in MU's victory.

The Golden Eagles have now taken three straight games and four of the last five against the Blue Demons.

108' | GOALLL!!!

Alex Mirsberger's first goal of the season is a golden one against DePaul! Marquette downs DePaul 2-1 in double OT. #WeAreMarquette pic.twitter.com/0V6oyZdmDm
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) March 25, 2021

UP NEXT:
Marquette plays at home on senior day against Butler on Saturday, March 27 at 4 p.m. Central time. GoMarquette.com will provide live stats and a live stream.

.@alexmirs_21 reacts to his team's victory over DePaul and scoring the game-winner in overtime tonight. pic.twitter.com/PF4okc8tUf
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) March 25, 2021

Keep up with the Marquette University men's soccer team through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and 'liking' on Facebook (/Marquettesoccer).