CHICAGO – The Drake University men's soccer team closes its season-opening road trip at DePaul on Friday at noon. Following the match in Chicago, Drake (0-3) will host Western Michigan on Sunday at 3 p.m. in its home opener. Sunday's match will be broadcast on The Valley on ESPN3.
 
Drake dropped road matches at Air Force and then No. 4 Denver this past weekend. The Bulldogs trailed 1-0 at halftime in each match, but couldn't find the equalizer in the second halves against the two tough opponents, losing each by a score of 2-0. Against DePaul (1-3), Drake will look to score its first goal of 2017 as Xavier shutout the Bulldogs, 3-0, in their opener. 14 freshmen and sophomores have played significant minutes for Drake this season.
 
DePaul lost its last match to new Missouri Valley Conference member, Valparaiso, 3-2, but defeated LaSalle, 2-1, in the previous match. The Blue Demons three losses have each been decided by a one-goal differential. Drake beat DePaul, 3-2, in the last meeting between the two schools, and the Bulldogs lead the all-time series, 11-5-2.
 
Western Michigan (3-0-1) knocked off Cincinnati, 2-0, in its last contest. The Broncos have outscored their opponents, 10-2, this year. WMU will play at Butler on Friday night before traveling to Des Moines. The Broncos rallied for a 2-1 victory over the Bulldogs in double overtime last season in Kalamazoo, Mich.
 
Following Sunday's match, Drake will play at Green Bay on Sept. 13. First kick against the Phoenix will be 6 p.m.