Max Todd scored on a penalty kick with just 44 seconds remaining in the second overtime to give UIC (7-5-3, 4-2-1 HL) a 1-0 win over Cleveland State (5-7-2, 3-2-2 HL) in Horizon League action Saturday afternoon.

The Flames moved ahead of Cleveland State in the Horizon League standings.  They improved to 5-0-2 in their last seven games, having allowed 0 or 1 goals in six of the seven.
 
Game Headlines

• Flames Answer Early Challenge: Cleveland State had the first chance for a set piece on a third-minute corner kick.  UIC neutralized the threat and attacked in transition.  Max Todd sent a quality cross to Jesus Perez, who sent the try on net forcing a save by Pavle Majerle.
• Vikings Foil Flames' Chances: Shortly thereafter, UIC had three chances at a set piece.  A free kick following a yellow card and two corner kicks gave them chances in the box.  The Vikings' defense was up to the task and a couple of shots failed to find the target.
• UIC Piles Up the Shots: Two more opportunities came the Flames' way in the 23^rd minute.  Another corner kick created action in front of the goal but Majerle plucked the ball away from danger.  Following a yellow card, Todd was in position for a bicycle kick on the doorstep but his attempt was sent outside the post.

  

• Cleveland State Keeps its Poise: UIC had control of possession for the majority of the second half and outshot the Vikings 8-2 in the period.  A packed-in Cleveland State defense blocked and deflected a number of the Flames' chances until late, when UIC played a man up due to an 81^st-minute red card.  Abel Guzman rifled a shot from the left flank that flew just wide of the far post.  Todd tested Majerle with a would-be game winner, but the Viking keeper made one of his four saves to keep the game scoreless.
• Each Team Misses an Opportunity: Jacob Graiber headed a corner kick square on the net but floated it high in the first overtime.  Soon after, Sawyer Jackman was called on to save a Viking shot in transition to extend the game.
• Todd Scores Golden Goal: With time winding down, the Flames send the ball through the box only to have a Viking deflect it with his hand.  Max Todd lined up the penalty kick and blasted it straight to the back support.

Facts and Figures

• Max Todd started his second straight game, and five other regulars returned to the First XI after a juggled lineup started against Bradley, to mark the 14^th different starting lineup in 15 matches this season.
• Todd scored an overtime game winner for the second time this season.
• Jackman made three saves, posting his second straight shutout.
• Todd's PK was the team's second goal in two tries from the spot.
• Joel Leon and Todd earned yellow cards.  Four yellows and a red were shown to Cleveland State.
• UIC took 11 of the game's 15 corner kicks.

Up Next

• UIC returns to action next Saturday.
• Oakland will visit Flames Field for at 7:00 pm contest.
• The Flames will honor their seniors (Abel Guzman, Joel Leon, Sasha Simon, and Jose Fuentes) at their final home appearance.

Postgame Reaction

• Max Todd
  
• Sean Phillips