Sept. 20, 2000
Box Score
DeKalb, Ill. - The UIC soccer team notched its fifth-straight win on Wednesday evening, improving to 5-1-1 on the season, as they shutout Northern Illinois, 3-0, in DeKalb.
"We outplayed Northern Illinois in every aspect of the game today," Head Coach Sasha Begovic commented after the game. "Everyone did a superb job from the starters to every guy down the bench."
The Flames' starters dominated the first half of the game as they took a 2-0 lead into intermission after out-shooting the Huskies 11-3.
UIC jumped out early in the contest, scoring in the ninth minute. Off a corner kick, Ranko Tutulugdzija centered the ball to Pablo Melgar, who headed the ball through to Nick Dudziak. He then shot one past NIU keeper Rasih Pala from six yards out to give the Flames a 1-0 advantage. It was Dudziak's first goal of the season.
After a few missed opportunities, UIC got back on the board in the 38th minute as Jakob Stasko and Eric Lukin teamed up to give the Flames a 2-0 edge. Stasko started the play by sending a pass up-field to Lukin, who dribbled the ball down the sideline while drawing the NIU defenders towards him. Stasko trailed behind the defense and when Lukin passed the ball back to him, he had just the goalie to beat. Stasko chipped it in from nine yards out for his fourth goal of the season, tying him for the team lead.
In the second half, UIC received an insurance goal from Greg Chrisman. He put the game out of reach as he scored from eight yards out in the 62nd minute. It was Chrisman's second goal of the season as both Melgar and Tutlugdzia earned their second assists of the contest.
The Flames also showcased their defense in the win as they recorded their fourth shutout in the last five games. Chris Jamal, Scott Greene and Jeff Kusiciel combined for the shutout victory with Jamal getting credit for the win.
Next up for UIC is a trip to Indianapolis, Ind., on Sunday afternoon where the Flames begin defense of their Midwestern Collegiate Conference crown with a matinee match versus Butler at 3:00 p.m.
