Sept. 3, 2004
Box Score
Denver, Colo.- The University of Illinois at Chicago soccer team could not hold off a three-goal second period by Denver as the host Pioneers defeated the Flames, 4-1, in Friday's season opener at Pioneer Field.
The Flames (0-1) fell behind early as Denver's Kyle Christensen knocked in a score off a corner kick in the second minute to put the Pioneers (1-0) up by a goal.
UIC answered back in the first half. Newcomer Tonci Skroce showed his explosiveness with an unassisted goal off a loose ball in the 41st minute to draw the Flames even.
But the second period quickly became a nightmare for the Flames. Denver posted two goals within a 32-second span to go up 3-1. The Pioneers received the goals from Mark Wellen and James Merriman in the 55th minute.
The final tally was a late goal in the 88th minute by Travis Hendricks.
Junior Ross Cain did all he could to keep the Flames in the game, notching seven saves, including six in a second period where Denver launched 12 shots to UIC's two.
Skroce was the only UIC player to generate offense, posting three shots on goal and earning his first Division I score.
Newcomer Pawel Otachel took four shots from his midfield spot, with one against goal, while Pawel Ligas and Derek Kosek each put up a shot.
UIC will be back in action this Sunday at Air Force. Game time is noon.
