April 21, 2005

Chicago, Ill.- New University of Illinois at Chicago Head Coach John Trask and the UIC soccer team completed their spring season this past Saturday, competing in three tournament contests hosted by Marquette University at Valley Fields in Milwaukee, Wis. this past weekend.

UIC began the day with a match against Lewis University. The Flames were on the short end of a 2-0 decision, but Trask and his new coaching staff were pleased to get valuable playing time for players who had yet to see action this spring.

"A few of our key reserves showed that they are capable of being solid back-up players and some of the younger members of the team took another stride in their development," Trask said.

Following their match versus Lewis, the Flames battled Wisconsin. Sophomore Tonci Skroce (Zadar, Croatia/IX Gimnasium/Kendall College) started the UIC attack early on in the match, barely missing a score in a one-on-one versus the Badger keeper.

While the Flames played what Trask called "some excellent attacking soccer" and hung tough with a tough Big Ten foe, the Badgers scored the contest's only goal to pull out a 1-0 victory.

"Our team played well, but in the end our lack of focus on a set piece cost us the game," lamented Trask. "Many of our players did very well, but the individual defending and group defending has been a concern and we will continue to address these issues going forward."

The Flames rounded out the day with a slobberknocker against the host Golden Eagles, taking Marquette to the limit in a 2-2 draw.

Against Marquette, UIC provided a glimpse of an exciting fall with clever, attacking soccer. The Flames used numerous combinations that lead to near-conversions on multiple occasions, leaving the coaching staff pleased with the play of the attacking unit.

Sophomore Brodey Simkins (Bozeman, Mont./Bozeman) and Skroce netted the Flames' two scores on tremendous build-ups through the UIC midfield.

Trask and the staff were impressed with the fitness level of numerous players, who were able to show their new coaches what Trask called "the ability to play quality soccer after 180 minutes" of game action.

After Saturday's showing, the Flames concluded their spring training with a 90-minute intra-squad scrimmage at Flames Field on Wednesday afternoon.

Coach Trask was more than pleased with the effort his new charges displayed during their first weeks of training.

"I'm extremely proud of the work this young group of players has put forth in the last few months, from weight training and conditioning, individual principles and many other facets of the game," said Trask. "The work rate has been a pleasant surprise. The players seem to be enjoying the game and are playing with a real passion and confidence.

"While evaluating and introducing new training techniques to the group, the standard and competitiveness of the existing players has been noticed by the entire coaching staff. It was a very productive off-season and my staff and I believe that the hard work put in by this group of players will only make a stronger unit in the fall."