April 8, 2005
Chicago, Ill.- New UIC head soccer coach John Trask took a look at his new charges in a match setting for the first time this past Tuesday, as the Flames squared off against Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire in a spring practice friendly at Flames Field.
Against some high-level competition on a beautiful spring day, UIC played an outstanding match in defeat as the professional club took a 3-1 victory.
Pavle Dundjer, the reigning Horizon League Newcomer of the Year and a 2004 All-Horizon League First Team selection, scored the Flames' goal in the 39th minute. The Serbian midfielder beat five Fire players before calmly slotting the ball past keeper Matt Pickens.
Dundjer's goal tied the game at one goal apiece heading into halftime.
Ross Cain, UIC's active leader in career saves, earned the starting nod in net and didn't disappoint. Cain made some impressive stops and allowed one goal in his half of play.
Jeff Engelbrecht started the second half in goal, and despite two goals by the visitors, the redshirt freshmen made some strong plays.
The Fire scored their final two goals on nearly-identical dazzling crosses from the left side that found Chris Rolfe and Will John, respectively, streaking through the middle of the box within three minutes of each other.
Among the Fire players on the field was young Brazilian star Thiago, who scored the first tally of the match off a free kick in the tenth minute before Dundjer tied the game later in the period. U-20 USA International stars Chad Barrett and Will John, along with CONCACAF stalwarts Samuel Caballero and Andy Herron, were also on the pitch for the Fire.
"It was a great opportunity for our young squad to play the Chicago Fire," said Trask. "I'd like to thank the Chicago Fire organization, especially Dave Sarachan and his staff, for this unique experience.
"Against some obviously-superior opposition, I thought both individually and collectively we had some great play," Trask said. "Hopefully this can develop into a tradition between UIC Soccer and the Chicago Fire for years to come here at Flames Field."
UIC continues spring action with a road match at Valparaiso this Saturday at noon at Valpo's Eastgate Field.
