Sept. 28, 2005

Box Score

Evanston, Ill.- A two-minute lapse that resulted in two Northwestern goals tainted what was an otherwise strong performance from the UIC soccer team against a 2004 NCAA Tournament qualifier, as the Flames dropped a 2-0 decision to the Wildcats at rain-soaked Joseph B Leonard Athletic Complex on Wednesday afternoon.

UIC (3-3-1) started off slow, giving up goals to NU's John Carlstedt in the 13th minute and Brad North in the 15th minute to fall behind early.

But the Flames did not yield to the Wildcats (5-3-0), continuously attacking in a downpour and creating solid scoring opportunities, particularly in the second period. Attempts by Pavle Dundjer, Cesar Zambrano and Tonci Skroce nearly hit the net but missed just wide.

Goalkeeper Jeff Engelbrecht took the loss despite a five-save effort.

UIC kept up with the Wildcats in shot attempts at 10 apiece, launching nine attempts to Northwestern's four in the second half.

"We had a two-minute period where we just didn't play and it cost us," said UIC head coach John Trask. "[NU] just had the ability to capitalize."

"While I was proud of the guys in the second period, when you play a Big Ten team like Northwestern and give them a two-goal advantage, you're so far behind the eight-ball that it's tough to come back."

UIC returns home this Sunday to take on Centenary at Flames Field beginning at noon.