Oct. 28, 2007
Box Score
Chicago, Ill.- Wisconsin's Eric Conklin scored the game-winning goal in the 87th minute in the UIC men's soccer team's 2-1 loss to the Badgers at Flames Field on Sunday afternoon.
The loss was the first at home in 2007 for UIC (6-5-5) and ended a 15-match home unbeaten streak for the Flames.
Wisconsin (6-6-5) scored just 87 seconds after kickoff, as Victor Diaz sent a ball deep in the box to Scott Lorenz, who headed in an attempt in a very small space between the left post and UIC keeper Jovan Bubonja for a quick Badger advantage.
The Flames would answer eight minutes later. Ian Sarachan bent a fine free kick from the right toward a scrum on the left side of the box, and Brandon Bilbrey emerged from the pile to head in a ball past Wisconsin netminder Alex Horwath for the equalizer.
Bilbrey's goal was his first marker in a UIC kit.
In the 87th minute Diaz bent a pass from the far right that found Conklin, who banged the ball off the left post and into the net for the deciding tally.
UIC went on a frenzied attack in an attempt to get another tying goal in the final three minutes, producing a pair of corner kicks in the final 30 seconds but coming away without the goal that would send the match into extra time.
"No excuses, we didn't start the game right, we played catch up and it cost us," said UIC head coach John Trask. "Fair dues to Wisconsin. It's always nice to have Big Ten teams on the schedule due to the different style of play they bring.
"It's an inconsequential game except for the fact that it's a soccer match, but every single game the rest of the way is do-or-die," said Trask. "From seeding to the impact, every single game is of crucial importance."
Trask also played down the fact that UIC was without All-Region midfielders Cesar Zambrano (yellow card accumulation) and Pavle Dundjer (ankle injury), again giving no excuse for the Flames' play on Sunday.
Sarachan has assisted on a goal in UIC's last two matches.
UIC will host Valparaiso this Wednesday, Oct. 31st at 7:00 p.m. The match will feature Senior Night festivities as well as a Halloween Costume Contest for UIC students.
