Aug. 19, 2008

Chicago, Ill.- ESPNsoccernet writer Maria Burns Ortiz unveiled her preseason preview of the 2008 men's college soccer season on Monday, Aug. 18, and one of her picks to play deep into December is UIC.

In her ranking of the upcoming season's top contenders, Burns Ortiz pegs the Flames at No. 2 overall, behind only defending national champion Wake Forest.

"For some reason, I have a gut feeling about the Flames," writes Burns Ortiz. "Coach John Trask and his staff have done a stellar job turning the program into a perennial tournament team."

Her preview of the Flames concludes with high expectations for this year's UIC side.

"With eight starters returning from last year's Elite Eight squad, I'll be surprised if UIC isn't playing in suburban Dallas come December," Burns Ortiz wrote, referencing the 2008 NCAA College Cup being held at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas this December.

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