Oct. 6, 2009
MATCH 10:
UIC FLAMES
(3-2-4)
vs.
Akron
(9-0-0, No. 1 NSCAA/adidas, No. 1 Soccer America, No. 1 College Soccer News, No. 1 SoccerTimes.com, No. 1 TopDrawerSoccer.com)
Wednesday, Oct. 7 * 7:00 p.m. Central
Flames Field * Chicago, Ill.
CHICAGO- The UIC men's soccer team puts its six-match undefeated streak on the line against the nation's top-ranked side this Wednesday night, as unbeaten Akron tangles with the Flames in a huge showdown at Flames Field.
Kickoff between the Flames (3-2-4) and the Zips (9-0-0) is set for 7 p.m. Central.
Wednesday's tilt is also the Flames' annual RED OUT match sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Fans are encouraged to wear red in support of the Flames, and the first 100 students receive commemorative RED OUT t-shirts.
This marks the first time that a UIC men's soccer team has hosted the nation's consensus top-ranked team. Last year the Flames outlasted Santa Clara, ranked No. 1 by TopDrawerSoccer.com at the time.
The Flames have won two in a row and three of their last four during their six-match unbeaten streak. UIC has outscored foes 10-2 in the last four contests and 6-1 in two tilts last week.
Akron has proven to be unstoppable thus far in 2009, winning all nine of its matches and outscoring its opponents by a whopping 26-1 margin.
Something will have to give on Wednesday as the streaking Flames face the country's consensus No. 1 team.
UIC head coach John Trask and assistant coach Sean Phillips know Akron head coach Caleb Porter well, as all three are former Indiana players and coaches.
"What a great game to showcase college soccer and the UIC men's soccer program," said Trask. "The students have been unbelievable this year, and I know they will be out in full force this Wednesday, faces painted, flags waving and giving our guys the boost they need.
"We had over 2,400 against Ohio State last year, and I truly believe that if the students and soccer folks show up tomorrow, it could provide for a backdrop that will be remembered by all for a long time to come.
"As for Akron, their record and ranking speaks volumes about who they are," Trask said. "These are the types of games that everyone in the soccer world looks forward to: two teams with an abundance of attacking options who will look to find the back of the net all night."
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways:
1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link
2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
