Nov. 4, 2009
Box Score
CHICAGO- The UIC men's soccer team and 24th-ranked Butler played a tough defensive match, but a late turnover in the back proved costly for the Flames in a 1-0 loss to the Bulldogs at Flames Field on Wednesday night.
The defeat halted a five-match unbeaten streak for the Flames (6-5-6, 3-2-2 Horizon League).
A takeaway by Butler's Kyle Vondenbenken 10 yards shy of midfield led to a prime offensive opportunity for the Bulldogs (12-2-1, 5-1-1 Horizon League). Butler outnumbered UIC's defenders, and Vondenbenken pushed forward and found an unmarked Julian Cardona on the left side, where he unleashed a shot to the far side that found the net in the 77th minute.
The Flames concocted two very good headball chances in the late stages of the match. Kevin Stoll pushed a cross off of his noggin that hit the near post in the 85th minute, and Josh Beard banged a header toward goal that was saved by keeper Fabian Knopfler with 43 seconds left in regulation.
"Tight Horizon League game," said UIC head coach John Trask. "We make a mistake, they make us pay for it. It seemed like we came to life after we gave up the goal, but our season's going to end very quickly if we don't start bringing that urgency from the opening moments of the game.
"It's disappointing," Trask said of the result and the lost opportunity at gaining a bye in the upcoming Horizon League Championship. "It's not what we're accustomed to around here. It's got to come from the inside of this group of players if they want to turn their season around."
Jovan Bubonja made three saves during the contest.
The Flames round out the regular season this Saturday on the road at Detroit at 11 a.m. Central. The match will have huge implications on where UIC will be seeded in the six-team Horizon League Championship tourney that begins with quarterfinal play next Tuesday, Nov. 10.
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.
