Sept. 30, 2009
Box Score
CHICAGO- Two penalty-kick goals and Paul Kopec's first tally as a Flame propelled the UIC men's soccer team to a decisive 3-0 victory over visiting Wisconsin at Flames Field on Wednesday night.
Matt Spiess and Ivan Stanisavljevic converted penalty kicks for the Flames (2-2-4), who extended their undefeated streak to five matches in front of a spirited crowd on WHITE OUT Night sponsored by American Family Insurance.
"We've been on the road a long time, and our guys were looking forward to getting back home and playing in front of their fans," said UIC head coach John Trask. "It didn't feel like we played the type of soccer we were capable of the opening weekend. We have a lot of history and tradition built around here now, and I think you saw that come out tonight.
"Fortunately we have some special players," said Trask. "When our role players play well, and they did tonight, guys like Bart Boguszewski and Derek Huffman, and our special players step up like they did, like Charlie Trout and Robert Younger and Kevin Stoll and Matt Spiess, and then players like Ivan and the quality in him...we have the potential to be an excellent team this season."
An illegal tackle in front of goal during the 25th minute gave UIC its first penalty kick opportunity, which was taken by Spiess. The junior frontman belted the ball past keeper Alex Horwath for the opening tally.
Just nine minutes later the Flames earned another penalty kick attempt after an infraction in the box by the Badgers (2-4-2). This time Stanisavljevic stepped up and sent in a laser that received an embrace from the net.
UIC was awarded a third penalty kick in the 49th minute, but Horwath put a paw on Trout's ball to prevent a 3-for-3 evening on PKs.
While UIC was unable to convert the third penalty kick, Kopec made sure that the Flames did get a third goal. Trout sent a corner kick into a crowd located in front of frame that was pushed out to Kopec by Spiess during the 69th minute. Kopec did the rest, firing a ball past the near post for his first goal in a UIC kit.
"He's a born winner," Trask said of Kopec. "He does everything that a team needs. He does all the hard work, and it becomes contagious. I'm so happy he's with us. He brings an added element and he is just tremendous."
Trask also applauded the play of two of his freshmen in the Starting XI.
"Joe Radice is a special soccer player," Trask said. "Josh Beard was tremendous tonight, and he's been good for us in a number of spots this season."
Trask was thrilled with the crowd turnout and atmosphere, especially with how the environment has a positive effect on the players.
"It's unbelievable," Trask said of the crowd. "When I got here this evening and saw the people already here, waiting for the WHITE OUT shirts, and there was a tailgate with one of the fraternities, there's just a great vibe from all the kids in the community coming out and supporting the team.
"When you look behind the goal and see all of your students jazzed up, it's a great time to be at UIC and our players sense it, they feel it, they love it.
"It was a great night of soccer," Trask concluded. "It was special out here. There was a buzz about this place."
UIC continues its three-match homestand on the Flames Field pitch this Friday, Oct. 2 against Horizon League foe Wright State at 7 p.m.
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.
