Oct. 15, 2010
CHICAGO - The UIC men's soccer team will play its third-consecutive 2009 NCAA Tournament foe Saturday, when Green Bay pays a visit to Flames Field in a key Horizon League match-up under the lights beginning at 7 p.m.
UIC (4-7, 1-3 Horizon) is coming off Wednesday night's 1-0 shutout of No. 16 Ohio State. Derek Huffman scored his team-leading sixth goal in the 29th minute, and senior goalkeeper Steve Purdy preserved his second shutout of the season, as the Flames won their second-straight decision over the Buckeyes, dating back to last season.
Green Bay has (6-4-1, 2-2 Horizon) been idle since last Saturday (Oct. 9), when the Phoenix outlasted host Milwaukee, 2-1, in overtime. Green Bay, who ranks second in the Horizon League in both goals (21) and points (58), currently sits in sole possession of fifth place in the conference standings, just one game ahead of the Flames.
"We're excited to get back on the field after a great win on Wednesday night," said UIC head coach Sean Phillips. "It will be a huge challenge for our guys; Green Bay is a program that has been at the top of the Horizon League ever since I've been at UIC.
"Every game against them has been very difficult, and they are usually great soccer games for the fans. I expect nothing different Saturday night. We'll need to continue to play the organized, disciplined style of defense we've been playing the last four games. That aggressiveness on defense has resulted in an increased number of attacking chances for us."
In its last three combined games, UIC has out-scored its opponent 6-2, and tallied five assists on those goals. Both Purdy and Peter Kikloski have recorded shutouts in the span, as UIC goaltenders have combined for a 0.64 goals-against-average. Huffman's six goals lead all UIC scorers, while Eric Frazier's eight points on three goals ranks second for the Flames this season.
Offensively, the Phoenix is being led by senior JC Banks' eight goals, and 21 overall points - Tony Walls has also contributed 10 points on three goals and four assists. Ryan Wehking has handled the goalkeeping duties, and carries a 1.31 GAA with 45 saves and two shutouts.
UIC has won seven-of the last 10 meetings against Green Bay, including three-straight at home. Last season, Green Bay came from behind to beat the Flames, 3-2, in double-overtime at Aldo Santaga Stadium.
