Nov. 6, 2010

Final Box Score

Box Score

CHICAGO - The UIC men's soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision versus Loyola in the regular season finale at Flames Field Saturday night. The game marked the final contest for the Flames' six seniors.

The game was deadlocked in a scoreless draw through more than 70 minutes, but Loyola's Chris Mills scored the game-winner at the 73:49 mark of the second half. With the win, the Ramblers clinched a berth in the postseason Horizon League Tournament. UIC was eliminated from contention with the setback, ending its season with a 7-11 record, including a 3-5 mark in Horizon League play.

"Congratulations to Loyola on winning the City Derby and earning the number three seed in the Horizon League Tournament," said UIC head coach Sean Phillips. "While each team had chances to get what is usually the one decisive goal in this matchup, Loyola was able to make the play tonight to continue their season."

The Flames recorded five shots in the game, led by Eric Frazier and Joe Radice, who both tallied two shots. Senior goalkeeper Steve Purdy carded four saves, including three in the second half.

UIC is set to return eight of the 11 players that started Saturday's game next season. The six seniors playing their final game were Purdy, Alex Rickett, Tim Walsh, Nate Downing, Brandon Wallace and Robert Younger.

"While it looked like we might have turned the corner with the win at Milwaukee, we could not get it done down the stretch as we did in 2007. We dug ourselves too big of a hole in September, out of which we needed to climb in both Horizon League and non Horizon League play.

"Our first opportunity for improvement comes on Monday. This season's results are not what our current players, alumni and fans deserve, and we'll get this thing turned around."