June 17, 2010

CHICAGO - Former UIC soccer standout Jay DeMerit (Green Bay, Wis./Bay Port H.S.) and his teammates on the U.S. Men's National Team are poised for a deep run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but you can cheer them on from home with the Flames.

The UIC Flames are hosting a World Cup watch party tomorrow, Friday, June 18th when the Red, White and Blue face Slovenia at 9:00 a.m. CT in the second of three group play matches at Union Park Lounge, 228 South Racine Ave. in Chicago.

Union Park Lounge offers free parking and 26 big screen TVs, so you won't miss a second of the match.

Don't miss your opportunity to cheer on DeMerit and several other players from the American side with Chicago connections including Jonathan Spector (Arlington Heights, Ill./St. Viator H.S.), Michael Bradley (Palatine, Ill./St. Viator H.S.) and Brad Guzan (Homer Glen, Ill./Providence Catholic H.S.) alongside UIC head coach Sean Phillips, who will be in attendance.

(Photo: John Todd/isiphotos.com)

The doors will open at Union Park at 8 a.m. in plenty of time for the 9 a.m. kick-off. A delicious brunch will be available for $11.95, which includes coffee. There will also be great raffle prizes courtesy of UIC Athletics.

RSVP today to Ryan Ptak at 312-413-1911 or e-mail at ryanptak@uic.edu to secure your spot and you'll receive a Flames sling bag.

DeMerit and the United States played the Three Lions to a 1-1 draw in it's World Cup opener on Saturday. Clint Dempsey scored the lone tally for the U.S., while DeMerit put forth a tremendous effort in neutralizing one of the best strikers in the world, England's Wayne Rooney.

Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes 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.