Aug. 18, 2011
CHARLESTON, Ill. - Ned Pavlovic and Jesus Torres each scored their first-career goals, leading the UIC men's soccer team to a 2-1 win over host Eastern Illinois in the Flames' exhibition opener at Lakeside Field Thursday evening.
Pavlovic, a redshirt sophomore who was sidelined due to injury during the 2010 campaign, scored his first goal in a UIC uniform during the 38th minute - he was assisted by junior midfielder Ivan Stanisavljevic. The Flames took a 1-0 lead into the intermission at halftime.
Eastern Illinois tied the contest at 1-1 in the 63rd minute after Ryan Child scored from five-yards out. UIC freshman Jesus Torres then tallied the game-winner in the 82nd minute after intercepting a throw-in, and beating the Panthers' goalkeeper in a one-on-one attack.
"We got a lot of good things accomplished today. Number one, we came out with a win. These preseason games are important in teaching a team how to find a way to win, particularly with young teams like ours."
"Our guys were challenged today, having to travel the same day of the game to an always difficult opponent in Eastern Illinois. The coaching staff was extremely pleased with our effort and fitness. It was great to see some of the young guys putting in some quality minutes in their first games in a UIC uniform."
"It was also great to see the minutes from Eric Frazier, Ned Pavlovic and Josh Beard after sitting out with significant injuries over the past year. We've got a ways to go, but we're excited about the win, and are looking forward to another challenging exhibition game against Lewis on Saturday night on Flames Field in front of our supporters who have always been great over the years."
UIC recorded 14 shots in the game, including seven on goal. Goalkeepers Piotr Kikolski and Taylor Kelliher each saw action, collecting a combined three saves.
UIC will wrap up the exhibition portion of its season Saturday night, when the Flames host Lewis University under the lights of Flames Field beginning at 7 p.m. CST. The UIC Athletic Department will host the annual "Community Day" event prior to the contest, with the gates opening outside the South Fields at 5:30 p.m. Student-athletes and coaches from the Flames' athletic teams will be on hand to interact with the crowd.
