Box Score

Box Score

CHICAGO - A goal scored in the second minute by Manny Chavez was all the UIC men's soccer team (1-0-0) would need as it secured a season-opening 2-0 shutout victory against Bradley (0-1-0) on Friday at Flames Field. Jorge Alvarez collected the Flames' second goal in the 66th minute.

UIC had a strong offensive output throughout the game as it totaled 17 shots from eight different player, with Chavez, Alvarez and Max Todd each making four attempts. Of its chances, the Flames had seven come on goal to force Bradley's keeper, Logan Ketterer, to make five saves.

UIC got on the board just two minutes into the game as Chavez buried a defensive deflection from the top of the box to put the Flames up 1-0. The Flames went on in the half to take seven more shots with three on goal from Chavez, Alvarez and Kyle Hamann resulting in saves.

In the second half, UIC continued its efforts and fired off nine total shots. Alvarez increased the Flames' lead to 2-0 in the 66th minute when he scored on his own blocked shot at the top of the box. Oscar Rivero, Todd and Alvarez each tabbed a shot on goal in the half.

The Flames' defense excelled and broke up numerous chances taken by the Braves, who in all were held to nine shots, with just one in the first half of play. Goalkeeper Andrew Putna made five stops, with an additional opportunity broken up on a header save by Thomas Villamil, and collected his 17th career shutout.

The Flames will now head to Dallas, Texas, to face SMU on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT at Westcott Field.