After falling behind 1-0, the Flames got goals from Abel Guzman (PK) and Jesus Perez and defeated Western Illinois, 2-1, in exhibition action Tuesday evening.  All three goals in the game were scored in a seven minute span, with the Flames' equalizer and go-ahead tallies coming two minutes apart.

Game Headlines

• First half features shots, but no finishes: The first half, while scoreless, was not without scoring chances.  The teams, playing in their first exhibition games of the fall, combined for 10 shots with the Flames firing off seven.  Two of those attempts came on net, and two others came in the second minute from Max Todd and Oscar Gonzalez.
• "We created a lot of chances initially, but then they took the game to us for the next 15 minutes," head coach Sean Phillips said.  "For the first 70 minutes we did a good job of creating chances, but as you see in the preseason especially in the first game, often that final pass on goal didn't have a lot of energy."
• Goalkeepers split time: Sawyer Jackman got the start in goal and played the first half, making one save on the lone shot on goal he faced.  Sokratis Vasilas came on to start the second half and finished with one save.
• Flames shuffle lineup: Phillips brought in five subs in the first half, and returned two starters to the pitch to begin the second.  On six occasions, players subbed in during the second half, as the exhibition setting gave Phillips a chance to achieve two goals.
• "During preseason you don't want to go straight to 90 [minutes per player].  We were looking to get guys match minutes.  A lot of guys got their first minutes in a collegiate setting while we employed a variety of lineups," the coach said.
• Todd leads Flames onslaught in second half:  The Flames kept possession in the Leathernecks' end and ripped off five shots in a six minute span with four coming from Max Todd. 
• Western Illinois strikes first:  Armel Kouassi got the Leathernecks on the board first in the 74^th minute when he worked in close and slipped a shot past Vasilas that bounced off the left post and in to the net. 
• "Western earned one to go up 1-0," Phillips said.  "They did what good teams do and took advantage of an opportunity."
• Flames strike back: Just five minutes later, Abel Guzman was fouled inside the box and earned a penalty kick.  He buried the shot to tie the game at 1.
• UIC takes the lead in an eyeblink: Jesus Perez gave the Flames the lead in the 81^st minute, taking a cross from Cristian Sanchez and heading it past the Western Illinois keeper.
• "After going down one, we stuck together and increased our focus and concentration.  I saw a team that didn't give up and was hungry for a win.  That's why we got two goals and a chance at a third," Phillips observed.
• Flames thwart WIU's last effort: Western Illinois mounted one final attempt to tie the game when Alejandro Pacheco sent a shot high in the 86^th minute.  He had a corner kick shortly thereafter, but the Flames' defense negated the threat.

Facts and Figures

• Max Todd led all players with six total shots, double the amount of Jesus Perez and Oscar Gonzalez, who were the closest behind.
• The Flames outshot WIU 17-6.
• Five of UIC's shots came on goal.
• Perhaps showing some first exhibition game eagerness, the Flames were flagged three times in the first 29 minutes for offside.
• UIC was whistled for 14 fouls; WIU had seven.
• UIC was shown two yellow cards.  Joel Leon and Jose Fuentes received the cards.
• Despite the liberal substituting, Manny Cerritos gave the Flames 90 strong minutes.

Up Next

• The Flames will face Wisconsin in their second and final exhibition match of the season.
• The Badgers come to Flames Field for a 7:00 kickoff on Saturday.