CHICAGO – UIC scored its first goal of the 2017 campaign at the head of Tamae Douglas on Sunday afternoon but Eastern Michigan would go on to score two unanswered goals in the 2-1 final at Flames Field.
 
The Flames were credited with 16 shots in the match with eight on goal while the Eagles fired off 22 attempts. Keri Birkenhead, who assisted on Douglas' goal, led the team with four shots, followed by Douglas and Olivia Everin with three apiece.
 
Kelly Fritz played the complete game in goal and was forced to make seven saves.
 
Control was in EMU's favor at the start of the game as Fritz made two saves and used the assistance of the crossbar on another just 10 minutes into the match. In total, the Eagles already had six shots in their favor before UIC was even credited with a chance.
 
It all came together for the Flames in the 22nd minute of play. After an initial corner kick and blocked shot, they were set up in the corner again. Emily Valentine sent the ball in and connected with the head of Birkenhead, who had her attempt saved before Douglas found the rebound and headed it home for the 1-0 lead.


 
UIC looked to keep the momentum in its favor, but the persistence from EMU allowed Sabrina McNeill, who led all players with eight shots in the game, to tie the game in a 37th minute as she shot the ball and had it deflect into the goal.
 
After Everin sent the ball just wide within the first minute of the second half, the Eagles took control and executed eight shots in the first 15 minutes before Alia Frederick scored the eventual game-winner in the 63rd minute with assistance from McNeill.
 
As the Eagles went the final 25 minutes without a shot, the Flames put up good looks and had attempts from Haley Kittle, Birkenhead and Paige Prcotor saved.
 
Three more chances came in the final five minutes, with Katy Karabetsos having a long-range shot saved and Everin and Birkenhead going just wide. UIC had a clear look at the net with under two minutes to play, but offsides was called.
 
In search of their first win this season, the Flames return to competition Friday when they head to Kansas City, Mo., for a 7 p.m. CT matchup with UMKC.