Eastern Illinois' first shot of the match went into the goal, and it stood up as the contest's only tally, as the Panthers defeated UIC 1-0 at Flames Field Sunday night.
The Flames controlled possession and dominated the scoring chances all night, putting up 17 shots and placing more on goal (seven) than Eastern Illinois took in total (five).
Game Headlines
- Flames Set the Tone From Kickoff: For the first 17 minutes, UIC dominated possession. They set the pace, methodically executing set pieces in the final third. The Flames got off six shots before Eastern Illinois attempted their first, and had good looks from Oscar Gonzalez, who hit the crossbar, and Cristian Sanchez, whose header forced Mike Novotny to make an athletic save.
- Panthers Capitalize on First Shot: Eastern Illinois generated an opportunity off transition, and scored the opening goal in the 19th minute when Federico Verlicchi worked inside the 8-yard box and sent a ground ball past Sokratis Vasilas.
- Two Late Shots Go Wide: Undaunted, the Flames continued to take the lion's share of quality shots. They had two set pieces on corner kicks late in the half that were executed well, but the resulting shots barely missed going into the goal.
- Pace Continues to Favor Flames: The second half was an extension of the first in terms of possession. The pitch was tilted severely toward Eastern Illinois' end, but the Panthers' back line rarely allowed the final touch to become dangerous.
- No Shortage of Chances From the Corner: Corner kicks abounded for the Flames, but as they did during the flow of play, EIU defended balls that were sent into the box. On a couple of occasions, keeper Novotny was tested, and each time was up to the challenge.
- Tired Legs Can't Convert on Final Flurry: Desperately trying to equalize the game, UIC increased the intensity in the final minutes. They took five corner kicks in the last 12 minutes with nothing to show for them.
- "I think it would be fair to characterize this match as a war of attrition," head coach Sean Phillips said. The Flames played double overtime on Friday, marking their third straight match to require extra time; while Eastern Illinois tied each of their first three matches in double OT.
Facts and Figures
- Sokratis Vasilas made his first appearance and first start of the season in goal. The only shot on goal he faced was the Panthers' tally.
- Sasha Simon and Jaime Alonso also appeared in the First XI for the first time this season. In all, four starting slots were changed from Friday's match at Marquette.
- When Eastern Illinois scored first, it marked the fourth time in as many outings that UIC conceded the first goal of the match.
- Jesus Perez was shown a yellow card early in the second half. Eastern Illinois received three cautions.
- Lyes Ghezali and Oscar Gonzalez each took four shots to tie for game high honors. Two of Ghezali's were on goal, and either could have equalized the match if not for heroics by Novotny.
- The Flames took a season-high 15 corner kicks, and did not allow any to EIU.
Up Next
- The Flames will have the upcoming week off, until returning to action on Saturday.
- UIC will open Horizon League play at Detroit Mercy Saturday afternoon at 1:00.
- "As I've said often, I think the Horizon League is tremendously underrated," Phillips noted. "We have to prepare well this week to face a quality Detroit team, or else we won't get the result we want up there."
Postgame Reaction
