UIC fell to Wisconsin, 3-1, in an exhibition match Saturday night.  Oscar Gonzalez was the Flames' goal scorer.  His tally brought the Flames level midway through the first half, but Wisconsin scored two unanswered goals to come away with the win at the McClimon Complex in Madison.

"Wisconsin was very difficult to break down tonight.  They made it difficult for us to create a lot of good chances," head coach Sean Phillips said.  "Overall, they were very well organized and presented a lot of challenges."

How it Happened

• After the teams felt each other out for the first 20 minutes, Wisconsin earned an opportunity to execute a set piece.  Isaac Schlenker sent the ball past Sawyer Jackman and the Badgers drew first blood.
• "Going in, we knew we'd have to be very good defending restarts, and they scored a goal off a restart," Phillips stated.  "Up until then, we had a bright start, had some possessions, had some rhythm.  They converted on the restart, something they're very good at."
• Just minutes later, Gonzalez responded.  Freshman Alwin Seitz handled the ball wide and set up his teammate for the equalizer.
• Phillips was pleased with how his team bounced back.  "We came right back with some excellent interplay," he said, "and it was good to see Alwin wide, serving the ball in.  OG came crashing in on the weak side and made it 1-1 with a great response."
• The home team went back ahead just before the first half ended.  Wisconsin caught UIC in transition and scored the late goal as the Badgers took a 2-1 lead into the break.
• Sawyer Jackman made a necessary save early in the second half, and got both hands on a ground ball sent on net later in the period.
• Andrew Akindele closed out the scoring with Wisconsin's third goal.

Facts and Figures

• Seitz, who got his first start as a Flame, registered his first point of the preseason.
• Gonzalez closed the exhibition slate with three points.  He assisted on UIC's lone goal in their first match.
• Jackman played all 90 minutes in goal.  He made three saves on the evening.
• Wisconsin outpaced the Flames in shots on goal, 6-3.

Up Next

• The regular season begins Friday evening.
• The Flames will face Campbell at 5:00 pm.  It will be the first meeting in school history.
• The match, along with the next match Sunday against Providence, will take place in Dallas as part of the SMU Tournament.