UIC will conclude play in the SMU Tournament in Dallas Sunday morning at 10:00 against Providence.  It will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs.

Though no official tournament winner will be crowned, each team won its season and tournament opener Friday, making today's pre-determined matchup the de facto championship match.

"It's a quick turnaround against a very high level Big East opponent," head coach Sean Phillips said, noting that the Friars have a College Cup appearance and an Elite Eight run within the last four years.  "Watching Providence, there's a lot of quality in that team.  They'll give us a different set of challenges which is what you want in these early season games.  It will be a great measuring stick for our guys."

Last Time Out

• UIC earned a come-from-behind win in the season opener Friday over Campbell, 2-1.
• Cristian Sanchez scored his first collegiate goal, equalizing the match after a seventh-minute Camels strike.
• "We started a little flat, and Campbell took it to us in the first bit," Phillips reflected.  "It seemed as soon as we took the proverbial punch in the nose, we played a great remainder of the first half.  Cristian's strike was like we've seen him do in practice all the time; the buildup, the passing, and him supporting the attack from his left back position were all outstanding and the finish was excellent."
• Max Todd scored the game-winner in minute 34.  Oscar Gonzalez and Jesus Perez had an assist each.
• After halftime, "Campbell came out and took pressure to us," Phillips noted, pointing out that "we kept good defensive shape in the second half, we created several very good opportunities in the second half that could have put the game away.  Unfortunately we didn't get that third goal to give us some breathing room, but collectively we defended better, and kept possession in good spells of the game to manage the result."
• Sawyer Jackman got the win, making two saves, as UIC held a 7-3 shots on goal advantage.

 
Flames to Watch

• Cristian Sanchez and Nestor Garcia were the only two Flames to play the full 90 minutes on Friday.  A bevy of substitutes got ample playing time in the 99-degree Texas heat.
• "The guys that came in the game did what subs are supposed to do – raise the energy level.  Each one played a vital role, giving energy to the team," Phillips said.
• Max Todd led the squad with five shots, including three on goal, while freshman Josiah Ash got off three attempts.
• Perez, Gonzalez, and Todd were the Flames' top three point scorers a year ago, and each got on the score sheet in the opener.
• Four true freshmen and one redshirt freshman saw their first action for UIC on Friday.  Phillips was happy with their production.  "I thought for stepping into his first regular season action, Alwin [Seitz, who starter] and Pau [Mateo] did well for themselves.  Pau helped lift us out of our flat start, and Alwin applied good pressure.  I anticipate more positive impact from those two as well as the rest of the freshmen."

 
Scouting the Friars

• Providence prevailed 2-1 in double overtime against SMU Friday night.
• Tiago Mendonca scored the match's first goal.  Alex Dacosta netted the golden goal at 103:59.
• Colin Miller was the unanimous choice for Preseason Big East Goalkeeper of the Year.
• Danny Griffin joined Miller on the preseason All-Big East Team.
• The Friars went 5-8-5 last year, but have a College Cup appearance and an Elite Eight showing within the last four seasons.