UIC (2-1) suffered its first loss of the season in rainy Des Moines to Drake (2-1), 3-1 Friday evening.  Max Todd's fourth goal of the season was too little, too late, after the Bulldogs scored twice in three minutes to take a lead they wouldn't relinquish.  Drake added another goal after a lightning-delayed second half before Todd struck to avoid the shutout.

"It was a tough night for us," head coach Sean Phillips said.  "Drake deserves credit for making it very difficult for us in the first half and capitalizing on their two opportunities.  We have to learn from our mistakes, take the positives from the second half and get ready for Western Michigan on Monday."
 
How it Happened

• For the third straight game, the Flames got off to an aggressive start.  Max Todd put a shot on goal in the first four minutes, and UIC availed itself of two corner kicks before the match's fifth minute expired.  The onslaught was capped when Peter Becht put a header on net that forced Jared Brown's second save.
• Despite UIC's early momentum, it was Drake that scored first in the 20^th minute.  Lucas Bartlett sent a bicycle kick past Sawyer Jackman off a free kick.
• The Bulldogs doubled their lead just three minutes later on another set piece.  Cole Poppen notched his second assist, this time on a corner kick, when Steven Enna converted in front of the goal.
• Drake continued to hold momentum after their second goal and put another shot on frame.  The Flames countered in the late stages of the first half when Jesus Perez connected for his second shot on goal and Todd had a chance that he sent over the crossbar.
• The Flames appeared to get right back in the match early in the second half, but their goal was waved off due to a foul.  Drake countered and scored to make it 3-0 on Leroy Enzugusi's individual play to get past the defense.
• "After the lengthy halftime weather delay, I felt our guys came out flying in the second half. Unfortunately, the goal we scored in the opening moments was negated by the referee's whistle," Phillips said.  "Even though Drake's third goal came right after our disallowed goal, our guys kept fighting and stay committed.  We had Drake pinned into their half for almost the entire second half."
• Two good opportunities came the Flames' way in the 67^th minute.  Following a Todd corner kick, Jesus Perez put a header toward the goal but it went just wide.  Quickly thereafter, Cristian Sanchez lined up a shot but it likewise sailed wide.
• Oscar Gonzalez took his turn getting off shots in rapid fire succession.  He headed another Todd corner on goal but Brown made the save.  Less than 60 seconds later, Gonzalez was in position for another shot which went high.  "This is where soccer can be a cruel game," Phillips summarized.  "Drake took better advantage of their opportunities this evening to get the result."
• Alwin Seitz set up the Flames' goal with a cross to Max Todd, who headed it into the net.  It was Todd's fourth goal of the season and Seitz' first assist and point as a Flame.

Facts and Figures

• Peter Becht started, making his season debut.  With the exception of Becht's replacing Alwin Seitz in the First XI, the starting lineup remained intact from Sunday's game against Providence.
• It was the first game of 2018 in which UIC surrendered multiple goals.
• Drake's first goal came at 19:21, meaning that UIC trailed for 70:39.  Entering play, they had trailed for just 9:51 all season.
• Todd's fourth goal is the most by a Flame over the team's first three matches since Eric Frazier scored three goals in the first three outings in 2011.
• Todd took six shots, of which four were on goal.  On the season, 11 of his 16 shots (69%) have been on goal.
• Jesus Perez was right behind Todd with five shots (two on goal). 
• The Flames unleashed 18 shots, 10 of which went on goal.  Both numbers are season highs.  Five of Drake's seven shots were on goal.
• UIC dominated the corner kick count, 13-3, as Drake kept numbers back to play defense in the game's later stages.  The 13 corners blew away the previous season high of four.
• Jesus Perez received a yellow card.  In the final minute of play, Cristian Sanchez was shown his second yellow card and the resultant red card.
• A season high six field players played the full 90 minutes.
• Drake snapped a five-game UIC winning streak in the series.
• A lightning strike at halftime delayed the start of the second half by approximately 75 minutes.

Up Next

• The Flames will host Western Michigan in the 2018 home opener.
• The 10^th-ranked Broncos come to Flames Field Monday for a 7:00 pm kickoff.
• The match will be televised on ESPN+.