CHICAGO – In a match that presented UIC with just two shots, one set piece made all the difference as the Flames claimed a 1-0 win over Central Michigan on Sunday afternoon at the CMU Soccer Complex for their second straight shutout. Emily Valentine scored the game-winner off a feed from Naomi Rushe while Haley Leanna was equally important on the opposite end of the field, making five saves.
 
With two shots taken in the match, it marked the fewest attempts ever taken by UIC in a win. The previous mark of eight came in a 2-0 win over Green Bay in 2016. In addition to Valentine's tally, Rushe had the other shot that resulted in a save.
 
Leanna went the full 90 for the fourth straight game on the way to her second straight shutout and win as she made five stops on the Chippewas' 14 shots.
 
With back-to-back wins, the Flames are now 2-8-0 on the year while CMU goes to 2-6-0.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• For the first time this season, UIC was held without a shot in a half as it went the first 45 without a look. Possession was in favor of CMU, but it did not have many opportunities either with just six shots and one on goal.
• UIC would record its first shot of the match two minutes into the second half as Rushe got off an attempt that was saved. However, the Flames would then endure another drought while the Chippewas turned out six looks that forced Leanna to make four saves over the next 25 minutes, including a key stop in the 71st minute.
• The next shot that came for the Flames was crucial as it gave them the 1-0 lead. In the 78th minute, Rushe stepped up to take UIC's first corner kick of the game from the right side. After being sent in, Valentine collected the ball and blasted it from distance for the go-ahead score.

 
NOTABLES

• The Flames saw a repeat of their starting lineup that was used in their last match to defeat Detroit Mercy (Sept. 13).
• Valentine became the seventh player to score for UIC this season as the team owns nine goals.
• The shutout marked the first back-to-back clean sheets for the Flames since they did so against Chicago State, 4-0, and SIUE, 1-0, last season.

 
NEXT UP

• UIC returns to Horizon League action Saturday (Sept. 22) when it makes the short trip up to Milwaukee, Wis., to challenge the undefeated Panthers at 7 p.m. CT at Engelmann Stadium.