UIC exploded for a season high four goals in a 4-1 win over previously undefeated Oakland in the Horizon League opener.  The Flames (4-1, 1-0 HL), who also recorded a season high six assists, scored twice in the first six minutes.  Though Oakland (3-1-1, 0-1 HL) responded with a goal in the tenth minute, Markell Saddler punched in two goals, one late in each half, to pad the lead.

"We knew our first conference game would be tough, and when you add in that it was on the road, that made it even tougher for us," head coach Sean Phillips related.  "We had a really bright start and when it was 3-1 throughout the second half, our back four and Nestor Garcia allowed us to bend but not break.  The way we collectively defended at 3-1 was very beneficial to us.

"We did a great job creating chances, scoring and otherwise, and our transition defense continues to get better.  Now we need to rest up and get ready for the first of our local rivals."

How it Happened

• The start could not have been brighter for UIC.  Just 61 seconds in, Jesus Perez sent a nice ball to Josiah Ash, who in turn crossed it to Oscar Gonzalez for an on-the-spot header past the keeper giving the Flames a 1-0 lead.
• Max Todd loomed large as the Flames continued to apply pressure.  He was fouled after a great feed from Perez, only to see Sullivan Lauderdale save his penalty kick.  Undaunted, he ripped a shot that got blocked, before maneuvering to a spot seven yards out from where he beat the keeper to make the score 2-0.
• "We told the guys that a big key to our success this year, especially the last three halves we've played, is if we bring the right energy and focus and start well, it bodes well for us," head coach Sean Phillips said.  "It's a credit to the upperclassmen they took that and ran with it, and it was a bright, bright start."
• Oakland quickly stemmed the tide.  Less than four minutes after Todd's goal, they earned a corner kick which the Flames defended, but then turned over outside the six.  Corentin Diverres was in place to corral the ball and shoot past Sawyer Jackman.
• The remainder of the first half ebbed and flowed, with each team taking its opportunities as they arose.  Each keeper made one save, and play got more physical as the half wore on.
• Markell Saddler, a 26^th-minute sub, scored his first goal late in the half.  Gonzalez sent a beautiful through ball to the Canadian who finished from 12 yards out.  "At 2-0, Oakland, because they're so talented, punched us in the nose and made it 2-1," Phillips said, "but the key to any team that does well is depth and Markell comes off the bench and scores late in the first half to make it a two goal game."
• Despite earning a couple of corner kicks, the Flames did not generate much offense at the outset of the second half.  Their first good opportunity came in the 64^th minute when Saddler put a shot on goal that Lauderdale turned away.
• Jackman made a big save in the 67^th minute.  Oakland sent in a corner kick which Luke Morrell headed toward the goal.  Jackman's third save preserved the Flames' two goal lead.
• "There were moments in the second half when Oakland brought it to us," Phillips said, noting that a two goal lead can be made uncomfortable quickly if just one goal is conceded.  "Sawyer came through with a big timely save in a one-versus-one scenario, our guys put their bodies on the line to break up plays that could be dangerous, and we made the key defensive plays."
• The Flames allowed just one shot attempt after Jackman's save, content to send numbers back in an attempt preserve their two goal lead.  In the 87^th minute, the dagger was applied when Saddler took a pass from Gonzalez and beat Lauderdale to the left side.

Facts and Figures

• Josiah Ash made his first start of the season.  Cristian Sanchez returned to the First XI, which otherwise retained nine starters from the last match against Western Michigan.
• Todd's missed penalty was the first of his career.  He had been 3-for-3 from the spot.
• The Flames put four of their first five shots on goal.
• Ash and Mateo each notched their first assist of the season.
• Ash and Mateo also each picked up a yellow card in separate incidents in the 14^th minute.  Jacob Graiber was shown one late in the match.
• Perez had his second multiple-assist game this year.  He previously logged two assists in the season opener against Campbell.
• Gonzalez had two assists for the second time of his career, and the first since last Sept. 23 at Milwaukee.
• Saddler scored twice in a game for the first time.
• UIC's four goals were a season high against Oakland.  The home team had surrendered just one goal in three of its previous four matches.
• UIC took 17 shots and doubled up their hosts in shots on goal, 8-4.
• The Flames were called for a season high 14 fouls.  "Fouls and cards are to be expected in a game between two conference rivals," Phillips concluded.  "If teams bring the right energy, that's a good indication that a team's getting after it.  The referee managed the game well.  I thought we got after it defensively, but we managed our emotions, which is a key on the road."

Up Next

• UIC will face city rival DePaul Tuesday afternoon.
• The Flames will venture to Lincoln Park for a 3 pm kickoff.