UIC took down Roosevelt Friday morning in the team's first exhibition game of the preseason.  Playing competitively after just two days of training, the Flames connected for three goals, 19 shots, and a defensive effort that yielded a mere one shot on goal.  The 3-0 final was made possible by two waves of players with each lineup getting contributions from veterans and newcomers alike.

"We were able to try some different combinations and get a lot of guys minutes today, which is what we wanted to do at this early stage of the preseason," Sean Phillips said.  "Our veterans led by example and it was good to see several of our freshmen get on the scoresheet."

Jesus Perez opened the scoring in the seventh minute.  After Jose Perez Flores won possession just past midfield, he initiated the attack with a pass to Bar Hazut.  Hazut neatly flicked the ball ahead to Perez, who dribbled in from 30 yards before unleashing a rising shot that tucked under the crossbar.

Roosevelt managed to hold possession for a significant period later in the first half.  They took shot after shot, managing eight overall in the first half, but the Flames did not allow any of them to come on a clean look and starting keeper Sokratis Vasilas needed to make only one save.

Early offense doubled UIC's advantage in the second half.  With a completely new 11 on the pitch, two freshmen hooked up for the goal.  Eduardo Huerta assisted Roberto Alonzo, whose shot had enough juice to trickle past the Lakers' keeper.  Roosevelt, choosing to leave its starters in for much longer stretches, could not match the Flames' fresh legs as the game wore on.  The visitors took just two shots after halftime.  Pau Mateo and Lyes Ghezali anchored the back line in front of Toney Anderson for the final 45 minutes.

The insurance goal may have been the Flames' prettiest of all.  In the 78th minute, Eduardo Garcia had enough space along the right flank to send a perfect cross in the direction of Josiah Ash.  Ash timed his jump and his header was a thing of beauty.

The preseason continues on Sunday when UIC hosts Michigan State in a rematch of last year's NCAA Tournament first round game.  Kickoff is at 7 pm and admission is free.