Creighton defeated the Flames 2-1 in the final preseason exhibition match Saturday afternoon in Omaha.  All the scoring came in the second half with the Blue Jays, who are receiving votes in the national preseason poll, putting both of their goals in within a six minute span.  Pau Mateo halved the deficit in the 82^nd minute, but the Flames could not build up enough momentum to equalize.

A penalty kick served to break the ice in favor of the hosts following a 66^th minute foul against UIC in the box.  Kuba Polat sent his shot past Sokratis Vasilas to make it 1-0.  At 71:23, Polat had the assist on Diego Dutilh's game-winner.

Mateo was in the right spot when several bodies gathered inside the six, and the ball got crossed in by Jose Perez Flores to a place where Mateo could head it past the keeper.  Mateo had also figured in key moments of the first half when it looked like UIC might score first.  He was open for a shot that he pushed wide right late in the period, and just minutes later he beat the keeper in action following a corner kick, only to have the Creighton defense clear it off the line.

UIC finishes the preseason 1-1-1.

The Flames started on the front foot.  They took the match's first three shots, all within the opening six minutes, though none challenged the keeper.  Jesus Perez was marked well all day, and did not enter the scoresheet until minute 36 when he finally took a shot which went over the bar.  Perez found his rhythm in the early minutes of the second half, forcing a save on one shot and sending another just outside the post.

The Flames ended with a slim 19-17 margin in total shots, with each side placing five on goal.  UIC took nine corner kicks.  Creighton took the only yellow card of the match.

The regular season will begin on Friday.  The Flames will open play at the Wolstein Classic, hosted by Ohio State.  They will take on Dayton Friday at 3 pm, and then face the Buckeyes Sunday at 2.