UIC earned its first victory of the 2019 season at Toledo Thursday night.  Emma Main's 13^th-minute goal, an astounding strike from 30 yards, stood up in the 1-0 win.  Lena Kurz made seven saves and posted her second clean sheet in the young season's three games.

"Emma was pretty dangerous tonight," said head coach Tom Anagnost, who got his first win leading UIC.  "She created some chances and scored a beautiful goal.  Our back line was solid and Lena was exceptional."

Just one year after Toledo manhandled UIC, 6-1 at Flames Field, the Flames frustrated Toledo with 90 minutes of athleticism and determination.  Last year's loss was part of an eight-game losing streak to begin the season.  With a win and a draw in the first three matches, the team is off to its best three-game start in program history.

"I'm very proud of this team," Anagnost continued.  "They showed a lot of grit and discipline to earn the tough result on the road."

After ending up on both sides of a 1-0 scoreline over the last two games, the Flames improve to 1-1-1 overall.  They sent Toledo to 0-3 after the first game on their brand new turf field.

Moments That Mattered

• In the 10^th minute the Flames committed a turnover and Toledo had a brief window for a shot.  Lena Kurz guarded the near post and made one of her three first half saves.  She later made another one despite being screened on a shot inside the 18, surely going to ground to stop the ball.
• Main's golazo came in the 13^th minute from 30 yards, straight out, after Toledo's goal kick stayed in the attacking third.  Emily Kavanaugh played the ball to Main, who was open in space and wasted no time sending an arc under the crossbar, over the keeper's leap.
• Main continued to impact the match on both ends of the field.  She marked Marcy Clark, who had gotten the ball in space on the flank, kicking the ball out for a throw-in.  UIC efficiently won possession on the throw.  Later, in the 32^nd minute, she tried again with a shot from distance but kept it low enough for an easy catch by Adrianna Brewer.
• UIC's defense had two prime opportunities to shine.  On a Toledo corner kick, the Flames got to the ball first but didn't clear.  The ball went back to the corner taker for a dangerous cross that was intercepted.  In the first half's closing minutes, Alex Troy used a give-and-go to get open inside the box.  Sydney Gratz and Janai Cedeno recovered in time to dispossess her before she could take a shot.
• Before and after the hour mark, Kurz had her biggest moments of the match.  First, she plucked the ball out of midair on a Toledo free kick into the box.  Minutes later, she dove toward a Rocket, taking the ball off her foot.  Then, when Toledo had a runner down the edge of the box, Kurz raced to the edge of the 18 where she dove to cover the ball just before the Rocket could get there.
• As the match wore on, UIC was content to send numbers back and play defense.  In the final 10 minutes, Tamae Douglas did a split to escort the ball out of the box following a dangerous cross.  Soon after, Grace Haines headed away a would-be opportunity.  Each had made a highlight-worthy defensive play in the first half too.
• Kurz made one last play, a catch in traffic of a Toledo corner kick, to effectively end the game.

 
Facts and Figures

• One change was made to the First XI used in the first two games.  Cassidy Privett made her first start of the campaign.
• Jessica Christmas made her first appearance of 2019.  She played 16 first half minutes before being replaced by Alexis Weeren, who made her Flames debut.
• Christmas was one of three Flames to earn a yellow card.  Janai Cedeno also was booked for rough play.  Kurz was carded for delay tactics while setting up for a free kick.
• UIC was offside twice, including one time that nullified a goal.  Toledo raised the flag once.
• The Flames put an efficient five of their seven shots on goal.  Toledo similarly saw seven of their 10 attempts go on frame.  Only one of UIC's shots came after halftime.
• Main and Privett each took two shots.  Main had a team high two shots on goal.
• Kurz' seven saves were a season high.

Up Next

• The Flames return home on Sunday.
• South Dakota will visit Flames Field for a noon kickoff.