A week-long break has afforded UIC the chance to regroup, refresh, and be ready for Thursday's match against Sam Houston State at Flames Field.
The match will lead off a season-long four game homestand over the next 11 days. The Flames are 1-0-1 at home to date, as part of a program-best 2-2-1 record after the season's first five games.
"This team grew a lot from game one to game five, and we took the opportunity this past week to continue to improve in many areas," head coach
Tom Anagnost said. "We are looking forward to playing at home the next four matches and showing our supporters what we are capable of."
Kickoff will be at 5 pm. Admission to Flames Field is free. The game will be carried on ESPN+.
Last Time Out
- The Flames fell to Western Illinois, 2-1, last Thursday in Macomb.
- Keri Birkenhead scored her first goal of the season to tie the match in the 73rd minute.
- Western Illinois went back on top to stay at minute 84 on Amy Andrews' second goal of the match.
- Cassidy Privett assisted on UIC's goal. It was the first point of her career.
Flames to Watch
Scouting the Bearkats
- Sam Houston State dropped a 2-1, double overtime decision to Louisiana on Sunday.
- The team is 1-4 with a win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on their record.
- Carlota Suarez Crespo is the lone Bearkat with two goals. Five players have one goal each.
- Courtney Pawlik leads the team with five points, on a goal and three assists.
- Abby DeLozier has played the lion's share of minutes in goal. She has a 2.20 goals-against average and a .680 save percentage.
First Timers
- Sam Houston State is one of five first-time opponents on the 2019 schedule.
- UIC is 1-2 in those matches so far. The Flames defeated South Dakota, and lost to Indiana and Western Illinois.
- Utah State is the final brand new opponent; they will visit Flames Field Sunday.
