CHICAGO -- UIC's home unbeaten streak came to an end Sunday as Utah State edged the Flames, 1-0, at Flames Field.
 
The lone tally of the game came in in the 32^nd minute off the foot of Utah State's Megan Astle. Astle found the ball in space in the attacking half. Her attempt from 30 yards out beat freshman Annika Laihanen, who was making her UIC debut in net, to the top right corner.
 
"Credit to Utah State, they deserved to win the game. They scored the goal," said head coach Tom Anagnost. "I'm very disappointed in our players. I think there is a lack of urgency on our team and it showed up today. Specifically, in front of the goal, we didn't have enough players trying to get in scoring positions. We need more urgency from everyone, starting with our staff."
 
The Flames were able to get a pair of shots on target but couldn't find the equalizer. UIC returns to action for its Horizon League opener on Friday, playing host to Wright State. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. at Flames Field and will be broadcast on ESPN3.
 
Moments That Mattered

• Laihanen, making her first ever start and appearance for the Flames, was called upon in the 13^th minute after the Aggies put one on target from distance. The freshman was there for the save, one of four for her on the day.
• UIC looked to take a 1-0 lead in the 21^st minute when an attacking ball came through the box and found Autumn Rasmussen, but her attempt to the near post was saved by Utah State's Diera Walton.
• The Aggies countered 10 minutes later on what proved to be the game-winner. Astle brought the ball into the attacking zone and fired a strike from 30 yards out to give Utah State a 1-0 lead.
• Utah State was booked with a yellow card in the 55^th minute following a challenge from Taylor Garza.
• The Flames threatened in the 67^th minute after Utah State was called for a foul outside of the box. Grace Haines took the free kick, but her shot fell into the arms of the Aggie netminder.
• Jessica Christmas was booked with a yellow card in the 87^th minute following a challenge.

 
Facts and Figures

• Utah State owned a 9-5 advantage in total shots and a 5-2 edge in shots on goal.
• UIC attempted four corner kicks to the three of the Aggies.
• Keri Birkenhead, Jackie Santibanez and Cassidy Privett attempted shots in addition to Haines and Rasmussen.
• The loss snapped a three-match unbeaten streak at home for UIC. The Flames are now 2-1-1 at Flames Field this year.