CHICAGO -- UIC will close out its season-long four match homestand when it welcomes Valparaiso to Flames Field on Monday night at 7 pm. It is the final non-conference match for both squads. The match was originally scheduled for Sunday evening, but the match was pushed to Monday as a precaution due to expected storms in Chicago all day Sunday.
The Flames broke a three-match losing streak to Valpo last season when the sides drew 0-0 in Indiana.
UIC enters with a 4-3-1 record. That is the program's best showing after eight matches, and the team has already equaled last year's win total.
Last Time Out
- The Flames defeated Wright State, 2-0, on Friday.
- Jackie Santibanez posted a brace with goals in the 17th and 77th minutes.
- Lena Kurz returned to goal for the Flames. She earned her fifth clean sheet of the season.
- UIC's back line prevented Wright State from placing a shot on goal all night. The Raiders only had eight attempts on the match.
- The Flames were whistled for a season high 26 fouls.
- Santibanez' brace was the second in program history, and first in Horizon League play. Rebecca Pallo first turned the trick on Aug. 28, 2016 against New Mexico State.
Scouting the Crusaders
- Winless on the season, Valpo has been shut out in seven of its nine matches.
- The Crusaders drew with Wright State on Sept. 1, 2-2.
- Valpo lost to Colorado State in a 3-0 match on Friday.
- Three different players have the team's three goals on the season.
- Three keepers have combined for a .704 save percentage.
Doing it with Defense
- UIC has the stingiest defense in the Horizon League. The Flames have allowed a conference-low four goals after Friday's action.
- Though not all teams have played an equal number of matches, UIC has allowed a Horizon-leading 0.5 goals per game.
- The Flames' overall save percentage, .882, is the best in the conference.
- With five shutouts, UIC ranks first in the conference, in a tie with Milwaukee.
