UIC will hunt its first road win of the season Thursday night at Cleveland State.

The two teams are separated by a single point in the Horizon League standings, as each tries to initiate a late-season push toward inclusion in the tournament.  "It's been kind of a topsy-turvy season" in the Horizon League, David Nikolic observed.  Green Bay, Youngstown State, and Purdue Fort Wayne were all picked seventh through ninth in the preseason poll, yet all are currently within the top six.  "There are still games in front of us that can impact getting close," Nikolic continued, adding, "but we have no margin for error."

Whichever team can net a goal first will have a huge leg up.  The Flames have scored five goals in conference play; the Vikings just four.  UIC will turn to Kaitlyn Montague and Megan Bowman to ignite their offense.  Both players are tied for the team lead with two goals apiece.  Cleveland State, riding a five-match losing streak, relies on Maddie Young in the offensive end.

Bowman scored a goal in UIC's 3-0 win over Cleveland State in 2019.  That was the last time the teams have met.  The win at Flames Field gave UIC a 4-2 lead in the all-time series.

UIC will likely start Lena Kurz in goal.  The graduate student is the program's all-time leader in wins, shutouts, goals-against average, and save percentage.  However, freshman Sara Sanabria has seen playing time in three of the last four matches.  She earned the decision in the Flames' draw with Green Bay by keeping the Phoenix off the scoreboard for the last 33 minutes of the match.

Cleveland State has used a committee of goalkeepers.  Four players have at least one start each.  Kyla Valatis has handled most of the responsibilities and has turned in a 1.57 goals-against average on a .723 save percentage.

The Flames will return home Sunday for their Senior Day match against Detroit Mercy.