UIC registered its second straight shutout with a 2-0 win over Youngstown State Thursday afternoon.  Savannah Jackson and Keri Birkenhead scored the Flames' goals, and the back line allowed only three attempts to reach Lena Kurz.

"We didn't practice this week like I wanted us to, and it showed in the first 10-20 minutes," said Dustin Downey.  "Luckily, we have a resilient team and some resilient kids, and they know what adversity is.  We worked hard, stuck to the game plan, battled and competed, and things turned our way.  We took advantage of the opportunities we had, and that's what won us the game."

Jackson's goal came after some nice passing from Louise Trapp, while the insurance marker was a redirection of a free kick from midfield.

"It was great to see our forwards score some goals today.  The first goal game our team some energy that we needed.  We weren't where we needed to be and that first goal can lift you," Downey continued.  "Congratulations to Sav on scoring her first Division I goal.  Keri as a senior has been working really hard and has been a good leader for us this year.  I'm proud of both of them and happy for them too."

Defenders Grace Haines, Brielle Gomez, and Allie Tefend all played the full 90 minutes.  "We have a young back line with Grace Haines being our mainstay from last season.  The big part is the mentality and the competitiveness to not lose individual battles.  They bend but they don't break.  They found ways to get the job done.  It's said by coaches across the world, just do your job, and right now they're doing their job.  Of course they have Lena behind them cleaning up the rest.  I commend the girls on their efforts and their hard work and I'm proud of them."

Match Highlights

• Youngstown State got out on the front foot.  They controlled possession early, and took the match's first two shots, including on a free kick from the top of the box that Kurz had to dive to control.
• UIC got a jolt of energy with a flurry of action in front of the Penguins' goal.  Makena Shaw unleashed a shot from distance, and then Birkenhead had a try from in front that went off target.  Further action afforded the Flames a couple of throw-ins and a corner kick that went amongst a cluster of bodies.
• Louise Trapp played out of the corner and worked toward the box, finding Jackson across the goal mouth.  Jackson's shot from close range beat the keeper in the 27^th minute.
• Late in the first half, Jackson made a wicked move inside the box to get free and take a high quality shot.  It was just tipped over the crossbar, and the ensuing corner kick fell to Alexis Weeren outside the far post.  She was open for a shot but sent it wide.
• Birkenhead figured in two quality chances at the outset of the second half.  She had a shot tipped out, and just later headed a try that Penguin keeper Kate McEachern did well to make a leaping catch.
• The Penguins' best chance came in the 52^nd minute when they raced downfield on a fast break.  Marcella Sizer was free for a shot before UIC's defense could converge, but her low attempt was saved by Kurz.
• The Flames earned a free kick from the midfield stripe in the 71^st minute.  Kaitlyn Montague sent it high and deep, where Birkenhead nodded it down and past the oncoming keeper.
• Youngstown State had a couple of consecutive corner kicks right after UIC's second goal, but they did not attempt any shots until the last two minutes.  Montague put another free kick on goal, and Makena Shaw was in position for a couple of tries in the late goings.

Facts and Figures

• UIC's Starting XI remained unchanged from the first match against Oakland.
• The Flames' goal scorers each tallied their first of the season.  For Birkenhead, it was the sixth of her career, and for Jackson, it was her first in Division I after a decorated three-year career at NAIA Johnson & Wales.
• UIC outshot the visitors 20-7, and had a 10-3 margin in shots on goal.
• Kurz posted her second straight clean sheet to begin the season, and the 12^th solo shutout of her career.  McEachern made eight saves.
• Birkenhead had a game-high six shots.  She and Jackson each put four on target.
• Both teams had four corner kicks.
• Jackson, Montague, and Birkenhead each earned a yellow card.  One Penguin was carded.

Up Next

• The Flames will play Horizon League newcomer Robert Morris next week.
• The home match at Rockford will start at 1 pm Wednesday.
• Fan attendance is not allowed at UIC home matches.