Please note: Walk-up attendance at Flames Field is strictly prohibited.

Flames Field will be the site of a showdown between the Horizon League's top two teams, as UIC hosts Northern Kentucky Tuesday afternoon.

UIC has the most points in the conference (19; 6-1-1), but the Norse (18 points; 6-1-0) have a higher points per game figure – 2.57 to 2.38.  The Horizon League will be seeding the postseason tournament by points per match.

The Flames are riding a three-match winning streak into the final regular season home match, and the first on campus after playing indoors in Rockford the previous four home kicks.  They have broken into the national rankings, checking in at #25 in this week's Top Drawer Soccer poll.

"It's really exciting to be back on Flames Field.  We appreciate what the athletic department has done to allow a game of this importance to be played here," Sean Phillips said.  ""Northern Kentucky has turned in an impressive string of results.  Over the course of the last six matches especially, they've proven themselves to be a top team in the league."

The Norse have won six straight after a season-opening loss to Detroit Mercy.  "It will be an outstanding soccer game between two teams that have been playing well," Phillips continued.  "They're organized defensively, and they can produce goals in a number of ways.  UIC Men's Soccer is looking forward to this challenge.  Most importantly, we have to be committed to how we play and how we've been improving the last several games.

"We need to be the best in transition on the day, the best in commitment on the day, do well on set pieces and take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves."

Fan attendance is limited to pre-designated guests of the players, per UIC's attendance policy.  The match will begin at 1:00 pm and will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
LAST TIME OUT

• The Flames clamped down defensively on Cleveland State and won a 1-0 match for their third straight win.
• Jose Perez Flores scored the goal. Sokratis Vasilas had six saves.

SCOUTING THE NORSE

• Northern Kentucky has won six straight, most recently a 2-0 win over Robert Morris two weeks ago.
• Dylan Bufton has five goals to lead the team, and is second on the Norse with three assists. Sam Robinson has four helpers and two goals of his own.
• Daniel Bermingham has played every minute in goal, assembling a 0.82 goals-against average and a .760 save percentage.

SWEET HOME CHICAGO

• The Flames are making their first appearance on Flames Field, after playing their first four home games indoors in Rockford, Ill.
• The natural grass surface at Flames Field was unavailable in February and early March, but weather and field conditions will allow for play beginning with today's match.
• UIC has gone undefeated in its last 22 matches at Flames Field. The Flames have gone 26 straight home contests without a loss, counting the Rockford pitch as a home venue.

NORSE NUGGETS

• NKU got their first-ever win over UIC in last season's meeting. The Flames are 3-1-1 all-time against the Norse.
• Northern Kentucky did not score in the first four meetings. UIC accumulated a 8-0 scoring advantage across those matches.
• The teams have met twice in Chicago. UIC won those matches, 4-0 and 3-0.