UIC's defense stood tall for 110 minutes as the Flames played Minnesota to a 0-0 draw Sunday afternoon.  The Golden Gophers had the lion's share of offensive opportunities, outshooting UIC 21-4, but Lena Kurz made five saves behind a back line that blocked several additional shots.

Coach Nikolic's Summary

"Our preparation and our angles were right in our defending.  We did a really good job in support defending.  It's difficult to single out anyone;  I think the effort was all across the board.  Everyone got in and got to contribute."

Turning Points

• Minnesota had a mini-barrage of shots in the 58^th minute.  Following a corner kick, two of their tries were blocked by Flames defenders.  They kept possession, though, and regrouped for a third shot that Kurz saved.
• The hosts garnered a couple more corner kicks after the hour mark.  The first was played in for a header that sailed wide.  Kurz had to make a diving save of a header after the next one.
• UIC had an opportunity to score a golden goal in the first overtime period, but their corner kick did not yield a genuine chance.

Match Details

Bend but don't break has been UIC's defensive philosophy through the season's first two matches.  Though the offense showed improved signs of possession and scoring opportunities from Thursday's season opener, it was the defense that played strong enough to withstand Minnesota's 21-shot attack and earn a 0-0 draw.

The Flames, who were limited to just one shot on Thursday, equaled that mark in the 17^th minute when Makena Shaw sent a try over the crossbar.  Freshman Nia Harley subbed in after a half hour and immediately made an impact with a shot that tailed wide.  UIC also had a couple of corner kicks in a competitive first half.

Shaw unleashed another shot early in the second half before the match settled into a rhythm that favored Minnesota.  The hosts started racking up corner kicks in the 58^th minute, on their way to a 12-4 advantage, and had a couple of headers show legitimate promise before missing the frame.  "Minnesota is a quality side with some strong players up front," David Nikolic noted.  "We tried to nullify their opportunities and we did that for the most part.  Credit to Minnesota, they kept coming."  The Flames had one corner kick in the second half, and again it was Shaw in the mix, shooting one low for a save that ended up as the team's only shot on goal of the match.

"The work was a group effort defensively," Nikolic stated.  "When we lost the ball, everyone regrouped.  They had chances, but we made it difficult." 

Nikolic substituted liberally for the second straight match, this time sending eight bench players on.  Ellie Gasso made her Flames debut as one of five freshmen to play.  Brielle Gomez and Yulexi Diaz each went the distance for the second match in a row.  "That shows well for the future," Nikolic said, noting that every field player who made the trip not only got into the match but contributed important minutes.

Kurz made her fifth and final save just 12 seconds into the second overtime.  The Golden Gophers added two more shots, neither of which threatened the frame, as the minutes ticked away.

Nikolic reflected on the opening weekend by hoping that the memories of playing on the road at two Power 5 programs will stay with his players for a long time.  "It was a grueling road trip, flying to North Carolina and playing 90 minutes against a quality ACC school.  We came back to Chicago and then drove to Minneapolis to play a solid Minnesota squad for 110 minutes.  To only allow one goal in 200 minutes and to get the point today, we're really happy."

The Flames will stay on the road, but the trip to their next match will pale in comparison to their last two.  They have a full week to prepare for the short trip across town to face DePaul next Sunday.