UIC could make a leap upwards in the Missouri Valley Conference standings when the Flames host first-place and 21^st-ranked Missouri State on Saturday.

The Flames enter the weekend in fifth place, but are just two points out of third.  They had a two-match point streak come to an end on Sunday when they fell to SIUE, 2-0.  In earning results in both of the two previous matches, UIC matched their season high with three goals in each.  Scoring figures to be at a premium on Saturday.  Missouri State allows the fewest goals in the Valley, while UIC has allowed 1.0 goal per game at home and has shut out three opponents on Flames Field.

The Bears are the second ranked team on UIC's schedule.  They are the first ranked team to visit Flames Field since September 2018.  That was also the last time the Flames defeated a ranked opponent, as they took down #16 Western Michigan 1-0.

Missouri State is unbeaten in their last 13 Valley matches, and has just one conference loss in their last 31 matches.  They have played just one match on the road this season, and will be making their first ever appearance on Flames Field.  The Bears feature four players who have scored four or more goals this year.  Harry Townsend is among the national leaders with seven shutouts and a 0.70 goals-against average.

The teams have met just two times previously, once in Springfield and once in neutral Peoria.  The Flames scored one goal in defeat in each game.

Saturday's match is a rare home matinee, with a noon start time.  It can be seen on ESPN3.