UIC will begin postseason play in the Missouri Valley quarterfinals, Sunday at noon against Northern Iowa at Flames Field.

The Flames earned the #3 seed in their inaugural season in the Valley, and with it the right to host a quarterfinal match.  This will be the first home postseason match in the program's history, which extends over three previous conference tournaments.  It is the second time the Flames have earned a bye into a later tournament round.

UIC got into this position by virtue of a 1-0 win over Southern Illinois on Sunday.  That result pulled them even with the Salukis in the final standings with 18 points each.  The head-to-head win put UIC on the 3 line and SIU on the 4.  Megan Bowman scored in the final seconds of the first half on a penalty kick.  The penalty was awarded in the aftermath of a high quality shot by Madison Ferris, with the ball still bounding within the box when contact was made by SIU.

The shutout was Lauren Keiser's league-leading eighth of the season.  Her goals-against average also leads the Valley, at 0.7.  The Flames have not lost in their last five home matches.  No Valley opponent has scored a goal on Flames Field.

UNI is the #6 seed in the Valley tournament.  They earned a 1-0, double overtime win over Belmont in the first round Thursday.  Lauren Heinsch leads the team with five goals, and has chipped in two assists.  Caitlin Richards has not allowed a goal in the last four matches.  She has a goals-against average of 1.25.

The teams played to a scoreless draw in their regular season meeting in Chicago.  UIC had a 14-4 advantage in shots, including 8-2 in shots on goal.  Three more of UIC's attempts hit the post or crossbar.

The winner will advance to the semifinals against #2 Missouri State, on Thursday in Valparaiso, Ind.

Sunday's match can be seen on ESPN+.