A full first week of training will culminate in the first of two exhibition matches on Saturday, as Eastern Illinois visits Flames Field for a preseason tune-up.

In addition to being UIC's first chance to measure themselves against an opposing side, it will be the team's first foray onto the new Flames Field.  Admission is free, as it will be throughout the season.  Kickoff is at 4 p.m.

While the Flames will need to have players step up to replace a significant amount of scoring that has departed due to graduation, the team looks to be solid in the back, with three returning defenders and an experienced goalkeeper.  A group of 10 newcomers will vie for playing time.

Eastern Illinois returns five of six players who scored goals in 2021, when the team won just two games.  The Panthers will audition replacements for their departed primary goalkeeper, though both returning keepers did see action in multiple matches a season ago.

There will be no live coverage of Saturday's match.