A new era in the storied history of UIC soccer will begin Thursday when the Flames embark on their 2022 season.  When UIC takes on #8 Kentucky in the opener, it will be the program's first match as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference.

With four of the team's six returning starters along the back line, defense figured to be a strength for UIC as it entered the season.  That was confirmed in the preseason as the Flames did not allow a goal in two matches against Eastern Illinois and Michigan.  With a pair of preseason All-MVC selections – goalkeeper Andres Vasquez and back Pau Mateo – the defense will be called upon to anchor the team throughout the campaign.

Significant additional experience will be on the back line in the form of Eddie Garcia and Manny Cerritos.  Garcia has played every match each of the last three seasons, averaging 88 minutes per match.  He tied for the team lead in assists last season, with four.  Cerritos has been a consistent starter since returning from injury in 2020.  The team's elder statesman, he has been with the Flames since 2017 and was a part of two NCAA tournament squads.

Christian Crespo and Aaron Nguyen will return in the midfield.  Nguyen has appeared in every match over the last three years, and has started all but one.  Consistently among the team leaders in minutes, he will play a key role in the Flames' transition offense and defense.  Crespo had a career year in 2020, but was injured to start the 2021 campaign.  He built up his workload later in last season and will be counted on to figure in the team's attack.

The top two goal scorers, and 64% of the team's total goals, from 2021 departed to graduation.  While exhibition conditions differ greatly from those surrounding a regular season visit to a top-10 team, a number of young Flames signaled their intent to contribute to the offense.  Freshman Preston Huitron scored three preseason goals, and classmate Andres Lemus had a goal and two assists.  Sophomores Brian Perez and Josh Torres had a goal apiece.

UIC and Kentucky have met just once before.  The Wildcats took a 2-0 victory in 2009 at a neutral site in Louisville.  Thursday's match is UIC's first against a top-10 team since #7 Michigan State visited Chicago in 2014.  Kentucky advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 last season, where they lost to eventual national champion Clemson.

UIC Athletics joined the Missouri Valley Conference on July 1.  The Flames were picked third in the preseason poll.  Their first conference match will be September 17, at home against Drake, which will also be the grand opening and dedication ceremony for Flames Field.  The Valley has been a multiple-bid conference to the NCAA tournament 17 times.

Thursday's match is slated to be streamed on ESPN+.  Kickoff will be at 6:30 Central time.