UIC will host its regular season debut at Flames Field Monday night when they rekindle a long-time rivalry with Cleveland State.  After a pair of exhibition matches at their brand new facility, the first contest that will count is slated for a 7 p.m. start, with free admission to all.

The Flames will enter having dropped their opener, 2-0 at #8 Kentucky on Thursday.  The Wildcats struck shortly after halftime, but the match was played evenly before and after that goal, until the hosts caught UIC attacking desperately on an 88^th-minute corner kick, and netted an insurance tally on the counter.  Christian Crespo and Ezau Millan let the team in shots, while Josh Torres put one on goal that represented the team's best chance to score.

Isaac Carvajal made his Flames debut in goal and made three high level saves in the first half to keep the Flames even with a team that made last season's Sweet 16.  Juan Gutierrez, Pau Mateo, and Eddie Garcia joined Carvajal in the 90-minute club.

Cleveland State is one of UIC's oldest rivals, as the teams have met every season since 1983.  The former conference mates have each won five of the last 10 meetings.  Seven of those matches ended in a shutout.  The teams have played 44 times, but this is the first meeting to take place in August.

The Vikings won their season opener by a 4-0 final against Canisius.  All four goals came in the first 25 minutes, with Jannis Schmidt scoring the game-winning goal just 44 seconds in.  Omeed Naeemy returns for his senior season, having played every second in goal since stepping on campus, but he did not play the opener in favor of Max Kasputis.

UIC and Maxwell Street Village will hold a back-to-school drive at the entry gates.  All fans are encouraged to bring school supplies to donate to neighborhood students.