Goals from Hannah Gryzik and Makena Shaw propelled UIC to a 2-0 win over Illinois State in the Flames' first conference match within the Missouri Valley.  Gryzik scored right before halftime, and Shaw slammed the door on the Redbirds' attempts to tie the match with her 83^rd minute tally.


 
Flames Field dedication ceremonies and events took place all weekend.  Before the match, Yulexi Diaz participated in a ribbon-cutting at midfield to officially open the new facility.

Scoring Summary

• The Flames drew first blood through a series of good passes.  An initial try deflected off a Redbird, but the Flames stayed with it, cycling the ball to Brielle Gomez, and then to Megan Bowman, who fed Gryzik eight yards outside of the box.  Gryzik settled the ball and then unleashed a wicked curving shot into the upper left 90.
• Valeria Da Silva offered a long pass down the chute, where Shaw ran under it after getting past her defender.  Open on goal, Shaw ran confidently into the box and then took a first-touch shot past the keeper, who came off her line too late to affect Shaw's plans.

The Flames were the more aggressive team from the outset.  Shaw featured in the early attacking phases with a shot over the crossbar.  Jelena Zbiljic created opportunities for herself and for teammates, and Megan Bowman and Kaitlyn Montague were constantly keeping the Redbird defense on its toes.

UIC earned four corner kicks in the first half, and took 10 of their 18 total shots in the first 45 minutes.  Illinois State managed only one first-half shot, which Lauren Keiser easily saved.  Makenna Maloy made a winning defensive play, and the team held together to thwart an extended Redbird possession later in the half.

Playing with a lead in the second half, the Flames did not relent.  Shaw again was past the defense on multiple occasions, forcing the action.  She finished the match with three shots, and two on goal.  Leah Senese and Madison Ferris connected on a promising play in the box.  Montague threatened with a shot late in the match right before Shaw converted for the insurance goal.

Keiser made three saves in the match, in addition to some important plays late in the second half when the Redbirds seemed to figure some things out as they fought for an equalizer.  She caught a corner kick cleanly and later made a well-timed dive off her line to break up an Illinois State rush.  The Flames allowed only four shots on the match.

It was the first multiple-goal game for the Flames.  Keiser posted her second shutout.  Freshmen Gryzik and Da Silva each registered the first points of their career.

Conference play will continue when the Flames return to action Thursday at Valparaiso.