Another local rival will visit Flames Field Friday, when UIC returns to action against Chicago State.

"It's always good to see another Division I institution in Chicago make the commitment to sponsor men's soccer," Sean Phillips said.  "It's too bad we couldn't get Chicago State on our schedule in 2021, but I believe this will become another competitive city derby.  Their coaching staff has the program going in the right direction."

Coming off a 0-0 draw with Loyola, the Flames will play Chicago State and DePaul within their next three home matches.  The Cougars, in just their third season as a restarted Division I program, have already played Northwestern to a draw in Evanston.

"They've gotten results at Northwestern and Green Bay, which are very hard places to get a result as a visiting team.  We need to continue to improve in every aspect of our game in order to put ourselves in position to get a result on Friday," Phillips continued.

UIC made great strides in their defensive play on Monday against Loyola, in Phillips' assessment.  They held the Ramblers, who were receiving votes in the national poll, to just five shots and two on goal.  Four Flames, including newcomer Ricardo Avalos, tied for the team lead with two shots apiece.  Avalos joined the team in the week prior to the match as a graduate transfer from St. Xavier.

The Flames and Cougars have met three times in the 1980s, before Chicago State discontinued their program.  UIC won each of those matches by one goal.

Admission to the match, which starts at 7 p.m., is free.  Coverage will be on ESPN+.