SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Oct. 8, 2023) – The UIC men's soccer team took on its second nationally-ranked opponent of the season Sunday afternoon, as it was on the road to take on #9 Missouri State at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium. The match-up was the first time two nationally ranked Missouri Valley Conference teams have met in men's soccer since 2011. After a slow first half with just six total shots between the two teams, defense continued to be the story throughout the match, as the two teams would play to a scoreless draw.
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FIRST HALF
- On a beautiful, sunny day in Missouri, the two teams looked very balanced in the first half of play, with the Bears holding a slight advantage in shots at 5-1.
- Defense reigned supreme in the first 45 minutes, as the Flames held the Bears out of the middle of the field for the majority of the first half. Missouri State registered just one shot on goal, which was turned aside by Andres Vasquez (Pittsburgh, Penn.), who made his second start of the season Sunday.
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SECOND HALF
- Paul Brauckmann (Welver, Germany) registered the Flames' second shot of the match in the 49th minute, as his right-footed attempt off a UIC corner kick missed just outside the right post.
- Vasquez's third save of the match early in the second half was an outstanding diving stop in the 55th minute, turning aside a shot destined for the right side of the net.
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- Despite being out-shot 19-4 in the match, Vasquez made a season-high six saves on the way to the 0-0 draw.
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UP NEXT
UIC will return home to Flames Field Saturday, as it continues Valley play against Evansville. Kickoff from Chicago is set for 7:00 p.m. CT, and admission for fans is always free of charge.
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