CROWN POINT, Ind. – Behind two goals from Darien Martin, and strong efforts from many new pieces to the UIC roster, the Flames men's soccer team took care of Bethel (Ind.) 3-1 in the team's spring opener at the Crown Point Sports Complex.

The Pilots are the reigning NAIA National Champion.

COACH'S COMMENTS

"It is always great to score three goals and get a result, especially against a team like Bethel," said head coach Sean Phillips. "They have talented and experienced players and are very well coached. While we were pleased with the overall performance and the result, Bethel presented some challenges. After a positive first half where we were efficient with our chances, Bethel came out very strong in the second half and forced us to be better in several areas.  Overall, the players responded well to the challenges but we have to become sharper this week as we prepare for our first Chicago Cup match at Loyola."

FIRST HALF

• After a positive start to the game, UIC earned a free kick in their attacking third. Jesus de Vicente, one of UIC's new faces, served the free kick into the penalty box, finding Paul Brauckmann who redirected a head ball towards Oskar Greven, whose header towards the back cleared the line for the first goal of the game. 
• Bethel came down almost immediately after the kickoff, serving the ball into the UIC penalty box where Diego Quintana blocked the service. However, the referee determined that the deflection was a handball and he pointed to the spot. 
• UIC goalkeeper Andres Vasquez was up to the task and stopped the penalty kick attempt. 
• The first half ended with UIC holding a 1-0 advantage.

SECOND HALF

• Bethel come out hot to start the second half and dictated the tempo by pressing with a tremendous amount of energy. 
• Goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski, the lone halftime substitute for UIC, was up to the task, making the appropriate saves and decisions. 
• Second half substitute Darien Martin energized the UIC attack and scored on an assist from Preston Huitron after UIC stripped Bethel after a throw in. 
• After Bethel scored in the 53^rd minute to make it a 2-1 game, UIC's defense settled in and didn't allow another goal the rest of the game.
• In the final five minutes of regulation, Martin, on a pass from Brian Perez, put the game out of reach with his second goal of the afternoon to seal the victory for the Flames.

UP NEXT

• The Flames take on Loyola on Saturday Mar. 18 to open Chicago Cup competition. Action from Loyola Soccer Park starts at 2:00 p.m.

SCORELINE

• UIC – 3
  • 23' – Greven (Brauckmann)
  • 52' – Martin (Huitron)
  • 67' – Martin (Perez)
• Bethel (Ind.) – 1
  • 53' – Rebound from free kick

UIC Starting Lineup 1^st Half

• Vasquez, DeVicente, Brauckmann (C), Davis, Quintana, Nedic, Moreno, Greven, Huitron, Warden, Perez

UIC Starting Lineup 2^nd Half

• Dabrowski, DeVicente, Brauckmann (C), Davis, Quintana, Nedic, Moreno, Greven (Streepy), Huitron, Warden (Martin), Perez