Box Score CHICAGO (Aug. 24, 2023) – The UIC men's soccer team opened the 2023 regular season Thursday night, as they welcomed NJIT to Flames Field on a hot, humid night, with temperatures climbing into the 90's at kick-off. After a quiet first half for both sides, a pair of early second half goals kept the match in a deadlock, until UIC netted two late goals to pull away and earn the season-opening victory.
 
COACH'S COMMENTS
"On a hot and humid night like tonight, the work that the guys put in during the offseason really showed," commented head coach Sean Phillips. "We showed resilience after allowing NJIT to equalize quickly in the second half, and our returning players did a great job of leading the team to a victory to open the year."
 
FIRST HALF

• Bart Muns registered the first shot on goal for either side in the fourth minute, as his left-footed shot was saved by Highlanders keeper Samuel Reisgys.
• The Highlanders stepped up the offensive pressure for the remainder of the first half, out-shooting the Flames 9-3 in the first 45 minutes.
• Graduate transfer goalkeeper Oren Asher made two saves in the first half to keep NJIT off the board, and the two teams entered the locker room tied 0-0.

 
SECOND HALF

• Andres Lemus netted the first UIC goal of the season, as his first tally of the season, assisted by Jesus De Vicente, put the Flames ahead 1-0 in the 47^th minute.
• After NJIT equalized just over 10 minutes later, the Flames amped up the offensive attack, as Sidney Warden netted the eventual match-winning goal in the 72^nd minute on an assist from Bart Muns.
• Jesus De Vicente added an insurance goal just two minutes later, as his first tally of the season would solidify the final score at 3-1 in favor of UIC.

 
UP NEXT
The Flames will continue their four-match home stand this weekend, as they welcome St. Thomas to Flames Field for a Sunday matinee. Kick-off is set for 1:00 p.m., and the match can be seen live on ESPN+.