CHICAGO (Sept. 21, 2023) – The 25^th ranked UIC men's soccer team (6-1-1, 1-0 MVC) returns to Flames Field after a nearly three-week long road-trip Saturday, as it hosts Drake (2-4-1, 1-0 MVC) at 7:00 p.m. as part of Flames Fest presented by Xfinity.
 
"There's a lot of excitement around campus for this weekend," commented head coach Sean Phillips. "It is a great opportunity to celebrate the past with the UIC Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, as well as support all of our fall sports student-athletes in big Missouri Valley Conference matchups."
 
FLAMES FACTS

• UIC enters the match this weekend as the 25^th ranked men's soccer program in the country, according to United Soccer Coaches, the official NCAA men's soccer poll. This marks the first time the Flames have been in the official top-25 since 2014.
• A balanced offensive attack has led to the Flames' success this season, as UIC is 6-0-1 in matches this season where they score two or more goals. They are also 6-0-1 in matches where they have gotten the first goal, so getting ahead early will be crucial in this battle of conference unbeatens.
• The Flames rank in the top three in all of the major offensive categories, including shots (2^nd, 107), points (2^nd, 46), and goals (2^nd, 17).
• Bart Muns (Amsterdam, Netherlands) has three goals in the last two matches for UIC, including a two-goal performance in the Flames' conference-opening victory over Belmont. Muns is tied for the team lead in goals with three, and ranks second in points with eight.
• Jesus De Vicente (Casas Bajas, Spain) leads the team in assists with seven, including carrying the primary assist on each of UIC's last four goals. The redshirt junior ranks first in The Valley in assists. Averaging an assist per match this season, De Vicente ranks second in all of NCAA Division I soccer in the category.

 
Saturday's match at Flames Field is free to attend, and as part of Flames Fest presented by Xfinity, will include a bounce house, yard games, cotton candy, and more family friendly activities for all to enjoy. The match is also sponsored by Gift of Hope, who will have a table where fans can sign up for more information about life-saving organ and tissue donation.
 
The match will also be broadcast live on ESPN+, with Peter Ferreri on the play-by-play, joined by former Flames midfielder Oscar Rivero (2015-16) providing color commentary.

For more information, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_MSOC and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_msoc and @uicflames).