ST. LOUIS (Sept. 26, 2023) – The Missouri Valley Conference released its Men's Soccer Weekly Awards on Tuesday, and UIC junior forward Bart Muns (Amsterdam, Netherlands) was named The Valley's Offensive Player of the Week.

"I think this recognition for Bart is very well-deserved," commented head coach Sean Phillips. "He has worked hard for the entirety of the season so far and has done everything the coaching staff has asked of him, so this recognition is a just reward for that hard work."
 
The Amsterdam native made the most of his offensive opportunities last week, as he registered an astounding seven points in just two matches on the week. Muns scored the opening goal of UIC's 2-1 victory over Chicago State on Tuesday and followed that up with a five-point effort in the Flames' 4-0 triumph over Drake Saturday night.
 
After netting the eventual match-winning goal against the Bulldogs on Saturday in the second minute, Muns would go on to factor in three of UIC's four goals, including his fifth goal of the season later in the first half, and assisting on the final insurance goal to seal the 4-0 win.
 
"It is nice to be recognized for the hard work we have put in this season," said Muns Tuesday. "But this is a team game, and I owe a lot of my success in the last few matches to my teammates for putting me in good situations and finding me with the ball."
 
Muns ranks second in the Missouri Valley Conference in points with 14 on the year, and is also tied for second in The Valley with two match-winning goals.
 
The Flames will close their brief two-match homestand Saturday, as they welcome Western Michigan to Flames Field for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. The match will serve as the Sparky's Kid's Club Game, and can also be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
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).