SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Opportunity knocks for UIC in a big way Sunday as the Flames visit Missouri State at noon (CT) in a tussle for first place in the MVC standings. The Bears currently hold a two-point edge over UIC on the league table with four games to play. Sunday's matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

MATCH INFORMATION
UIC "Flames" (5-7-2, 4-0-2 MVC) at Missouri State "Bears" (7-4-3, 5-0-1 MVC)
Sunday, Oct. 13 | Noon CT
Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium | Springfield, Mo.
ESPN+
Live Stats

LAST TIME OUT
Playing its second game in less than 48 hours, UIC rose to the occasion in record-setting fashion with a 1-0 win over Evansville on Thursday at Flames Field. Kamryn Brickman's first career goal in the 76th minute was the difference as UIC posted a school-record fourth straight shutout and tied the program record with a six-game unbeaten streak.

STARTING FRESH
UIC has fully embraced the clean slate of MVC play, going 4-0-2 in conference and rising to second on the Valley table with 14 points. UIC has outscored its opponents, 8-1 with five shutouts (the only goal on a Murray State PK) and has only trailed for 5:36 (between MSU's goal and UIC's response). 

SCOUTING MISSOURI STATE
One of three remaining unbeaten teams in MVC play (along with UIC and 2-0-3 Southern Illinois), Missouri State has lived up to its preseason No. 1 ranking in the Valley coaches' poll and has wins in five of its six conference games. MSU has also found the back of the net in all six conference outings, including multiple goals in four of six Valley contests. Like UIC, the Bears last played on Thursday night at home and, like the Flames, Missouri State won on the strength of the first career goal from a freshman, edging Murray State, 2-1 on Jane Hansen's score in the 77th minute. 

Senior forward Julia Kristensen has a team-high four goals to lead five Missouri State players with multiple scores this season, just ahead of senior forward Grace O'Keefe and sophomore forward/midfielder Reilly Heman (3 each). Kristensen also is the Bears' leader in assists (a conference-best 6) and points (14; second in the MVC), while O'Keefe leads the Valley with 24 shots on goal. Graduate student Camielle Day has spent the lion's share of the minutes in goal for Missouri State this season, posting a 1.34 goals-against average and .746 save percentage with six shutouts.

Like many of UIC's conference opponents, the Flames had not played Missouri State prior to joining the MVC in 2022. The Bears have won both conference matchups in that abbreviated time, prevailing 1-0 in 2022 and 3-0 last season.

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FOLLOW THE FLAMES
For more information on UIC women's soccer, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UIC_WSOC and @UICFlames) and Instagram (@uic_wsoc and @uicflames).