CHICAGO – UIC hits the road for the first time this season, opening the month of September with a two-match crosstown swing that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. (CT) Monday when the Flames visit Northwestern. UIC will then head to DePaul on Thursday for a 4 p.m. (CT) contest that will be televised locally in Chicagoland on Marquee Sports Network.
MATCH #3
UIC "Flames" (2-0-0, 0-0-0 MVC) at Northwestern "Wildcats" (2-0-1, 0-0-0 Big Ten)
When: Monday, Sept. 1st | 6:30 p.m. CT
Where: Evanston, Ill. | Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Live Coverage: B1G+ ($) | Live Stats
SERIES NOTES
UIC owns a slim 14-13-2 series edge over Northwestern since the Flames elevated to the NCAA Division I level prior to the 1981 season, although the Wildcats have won three and tied one in the past four meetings (taking a narrow 1-0 decision last year at Flames Field). During that time, the series is tied 7-7 when the scene shifts to Evanston, with NU having won the last three times the teams met at Northwestern. UIC is seeking its first win over the Wildcats since Oct. 16, 2018 (3-1 at Flames Field), and its first victory in Evanston since Oct. 11, 2016 (a 2-0 final).
LAST TIME OUT
UIC junior midfielder Edouard Nys opened his Flames' goalscoring account in style on Aug. 24, finding the back of the net twice in the first 33 minutes to ignite UIC to a 4-0 win over Eastern Illinois before a crowd of 939 fans at Flames Field. Fellow junior midfielder Darrell Turcios had a goal and an assist, while sophomore forward Carlos Nevarez assisted on both of Nys' goals as part of a solid UIC offensive effort that generated 31 shots, including 15 of frame. Junior defender Sota Nakazono set up Turcios' goal in the final minute of the first half, while sophomore midfielder Sebastian Khoury capped the scoring with his first goal in a Flames' kit off assists from Turcios and junior defender Jacobo Cruz just past the midpoint of the second half.
Senior goalkeeper Owen Cornell and the UIC defense did the rest in posting the Flames' first clean sheet of the season. Cornell was making his UIC debut and recorded five saves to earn his first career shutout.
CALL IT THE WINDY CITY CLASSIC
UIC will play four of its next six matches against Chicagoland opponents, starting with this week's road swing to Northwestern and DePaul. The Flames will also visit Loyola on Sept. 15 and close out their pre-conference schedule three nights later against Chicago State at Flames Field.
A B1G OPPORTUNITY
The Flames are seeking their second win over a Big Ten Conference opponent in three seasons, having defeated Wisconsin, 2-0 on Sept. 4, 2023, at Flames Field. UIC last earned a victory on Big Ten soil on Oct. 11, 2016, with its 2-0 win at Northwestern.
NYS IS NICE
UIC junior midfielder Edouard Nys was chosen as the Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week last Tuesday after collecting two goals and an assist in the Flames' season-opening wins over Air Force and Eastern Illinois. Nys netted a brace in the opening 33 minutes of the Aug. 24 win over EIU and assisted on Rui Reis' clinching goal in the final minute of the Aug. 21 match against Air Force. Nys, who also garnered a spot on the Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week, was the only MVC player to score multiple goals during the opening weekend of the season.
FOLLOW THE FLAMES
UIC students, staff and youths in eighth grade and under are admitted to all home soccer matches free of charge, while adults and youths in ninth grade and above can purchase tickets for $5 each at the northwest entrance to Flames Field (off Morgan St.) on match night. Discounted tickets for groups of 10+ adults, are on sale for $3 each. In addition, fans can buy the new Flames Fast Pass, a one-time $50 purchase that will provide the bearer with access to all UIC home athletics events (except men's and women's basketball) during the 2025-26 academic year.
For more information on UIC men's soccer, 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).
#FireUpFlames | #ChicagosCollegeTeam
