Sept. 1, 2008

Box Score Photo Gallery

Chicago, Ill.- Kevin Stoll's goal in the 73rd minute proved to be the deciding tally as the 16th-ranked UIC men's soccer team defeated fifth-ranked Santa Clara, 4-3, at Flames Field on Monday night.

Playing in an electric home environment fueled by 956 fans, including the Fury in full force and over 60 former UIC soccer players as part of Alumni Night, the Flames (1-0-1) engaged in a scoring-filled slobberknocker with the Broncos (0-2-0), the nation's No. 1 team according TopDrawerSoccer's preseason rankings.

"Maybe Friday night was a tough night at the office, and maybe tonight it would have been easier to give in somewhat with the injuries we have and the way [Santa Clara] played and the fight that they have," said UIC head coach John Trask. "But that's why we go a long way in the NCAA Tournament, because we have so much heart and desire and different guys step up in different situations.

"It's the mark of a great program, a program like Santa Clara, and it's what we are trying to be."

UIC began the scoring just over two minutes into the match. Ian Sarachan sent a ball deep into the opposite side of the box, and a leaping Matt Spiess snapped a perfectly-placed header past Bronco keeper Jeremy Del Re.

Santa Clara evened the match in the 19th minute, when a UIC clearance attempt in the box was intercepted by Jeff Cosgriff in front of the goal for a chip shot.

But the contest did not stay tied for long. In the 22nd minute Charlie Trout served a beautiful ball toward goal, finding the noggin of Baggio Husidic for a header that raced into the net.

The Flames extended their advantage to two in the 35th minute, when Trout did all the work on a clever sprint that freed him for a successful finish.

Seven minutes later the Broncos chipped their deficit down to a single marker. A direct free kick was awarded to Santa Clara, and after the attempt was turned away by UIC goalkeeper Jovan Bubonja, the ball bounced around and was transported from the foot of Ross Smith into the net.

The scored stayed 3-2 until Stoll nailed a deep bending ball over Del Re to extend the Flames' lead with 17 minutes left in regulation.

Stoll's goal proved to be vital insurance, as Santa Clara responded in the 77th minute on Brian Martin's goal off a pass from Brandon Zimmerman.

The UIC defense held firm, though, withstanding the late Bronco charge for the equalizer.

"Four wonderful goals," said Trask on his team's finishing. "Each featured something world-class that created it."

Trask once again applauded the spectacular play of Husidic, who scored his second goal in as many games despite another round of multiple defenders surrounding him.

"Baggio is a very special player, one of the best I've ever coached," said Trask. "I've coached Todd Yeagley, Lazo Alavanja, Yuri Lavrinenko, Dema Kovalenko, and he's right up there with them."

Trask also thanked the former players who came out to support the program on Monday.

"A super showing by the alums," Trask said. "We thank them and truly appreciate them, not just for tonight but for the tradition they have helped build and their continued support."

Monday's match marked the first time that Bubonja has allowed more than two goals in a single match.

UIC takes a two-match road swing through Alabama this weekend, beginning on Friday against UAB at 7 p.m. in Birmingham, Ala.