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Mitchell's Goal Helps Men's Soccer Overcome Ohio State, 1-0
Oct. 14, 2009 COLUMBUS, Ohio- Phillip Mitchell's first-half goal helped the shorthanded UIC men's soccer team outlast Ohio State, 1-0, at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on a cold Wednesday night. Without the services of usual starters Robert Younger, Ian Sarachan, Matt Spiess and leading scorer Ivan Stanisavljevic because of injury and Charlie Trout due to a suspension as a result of a red card in the previous match, the Flames (4-4-4) used an early marker and their trademark defensive tenacity to hand the host Buckeyes (7-3-3) just their second home defeat of the year. UIC also had to overcome the eventual loss of center back Zach Tierney, who was injured on an illegal tackle midway through the first half and was forced to miss the remainder of the match. But depleted depth did not deter UIC, as numerous players took advantage of their opportunities against the Buckeyes. One of those players was Mitchell, who put on a display of hustle up front that paid dividends for the Flames early. A free kick taken by Mike Giffin in the 13th minute was bent into a scrum centered inside the box. Mitchell elevated above everyone and snapped a beautiful header from the right that traveled across the frame and nestled in the net as keeper Matt Lampson could only watch the Flames get on the board with what proved to be the game's sole marker. "It's great to get another win," said UIC head coach John Trask. "We're battling things this year, that's who we are right now.
"I love the performance of the guys off the bench," Trask said. "We had guys play different roles, in different places. Everyone stepped up to the plate." Play turned physical fast as Doug Verhoff ran into Jovan Bubonja in front of the frame shortly after the Flames' goal. A ball was sent into the box that Bubonja leaped to corral, and Verhoff continued his run while colliding with the UIC keeper, causing the two to exchange words and players from both sides to discuss their differences until officials called off the impromptu melee. Tempers continued to flare when Tierney was taken out with a malicious tackle by Ohio State's Joshua Breto in the 24th minute, eliciting a red card by the referee and forcing the hosts to play a man down the rest of the night. Tierney was carted off the field as the animosity between the two sides increased. "It was unfortunate for Zach," said Trask. "That played a part in [the result] down a man, but we went through that the other day [at Green Bay]. It is part of the game." Anger and brutal physicality on the pitch simmered down, yet the Flames' attack continued all the way up until the halftime horn with multiple near-misses near the target and a threatening Giffin corner in the final seconds of the first period. The Buckeyes seemed to have a solid chance at the equalizer in the 65th minute when Austin McAnena charged past the backline and had a look at a shot from the right side, but the UIC defense snuffed out the opposing opportunity when Josh Beard blocked McAnena's near-post shot and forced it wide. Possession was traded throughout the second half, and each side created quality offensive chances. A last-ditch effort by the Buckeyes resulted in an Ohio State corner kick with 10 seconds remaining in regulation, but Moriba Diallo used his noggin to knock the ball clear as the final buzzer sounded. Bubonja was brilliant between the posts, making four saves and halting various other dangerous OSU offerings for his fourth clean sheet of 2009. "Now we have a big one in the Horizon League against Milwaukee," said Trask. "I am so pleased for the guys, but have to keep it going." UIC returns home to host Horizon League rival Milwaukee this Saturday night at Flames Field. Kick-off is at 7 p.m., and the Flames will honor the 10th anniversary of the program's first-ever NCAA tournament team during the evening. Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways: 1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link 2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames." Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page. |
