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June 24, 2009

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa- Former UIC back Jay DeMerit and the U.S. Men's National Team continued what is turning out to be a historic South African trip for the Americans, as the Red, White and Blue defeated top-ranked Spain 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup on Wednesday, June 24.

DeMerit led the defensive effort as the U.S. recorded its second straight shutout, this time against FIFA's No. 1 team. The U.S. handed Spain its first loss since November 2006.

A four-year letterwinner for the Flames from 1998-2001, DeMerit has now started all four Confederations Cup matches for the U.S. DeMerit had started the previous three matches for the injured Carlos Bocanegra, and the UIC product retained his spot in the Starting XI with Bocanegra back.

This is the first time that the U.S. has advanced to a men's final in a FIFA competition. The U.S will play either Brazil or host South Africa in the final this Sunday.

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"