July 2, 2002

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Chicago, Ill. - The 2002 UIC soccer team will face a tough slate this season as its schedule was announced Monday evening.

The Flames, who went 11-6-1 last season, will open the 2002 campaign at a tournament hosted by in-state rival Bradley. UIC and the Braves lock horns on Saturday, August 31st, at 7:00 p.m. in Peoria.

After a trip to Denver for another tournament the following weekend, the Flames open their home schedule with the first of three non-conference home tilts versus Big 10 opponents as Wisconsin ventures to the Windy City on Sept. 15th at 2:00 p.m. UIC will also battle Northwestern (10/16) and Michigan (10/25) at Flames Field during non-conference play.

Included in this year's schedule are also non-conference contests with local rivals DePaul, Northern Illinois and Eastern Illinois.

UIC looks to regain the Horizon League title when they open league play on Sept. 18th at Loyola.

The Flames return nine starters to the field this season, including All-Horizon League performers Bruno Rasich and Joe Morelli, along with all-newcomer honoree Patrick Grange. UIC also welcomes back its top three goal scorers from last year in Dennis King, Grange and Jake Stasko. Goalkeeper Jeff Kusiciel is back between the posts for the Flames.

For more on the upcoming season, and the entire 2002 schedule, checkout the latest soccer summer prospectus.