July 2, 2009

CHICAGO- The UIC men's soccer team received a triple dose of preseason kudos from College Soccer News this week, as the national collegiate soccer website honored the Flames with their highest-ever preseason ranking, a Preseason All-American and high marks for their incoming class.

UIC is ranked 11th in the country in CSN's 2009 Preseason Top 30 Poll. It is the highest ranking prior to a season for the Flames in the history of the program.

Senior goalkeeper Jovan Bubonja (Belgrade, Serbia/VI Belgrade) was named to College Soccer News 2009 Preseason All-America First Team. This is the third consecutive year that Bubonja has been named a Preseason All-American by College Soccer News and the second straight preseason he has earned first team honors.

Bubonja has received postseason All-American honors from College Soccer News in each of the last two seasons.

"No surprise in Jovan being named First Team All-American," said UIC head coach John Trask. "He has proven himself to be the best goalkeeper in college soccer for the past couple of years.

"As for the ranking, it's always nice to recognized, but the proof is in the pudding as they say," Trask stated. "This year's schedule will test our players, and if we can get the results, we will be recognized at the end of the season as well."

College Soccer News also unveiled its analysis of the Flames' incoming crop of newcomers, giving the class three-and-a-half stars on a five-star scale.

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"