Sept. 3, 2009

CHICAGO- The 10th-ranked UIC men's soccer team begins the 2009 campaign this Friday, Sept. 4 against UAB at Flames Field beginning at 7 p.m.

The Flames (0-0-0) launch their quest for a Horizon League title and a fourth consecutive NCAA tournament berth. UIC has advanced to the Sweet 16 in each of the last two postseasons, including an Elite Eight run in 2007.

UIC returns eight starters, including All-American goalkeeper and national player of the year candidate Jovan Bubonja.

Such success and returning leadership breeds high expectations for the Flames in 2009. UIC is a unanimous preseason Top 12 team heading into the weekend, including a school-best preseason No. 10 ranking from the NSCAA.

The first opponent that awaits the Flames is UAB, a strong Conference USA club coached by Mike Getman, who, like UIC head coach John Trask and assistant coach Sean Phillips, was tutored by the legendary Jerry Yeagley at Indiana.

Last year Charlie Trout scored the game-winning goal in the final minutes of an exciting 1-0 match against the Blazers in Birmingham.

"It goes without saying that our fan base is well-known nationally as supporters that back their team and make things tough for opponents to feel comfortable. You fans are our 12th man on the field, so help us this season in our quest to be champions." UIC head coach John Trask

UAB presents just one of numerous oppositional challenges for UIC this fall. Michigan State, the Flames' Round of 32 opponent last year, Wisconsin and Akron are some of the marquee non-conference foes stepping on the Flames Field pitch this season, and a variety of tough non-conference road games and the rigorous annual slate of Horizon League rivals also await UIC.

"The 2009 soccer schedule is everything that I promised the players in terms of playing top-level teams to measure their ability," said Trask. "To think that Flames Field will host these types of games is outstanding."

What makes UIC's home environment one of the best in the country, Trask states, is the tremendous fan following that includes consistently strong student support.

"I'm hoping that the student body here at UIC continues to come out to support their men's soccer team," said Trask. "We play hard and offer an entertaining brand of soccer that the students should be proud of. It goes without saying that our fan base is well-known nationally as supporters that back their team and make things tough for opponents to feel comfortable. I look forward to banners, noise and excitement each time we take the field.

"You fans are our 12th man on the field, so help us this season in our quest to be champions."

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.