Sept. 25, 2000

Chicago, Ill. - For the second time in as many weeks, UIC soccer player Eric Lukin (Orland Park, Ill./Sandburg) has been selected as the Midwestern Collegiate Conference Soccer Player of the Week it was announced today.

The senior forward helped UIC extend its current winning streak to six straight following a pair of victories last week at Northern Illinois, 3-0, and at Butler, 4-1. With the wins, the Flames improved to 6-1-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

On Sunday, Lukin shined for UIC as he tallied his second career hat trick in the 4-1 victory over Butler. The 1999 MCC Player of the Year, Lukin buried the Flames' first two goals of the game with assists going to Dennis King (Colona, Ill./United Township) and Greg Chrisman (Bloomingdale, Ill./Glenbard North). He then came back nearly 12 minutes into the second half to complete the hat trick as King set him up for the score.

Something about Butler certainly brings out the best in Lukin, a 1999 NSCAA/adidas Second Team All-American, who matched a school record with four goals against the Bulldogs in last year's 5-1 win at Flames Field.

Lukin, who also picked up an assist last week in the shutout of Northern Illinois, tops UIC with 17 points on seven goals and three assists.

UIC returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 27, for a 4:00 p.m. showdown against UW-Milwaukee. The Flames, in addition to extending their current six-game winning streak, will also look to hit 20 consecutive home victories with a win.