IU tops UIC 1-0 for 3rd win in a row, 6th on the year

The last time IU and the University of Illinois-Chicago met on the pitch was 1977, when UIC was still considered a D-II school. Although none of the current Hoosier squad was alive to see that game, they were able to continue the winning tradition against the Flames in a 1-0 victory Wednesday night at Bill Armstrong Stadium. It was the third win in a row and sixth overall for IU this season. The win brought the overall series record to 4-0-0. \nFrom the beginning, the game was a very physical one on both sides. Within the opening four minutes of play, the Hoosiers had two fouls and UIC had one. Sophomore midfielder Eric Alexander was one of the more aggressive Hoosiers on the field and competed head-to-head with Flames’ Cesar Zambrano the entire match. Alexander was not the only Hoosier to clash with Zambrano, the Flames’ leading scorer, as he continued to get into verbal arguments with several IU players throughout the game. \nAlong with the physical play came several injuries for IU. In the first half, four players went down, including two who had to be taken out of the game. Both sophomore forward Daniel Kelly and senior defender Charley Traylor were tended to by the athletic trainers on the sideline with possible sprained ankles. IU coach Mike Freitag saw his team being knocked around, but knew it was just a part of the game. \n“It was a misfortune,” Freitag said. “The guys took some knocks. Now it’s time for our trainer to step up.” \nThe first half saw both injuries and sloppy play by the Hoosiers. Several throw-ins and free kicks were quickly picked up by UIC defenders, leaving IU to fight back for the ball. Although IU had a hard time maintaining possession of the ball, the Hoosiers managed to take their first shot on-goal less than five minutes into the game. Freshman Neil Wilmarth threw the ball in to Traylor, who got a touch on the ball before kicking it high over the goal. \n“I noticed personally being a forward, we weren’t able to hold onto the ball for the midfielders to attack (in the first half),” Wilmarth said. “We would get the ball and lay it off immediately, which of course would get a counter. We talked about what needed to be done and went out and did it second half.” \nThe Hoosiers appeared more refreshed and refocused in the second half. A mere five minutes into the half, junior midfielder Brad Ring intercepted a slow pass between UIC players at the top of the 18-yard box and took a wide open shot, which he sent soaring past the goalkeeper’s reach and into the net. \n“I hopped in front of (the pass),” said Ring. “When I got the ball, I looked up and saw two defenders – and I’m not the most skilled dribbler– so I just hit it and hoped for the best and the ball found the corner.” \nSophomore forwards Brad Ring and Brian Ackley got the chance to work together in the second half and had several good touches between them. Freshmen Rich Balchan, Andy Adlard, and Wilmarth also saw good communication among the group, including a near goal less than ten minutes into the second half. \n“They were tough (as an opponent),” said Wilmarth. “They were very skillful. They knew how to knock it. They weren’t scared, they were ready to play, but we were up for the challenge as well.”