September 22, 2012
GETTING IT ALMOST WRIGHT
UIC ties 1-1 in Horizon opener

DAYTON, Ohio –Senior midfielder Ivan Stanisavljevic scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season in the 32nd minute, helping UIC secure a 1-1, double-overtime draw versus preseason favorite Wright State in the Horizon League opener for both teams at Alumni Field Saturday night.

UIC moved to 2-4-2 (0-0-1 Horizon), while Wright State clinched its first draw of the 2012 campaign, moving to 2-6-1 (0-0-1 Horizon). Four-of the Flames’ last five games have been extended to at least an overtime session.

“Wright State got out early at home, and put some pressure on us with that first goal,” said UIC Head Coach Sean Phillips. “While we’re still working on eliminating some of the mistakes that young teams tend to make, we were able to fight back, capitalize and get to halftime with a 1-1 score, which I felt was what it deserved to be.

“In both the second half and in overtime, we had some moments where we were pretty close to creating the game-winning goal, but Wright State was able to deny us. While you never want to give up three points, to come away with a draw on the road against the preseason favorite and a finalist in our League last year, is a result that we’ll build on.”

Wright State’s Brett Elder got the Raiders on the scoreboard first, burying a goal in the 13th minute, his team-leading third goal of the season.
Stanisavljevic answered with the equalizer in the 32nd minute, converting his second penalty kick of the season. The opportunity was awarded after a hand ball was called on Wright State inside the 18-yard box following a restart.

The Flames decisively out-shot Wright State 13-9, and held a commanding 10-5 edge on corner kicks. Raider goalkeeper Jacob Bye was forced to turn away four shots by UIC.

UIC will return home next Saturday (Sept. 29), when the Flames entertain defending Horizon League regular season champion Valparaiso at Flames Field at 7 p.m. CST.