September 27, 2012
SPARKING THE FLAMES
Salmeron goal lifts UIC over SIUE 1-0

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. –Freshman midfielder Joel Salmeron scored his third goal of the season in the 84th minute, lifting UIC to a 1-0 win over No. 23 SIU-Edwardsville at Korte Stadium Wednesday night.

The victory marks the Flames’ second road win of the season and the second triumph over a nationally-ranked foe under third-year head coach Sean Phillips.

With the win, UIC improved to 3-4-2 (0-0-1 Horizon) overall, while the Cougars dropped to 7-3, falling at home for the first time this season. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Goran Ikic, making his first career start, also earned the first shutout of his career.

“SIUE is definitely as good as its record indicates; this was a very good win for us,” said head coach Sean Phillips. “They controlled the run of play in the first half; but our guys did a nice job of responding to the adjustments we made at halftime, and we started to disrupt their offensive chances while creating several of our own.

“I’m proud of our guys – they survived the early challenges that come with playing on the road, and gained some valuable experience in a hostile environment. We played with great energy and intelligence in the second half, and created some good looks during the run of play. Goran (Ikic) did a nice job of managing the game tonight in his first-career game; it just proves that we have depth at every position on the field, including in goal.”

Salmeron’s goal came on a counter from the right side of the field, following a throw-in from fellow freshman Colin Marz. The ball landed on a bounce just inside the six-yard box, and after a battle for possession, Salmeron headed the ball into the back of the net.

SIUE out-shot the Flames 15-10, and held a 10-5 advantage on corner kicks. Ikic made four saves for the Flames who also forced SIUE goalkeeper Kent Kobernus to make four saves.

The Flames also defeated No. 16 Ohio State at Flames Field on Oct. 13, 2010, Phillips’ first year at the helm of the program.

UIC will return home Saturday, when the Flames take on Valparaiso in a Horizon League match at Flames Field beginning at 7 p.m. CST.