CHICAGO - Bradley relied on a deep bench on a steamy afternoon and the depth paid off as the Braves scored three times in the final 17 minutes to rally for a 3-1 preseason win at Illinois-Chicago Sunday at Flames Field.
The Braves completed their preseason with a 1-0-1 record, following Tuesday's 2-2 tie against defending national champion and preseason #1 Notre Dame with the 3-1 win Sunday on the road against the defending Horizon League regular-season champion Flames.
After assisting both of Tuesday's goals against UIC, senior forward Cody Lofgren netted Sunday's winner with his tally in the 87th minute. Sophomore forward Christian Okeke assisted Lofgren's goal at 86:44, as well as an insurance goal by Joe Morales at 89:01.
The host Flames held a 1-0 halftime lead, thanks to a Jorge Alvarez strike at 23:39 off a feed from Michael Stankiewicz.
After UIC outshot Bradley, 8-4, in the first half, the Braves managed a 9-8 shots advantage in the second half. The Flames put five of their attempts on target, but second-half Bradley keeper Logan Ketterer stopped all five for a scoreless half.
The Braves earned the equalizer in the 74th minute when Andrew Brown finished off a left flank service from Jason Lesch.
Bradley officially will open the 2014 regular season by hosting San Jose State, UNLV and Western Illinois Friday and Sunday in the Hotels at Grand Prairie Classic at Shea Stadium. Bradley will take on San Jose State Friday at 7 p.m. and UNLV Sunday afternoon at 2:30.
Friday's season-opening twinbill will feature promotional giveaways for members of the Bradley Red Sea student cheering section, as well as the Little Braves Club. Sunday's doubleheader will be Facebook Fan Appreciation Day and fans may redeem a voucher available on the Bradley Braves Athletics Facebook page for the group pricing rate of $3 adults, $1 youth.
Bradley Soccer tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for youth (14 and under) and FREE for Bradley University students, faculty and staff, Little Braves Club members and active military members and their immediate families, all by presenting valid identification throughout the week at the Bradley Athletics Ticket Office in Renaissance Coliseum or an hour prior to game time at the Shea Stadium ticket windows.
Bradley Athletics Mission
Provide every student-athlete the opportunity for both a distinctive education and a championship experience
Accountability | Courage | Diligence | Integrity | Respect
