Peoria, IL -- The Bradley Braves are set to host the UIC Flames in their Missouri Valley Conference Opener!
Game Information
Bradley Braves 2-3-3 (0-0-0 MVC) vs UIC Flames (7-0-1 MVC)
Date & Time: Saturday, September 27th • 7:00 PM CST
Live Coverage: Live Stats |
Tickets
Location: Shea Stadium in Peoria, IL
All-Time Series: UIC leads 12-8-2
Looking to Bounce Back
The Bradley Braves dropped a tough road contest to the Green Bay Phoenix, falling 2-1. The Braves got off to a hot start, scoring within the first five minutes of the match, but found themselves level at 1-1 heading into halftime. With the game seemingly going to end in a draw late into the second half, Green Bay managed a well-worked goal with just four minutes remaining to claim the win.
On a positive note for the Braves, there are certainly some encouraging takeaways as they head into their Missouri Valley Conference opener. Bradley has scored at least one goal in seven straight matches and has outshot its last three Division I opponents 40-35 overall, with a 19-15 edge in shots on goal. As they begin MVC play, the Braves will be looking for a committee approach to goal scoring, along with strong team defending. So far this season, six different players have scored goals, and 17 players have made at least two starts.
Flaming Hot Start
The Braves' opponent for their MVC opener will be the UIC Flames. UIC is off to a 7-0-1 start this season, the best in program history since 1997. They own wins over several Chicago-area teams such as Northwestern, Loyola Chicago, and Chicago State, along with a draw against DePaul.
On the field, the Flames are led by Edouard Nys, who has scored eight goals (tied for second in the nation), and Darrell Turcios, who has added four goals of his own. The team is coached by Sean Phillips, who has been at the helm of the UIC program since 2011. He holds a career record of 144-104-28.
History Says!
The series history between Bradley and UIC is a close one, with UIC holding a 12-8-2 all-time advantage. Both teams have enjoyed extended stretches of success in the rivalry, Bradley won eight of the first 13 meetings, while UIC has claimed victory in seven of the last eight matchups.
A win for the Braves on Saturday would end a drought against UIC that dates back to 2006. Additionally, this matchup marks the start of Bradley's 36th season competing in Missouri Valley Conference soccer.
