TicketsSept. 17, 2010
AKRON, Ohio - The University of Cincinnati men's soccer suffered its first loss of the 2010 season, 1-0, against Illinois-Chicago on Friday evening at Akron's Lee Jackson Field.
In the University of Akron Tournament opener, the Bearcats (2-1-2) outshot the Flames (1-3-0), 12-4, but were unable to get one by UIC keeper Steve Purdy, who made eight saves to post the shutout.
"It's very disappointing," said head coach Hylton Dayes. "We are having difficulties scoring goals. We are getting quality chances but we just haven't been able to get one in."
Cincinnati held the run of play through much of the match, creating the bulk of the scoring opportunities and forcing Purdy to make three saves in the first half, but the match went to halftime scoreless.
A defensive mishap in the 73rd minute allowed UIC's Eric Frazier to slip a shot past Matt Williams (Portland, Maine/Cheverus) for his first goal of the season and snapping a scoreless streak of over 300 minutes for the Bearcats defense over the last three contests.
The Bearcats pushed forward in the final minutes looking for the equalizer, but were unable to pull even and snapped a four-match season-opening unbeaten streak.
UC will take on the nation's No. 1 team, Akron, on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 2:30 p.m. in the Akron Tournament finale.
"We cant sit around and lament the loss," Dayes said. "We have to prepare for the No. 1 team in the country (Akron) on Sunday. We're going to have to play much better to get a result."