Men’s Soccer Battles Tough in Season Opener, Falls 3-1

CHICAGO – Air Force gave up a pair of second half goals to fall in the season opener against UIC, 3-1, Thursday evening at Flames Field. The Falcons, despite the lack of experience, kept the fight alive wire-to-wire.

Air Force, brandishing a myriad of new faces, controlled the early possessions showing promise in their ability to attack. As UIC settled in, Daniel Zepeda assisted Sota Nakazono in the first strike in the 19^th minute.

Just under 10 minutes later, in the 28^th minute, Attila Toth (Phoenix, AZ/Brophy College Prep) collected the ball and serviced walk-on sophomore Marcos Goni (Croton on Hudson, NY/Croton Harmon) in full stride toward the UIC frame. Goni beat the double-team defenders and chipped the ball in over Kevin Dabrowski's reach, the ball narrowly dropping below the crossbar for the first strike of the season.

The teams entered the locker room at halftime knotted up one-one. The Flames attempted 11 first-half shots with just two coming on target. Contrarily, Air Force took three first-half shots with two on frame.

Out of the break, UIC seemed more comfortable and settled in, firing off 14 second-half shots while denying the Falcons a shot in the second 45 minutes. The Flames' second strike came in the 48^th

minute off a deflected shot that left sophomore keeper Brody Smith (Cary, NC/Castle View) in a tough position to defend. Carlos Nevarez was credited with the goal via quick touch from Darrell Turcios.

Air Force's offense showed promise as Toth serviced Goni for two quality chances in the 60^th and 76^th minute, keeping UIC on alert. The AF defense was up to the task, fending off five quality chances inside the final 20 minutes. Brayden Benner (West Chester, OH/Lakota West) had a highlight save at 72' when the ball slipped past Smith. Benner made a sliding save to keep the Falcons in the fight. Smith fended off two of UIC’s waning quality chances on his own, denying goals from a fiery Flames' offense.

An unfortunate break in the AF third led to a fast break opportunity for UIC where Rui Reis finished for the third goal with just 20 seconds remaining in the game, effectively sealing the deal. Reis finished the match with a game-high six shots, four on goal.

At the final horn, Smith was credited for eight saves while his counterpart, Dabrowski, saved one. Despite the two-goal difference, the score did not reflect the shooting disparity (25-3), credit to the tenacity of the Air Force defense under fire.

Next up, Air Force hangs around Chicagoland to take on Northwestern, Sunday, August 24. Action at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium is slated for 1 p.m. CT.

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