CHICAGO, Ill. — The Western Illinois men's soccer team battled UIC on the road Sunday afternoon but fell 2-0 to the Flames at Flames Field.
UIC opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Martin Montoya found the back of the net off an assist from Carlos Nevarez, giving the Flames an early 1-0 advantage.
Western Illinois goalkeeper Harvey Bolland kept the Leathernecks within striking distance, making several saves throughout the opening half. Bolland turned away attempts from Alan Alonso, Darrell Turcios and Montoya while the Leathernecks looked to find an equalizer.
Western Illinois created opportunities of its own in the opening half, with Xavier Gagnon and Jason Hufnagle recording shots, including a Hufnagle attempt that UIC goalkeeper Owen Cornell saved.
UIC added to its lead in the 44th minute when Montoya scored his second goal of the afternoon, this time assisted by Semin Razman, putting the Flames ahead 2-0 heading into halftime.
The Leathernecks continued to battle after the break and created several chances. Gagnon, Fabrizio Kasperiski, Adam Reiniger, Rashidi Ishibwiami and Ty Duax all recorded second-half shots, with Cornell making saves on attempts from Reiniger and Duax.
Bolland also continued to keep Western Illinois in the match, making four second-half saves, including stops on shots from Sebastian Khoury, Montoya, Sota Nakazono and Preston Carroll.
Western Illinois was unable to find the back of the net in the second half as UIC held on for the 2-0 victory.
The Leathernecks return to action Thursday when they face Omaha.
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