Oct. 5, 2005

Box Score

Omaha, Neb.- Junior Eric Cervantes pelted the game-winning goal in the 81st minute to send the UIC soccer team to a 2-1 victory over 25th-ranked Creighton at Morrison Stadium on Wednesday evening.

In notching their second victory over a Top 25 team this season, the Flames move to 5-3-1 overall on the year. Creighton falls to 4-2-3.

Cervantes scored his second tally of the season by driving past three Creighton defenders and beating Bluejay goalkeeper Matt Allen for the match-winner.

The two teams engaged in a defensive battle throughout the first half and into the early moments of the second period. In the 59th minute UIC got on the board first, thanks to junior Tonci Skroce's third goal of the season. Skroce picked up a loose ball from almost 30 yards out and launched a rocket that found its way between Allen and the crossbar to put the Flames up 1-0.

Creighton answered in the 73rd minute, when Vince Odorisio received a cross from Byron Dacy and sent it past UIC keeper Jeff Engelbrecht to knot the game.

The Bluejays had opportunities, but Engelbrecht sent them away each time. Engelbrecht saved the game for the Flames when he stopped Jarod Tarver's penalty kick in the 75th minute and then stopped Joan Cravajal's following rebound attempt.

Engelbrecht finished with seven saves on the evening.

UIC survived a 20-shot disadvantage as Creighton outshot the Flames 26-6.

The Flames stopped the second nationally-ranked team on their 2005 schedule with the win. UIC also earned a victory over then-No. 24 Loyola Marymount in the season opener on Sept. 3rd.

Cervantes now has two game-winners on the season.

UIC returns to action this Sunday as the Flames take on Horizon League rival Cleveland State in Cleveland, Ohio beginning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern/10:00 a.m. Central.