Nov. 5, 2004

Chicago, Ill.- The University of Illinois at Chicago soccer team relied heavily on its youth this season, and the outstanding contributions of five of those young Flames were recognized by the rest of the Horizon League in the 2004 All-Horizon League Team that was announced on Friday morning.

Freshman midfielder Pavle Dundjer (Becman, Belgrade/Zemunska Gimnazija) headlined UIC's All-League recognition by earning spots on the All-Horizon League First Team and All-Newcomer Team while being tabbed as the league's Newcomer of the Year.

Dundjer scored three goals and dished out two assists in 15 games, turning in a game-winning goal against UW-Milwaukee on October 10th along the way.

Joining Dundjer on the All-League First Team is sophomore forward Eric Cervantes (Hoffman Estates, Ill./Hoffman Estates H.S.). The second-year standout led the team in goals (six) and points (13) while playing in only 13 contests, missing the first five matches due to injury.

Cervantes launched a team-high 46 shots, with 26 of his attempts against goal, and picked up an assist. The sophomore was honored on the All-League Newcomer Team last season.

Making the All-Horizon League Second Team were forward Kenneth Nightingale (Evanston, Ill./Evanston Township) and midfielder Pawel Otachel (Franklin Park, Ill./East Leyden/IPFW).

Nightingale was clutch in his first year for the Flames, knocking in four goals and four assists for 12 points and nailing two game-winning scores.

Otachel was a silent assassin at midfield in his first season at UIC, dishing out three assists while becoming one of the team's best passers and an aggressive defender. The junior scored his first two career goals in UIC's last three contests.

On the All-Horizon League Newcomer Team, UIC led the league with four selections as Dundjer, Otachel, Nightingale and rookie goalkeeper Jeff Engelbrecht (Peoria, Ill./Notre Dame H.S.) were honored.

Engelbrecht was one of the leading netminders in the league for the entire season, posting 82 saves in 14 starts while allowing a 1.79 goals against average.

UIC will begin the 2004 Horizon League Tournament quarterfinals at Wright State this Saturday at 6:00 p.m.