Men’s soccer kicks off new season Friday vs. Bradley

Manny Chavez closes in on the ball. Cheer on the Flames Friday at their home opener at Flames Field. Photo: Steve Woltmann

Cheer on the men’s soccer team as the Flames open the regular season Friday with a match versus Bradley at 3 p.m. at Flames Field.

The Flames ended exhibition play Satuday with a 2-0 loss against No. 22 Saint Louis at Hermann Stadium.

The Billikens scored twice in the second half to secure the win.

The Flames were held to five shots on the night with Manny Chavez (2), Jorge Alvarez, Nestor Garcia and Marco Alvarez getting chances. Saint Louis secured 12 attempts and had five reach on goal. Goalkeeper Andrew Putna played the full 90 minutes and recorded two saves.

UIC got the first attempt of the game in the third minute as Chavez sailed a shot high, but it took until the 32nd minute for the Flames’ second chance to come with Chavez’s shot blocked.

Jorge Alvarez took UIC’s final shot of the half, but it went wide. Putna made his two stops in the first 45 minutes of play as Saint Louis took six total shots.

The Billikens got on the board in the 57th minute, then added to their lead in the 70th minute.