Flames back on winning streak with Horizon victory

Bob Novak and Slobodan Aleksov scored for the Flames Saturday agains Detroit. Photo: Steve Woltmann

The men’s soccer team picked up its third-straight win Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 victory at Detroit as the Flames improve to 9-3-0 overall and 2-0-0 in the Horizon League.

UIC returns to action Wednesday at home against nationally-ranked Milwaukee.

In Saturday’s action, seniors Slobodan Aleksov and Bob Novak netted goals for UIC as freshman goalie Andrew Putna collected his seventh shutout of the season.

Aleksov struck first at the 27:04 mark in the opening period as he converted off a penalty kick.  The Serbia native now leads the team with five goals for the season.  He accumulated six total shots Saturday, including three on target.

Novak scored at the 77:19 mark in the second half as he took a pass from junior Jesus Torres and connected on a boot from 15 yards out to seal the 2-0 final tally.  Novak collects his third goal for the season, while Torres continues to lead the league in assists, with seven this year.

Putna racked up his league-leading seventh shutout versus the Titans as he added three saves on the afternoon, bringing his 2013 count to 27.  Putna’s seven shutouts ranks tied-for-fourth in single-season program history.

The Flames’ offense was all over the Titan defense, outshooting Detroit 18-9, including eight kicks on goal.  UIC has won all four non-home contests so far this season, outscoring opponents 7-0.