CHICAGO, Ill. - Northern Illinois University (7-3-4) secured a crucial 2-1 road victory over UIC (8-2-4) on Saturday evening at Flames Field, extending their winning streak to two matches before a crowd of 1,247.
Tomasz Slawek put the Huskies ahead in the 7th minute, connecting on a well-placed assist from Jose Gomez and Nico Angulo. NIU doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute through Jose Gomez before Hector Gil pulled one back for UIC in the 87th minute off a setup from Sota Nakazono.
The first half saw NIU establish control early through disciplined defensive organization. Amara Kamara received a yellow card in the 9th minute for dissent, but the Huskies maintained their composure. UIC generated pressure through three consecutive corners between the 4th and 6th minutes, but couldn't convert. Carlos Nevarez and Edouard Nys both tested the NIU defense with shots in the 8th and 30th minutes respectively.
UIC mounted significant pressure after the break, with Alan Alonso and Sebastian Khoury creating dangerous opportunities in the 52nd and 81st minutes. The Flames made tactical adjustments, bringing on fresh legs as Darrell Turcios and Darien Martin were substituted in the 67th minute. NIU's defensive unit, anchored by Grant Paskus and Jose Gomez, weathered multiple UIC attacking waves to preserve their advantage.
The match statistics reflected UIC's aggressive second-half push, as they outshot NIU 21-12 overall, including 9-7 in shots on target. The Flames also held a decisive 14-5 advantage in corner kicks. Both teams received two yellow cards each, with UIC's Luka Assaf and Darrell Turcios, and NIU's Amara Kamara collecting cautions.
Katai Mukuka proved influential for NIU, recording multiple shot attempts including a dangerous effort in the 71st minute. For UIC, Edouard Nys was particularly active, testing the NIU defense with several attempts throughout the match. Vance Sheffield's presence in midfield helped NIU maintain tactical shape before being substituted in the 82nd minute.
The tactical battle showcased NIU's effectiveness in transition, capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities while maintaining defensive discipline. UIC's approach emphasized wide play and set-piece opportunities, evidenced by their high corner kick count, but struggled to break down NIU's organized defensive structure.
This victory continues NIU's impressive form, following their recent win over Notre Dame. The Huskies have now won two straight matches and remain unbeaten in their last three outings. For UIC, the loss ends their seven-match unbeaten run and marks their first home defeat of the season.
The match ultimately hinged on NIU's clinical finishing and defensive resilience, particularly in the face of UIC's late surge. The Huskies' ability to absorb pressure while maintaining their tactical shape proved decisive in securing all three points.
Both teams return to action on October 31, with NIU traveling to face Evansville while UIC visits Bowling Green in crucial conference matchups.