MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - Marquette (5-3-2) prevailed over UIC (7-1-3) in a thrilling 5-4 contest on Tuesday evening at Valley Fields, ending the Flames' unbeaten run in dramatic fashion before a crowd of 1,247.
Nico Pendleton opened the scoring for Marquette in the 11th minute, but UIC's Sebastian Khoury equalized in the 32nd minute. The Golden Eagles regained the lead through Justin Milovanov's strike in the 54th minute, before Pendleton notched his second in the 58th minute off Grant Locker's assist. UIC's Edouard Nys responded with a double strike, scoring in the 63rd and 67th minutes, the first assisted by Alan Alonso and Adrian Biaggi. Mads Horgoien put Marquette ahead in the 69th minute, but Darrell Turcios leveled for UIC in the 71st minute. Horgoien's second goal in the 74th minute, assisted by Mateo Stoka, proved to be the winner.
The first half showcased both teams' attacking prowess, with UIC recording seven shots to Marquette's four. The Flames controlled much of the early possession, with Rui Reis and Sota Nakazono creating multiple chances. Marquette goalkeeper Kyle Bebej made three crucial saves before the break, while the Golden Eagles earned three corner kicks.
The second half erupted into a goal-fest with seven goals scored in a 20-minute span. The match took a dramatic turn in the 85th minute when UIC's Jacobo Cruz received a red card for persistent infringement, forcing the Flames to finish with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, UIC pressed forward, generating three late corners in their search for an equalizer.
UIC dominated the statistical battle, outshooting Marquette 17-11 with 10 shots on target compared to Marquette's 6. The Flames also held an 8-6 advantage in corner kicks. The physical contest saw five yellow cards issued, with UIC collecting three and Marquette two, before Cruz's late dismissal.
Horgoien led Marquette's attack with his crucial brace, while Pendleton's two first-half goals set the tone early. UIC's Nys was equally impressive with his double strike, while Khoury contributed a goal and an assist. Bebej finished with six saves for Marquette, while UIC's goalkeeper managed just one save in the high-scoring affair.
The tactical battle shifted dramatically throughout the match. UIC's high-pressing approach initially disrupted Marquette's build-up play, with Hector Gil and Adrian Biaggi controlling the midfield. However, Marquette's adjustment to a more direct attacking style in the second half, particularly through Horgoien and Mateo Stoka's combination play, proved decisive.
The victory marks a significant turnaround for Marquette, who had lost their previous two matches against Seton Hall and Xavier. For UIC, the defeat ends their impressive nine-match unbeaten streak, though their offensive display demonstrated why they've been one of the region's most formidable teams this season.
The match will be remembered for its extraordinary scoring sequence and momentum swings, with neither team able to maintain a lead until Horgoien's late winner. The red card to Cruz in the closing stages effectively ended UIC's hopes of completing another comeback in what was already a memorable contest.
Both teams return to conference play this weekend, with Marquette traveling to Butler on October 11, while UIC heads to Belmont on October 12 looking to start a new unbeaten run.