CHICAGO, Ill. - The Evansville Purple Aces (4-3-7) fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against UIC (8-1-4) on Saturday evening at Flames Field, with Andres Escudero's 85th-minute equalizer capping an entertaining match witnessed by 1,247 fans.
Sebastian Khoury put UIC ahead in the 40th minute, finishing a well-worked move orchestrated by Daniel Zepeda. Evansville responded quickly through Andres Escudero, who leveled the match in the 40th minute off Pablo Calvete's assist. UIC regained the lead early in the second half when Edouard Nys found the net in the 51st minute, assisted by the combination of Sota Nakazono and Darrell Turcios. The Purple Aces wouldn't be denied, however, as Escudero completed his brace in the 85th minute with Martin Wurschmidt providing the decisive pass.
The first half showcased UIC's attacking prowess, with the Flames recording seven shot attempts. Rui Reis and Edouard Nys both tested the Evansville defense with blocked shots in the 13th and 24th minutes respectively. The Purple Aces remained dangerous on the counter, with Chase Ricker forcing a save in the 7th minute before being substituted in the 28th minute after receiving treatment.
The second half saw increased intensity from both sides, with UIC's Daniel Zepeda receiving a yellow card in the 85th minute for persistent infringement. Evansville's tactical adjustment after introducing fresh legs paid dividends, as substitute Nalu Wagner helped shift momentum with several decisive interventions. The Purple Aces mounted increasing pressure before Escudero's late equalizer silenced the home crowd.
Final statistics reflected the match's competitive nature, with UIC recording 13 total shots to Evansville's 11. The Purple Aces earned four corner kicks to UIC's two, while both teams finished with multiple cards - Evansville collecting four yellows to UIC's three. The goalkeepers remained busy throughout, with UIC making four saves to Evansville's two.
Andres Escudero proved the standout performer with his crucial brace, while UIC's Edouard Nys demonstrated his threat with three shots, including his goal. Daniel Zepeda's creative influence was evident despite his late caution, while Martin Wurschmidt's assist highlighted his impact from midfield. Defensive stalwarts Nacho Garcia and Adrian Biaggi both received cautions in an intensely fought tactical battle.
The match highlighted both teams' tactical flexibility, with UIC's high-pressing approach creating early opportunities before Evansville's second-half adjustments, particularly in midfield through Wurschmidt and Wagner, helped secure the comeback. The introduction of fresh legs proved crucial as fatigue became a factor in the closing stages.
For UIC, the draw extends their impressive season record though they'll rue letting the lead slip twice. Evansville's resilience in securing their second consecutive draw shows their growing confidence away from home, building on their recent stalemate at Drake.
Both teams now turn their attention to upcoming conference matchups, with UIC hosting Northern Illinois on October 25th while Evansville returns home to face Bradley on October 24th. The point earned maintains both teams' positive momentum heading into crucial late-season fixtures.