After tying with Western Michigan, the ninth-ranked team in the country, Bradley soccer’s (4-8-3, 1-5-1 MVC) next test was Missouri Valley Conference foe University of Illinois Chicago(7-8-0, 3-4-0 MVC). The Braves’ defense held up for the first half of the game before allowing two goals early in the second frame, ultimately losing the match 2-0.
So close, yet so far
Bradley’s offense started the game with high intensity and aggression. The Braves attacked the Flames using crisp passing to control the ball and put pressure on UIC’s backline. Bradley outshot the Flames 8-2, using a balanced attack, with sophomores Ian Ferguson, DJ Koulai and senior Charlie Dickerson finishing the half with two shots each.
Despite the barrage of shots, the Braves could not find the back of the net, and the score remained 0-0. However, Bradley controlled the time of possession, limiting UIC’s chances of making a goal. The one time the Flames were able to create a shot on goal, junior goalkeeper Drew Berry put any thoughts of a goal to bed.
Tale of two halves
In the second half, UIC went on the offensive. From the opening kick, the Flames pressured Bradley’s defenders and used physicality to gain the upper hand. UIC’s change in playstyle paid off in the 59th minute when a deflected shot bounced into the possession of junior Brian Perez. Perez quickly looked towards the net and delivered a strike towards the goal. Berry made a valiant attempt at stopping the goal but fell short and the Flames took a 1-0 lead.
After the goal, UIC’s gained momentum and increased their advantage with another goal in the 72nd minute.
With 18 minutes left to play, the Braves scrambled to make a miracle comeback but continued to struggle offensively, leaving Chicago without a score.
Bradley soccer will be back in action at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Shea Stadium for the last game of the regular season versus Northern Illinois University.
