The Basics
Drake men's soccer will open the 2022 Missouri Valley Conference calendar this weekend with a trip to UIC. The Bulldogs and Flames will face off on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in Chicago.
Bulldogs by the Numbers
Drake notched their second win of the season in their last contest. The Bulldogs are now 2-1-2 on the year after their 2-1 victory over Lindenwood on Tuesday, Sept. 13.
AJ Franklin leads the Bulldogs in all major offensive categories with seven points, 14 shots, and three goals. Franklin is also tied with
Damian Segura with a team-high six shots on goal and several other Bulldogs with one assist.
Jonathan Burke has been the only goalkeeper to log minutes so far this season. Burke has allowed five goals while recorded 24 saves and an .828 save percentage.
Home Sweet Home
Drake celebrated a home-opening victory in their last contest. The Bulldogs defeated Lindenwood 2-1 after grinding through a physical second half at the Cownie Soccer Complex.
Louis Yuill scored the game's first goal in the 33rd minute and fired two shots on goal.
In the waning moments of the contest, grad transfer
Sam Thornton came off the bench to deliver the eventual game-winning goal, and his second of the season, in the 86th minute.
Scouting UIC
The Flames of UIC enter the weekend with an even record of 2-2-1. UIC has won their last two games in shutout fashion with a pair of 2-0 wins over Chicago State (Sept. 9) and Northern Illinois (Sept. 12).
UIC is led by the twosome of Pau Mateo and Christian Crespo. Mateo leads the club with 11 shots and five shots on goal while Crespo has scored three total points with two goals of his own and an assist. Both players have scored one goal.
The Flames' Isaac Carvajal and Andres Vasquez have split time in goal this season. Vasquez has logged more action with 10 saves and no goals allowed. Carvajal has saved nine attempts while allowing four scores.
Sean Phillips is in his 13th season at the helm of the Flames' men's soccer program. Phillips has led UIC to a 116-82-23 record during his tenure.
UIC holds a 5-1 advantage over Drake in the all-time series between both programs. The Bulldogs won the most recent matchup in 2018 after UIC swept the first four games from 2011-2016.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will return to Cownie for a pair of home games in their next two contests. Drake will host Marshalltown Community College on Tuesday, Sept. 27 before resuming Valley play against SIUE on Saturday, Oct. 1.
