CHICAGO, Ill. – The Drake University men's soccer team extended its unbeaten start to the 2025 season with a 0-0 draw on the road against UIC Friday night in Missouri Valley Conference play. The result keeps the Bulldogs at 5-0-5 overall and 0-0-2 in conference action.

Drake and UIC traded momentum throughout a physical first half, with both sides struggling to generate quality chances. The Bulldogs' best opportunity came in the 27th minute when sophomore midfielder Jonathan Mendez fired a shot just missing the net. UIC responded with pressure of its own, but goalkeeper Tomas Butkovic came up strong with a key save in the 31st minute to keep the match scoreless going into halftime.

The second half featured more intensity and attacking play, particularly from UIC, which outshot Drake 11-5 over the final 45 minutes. Butkovic anchored the Bulldogs' defense once again, recording three more saves — including two crucial stops in the 68th and 71st minutes — to preserve the clean sheet. Sophomore forward Preston Kipnusu recorded Drake's lone shot on goal in the 78th minute, but UIC keeper Owen Cornell made the save to keep the match level.

"Road points are always valuable, especially when the opponent is undefeated this deep into the season," Drake head coach Pat Flinn said. "I thought we managed our shape very well, intercepted balls in dangerous areas and forced them to play more direct than they typically do. Jack dancer came on as a true freshman about 30 minutes into the game and didn't put a foot wrong against one of the highest scoring players in the country. Wish we could have been more dangerous in a few transition moments, but all-in-all pleased with the performance. Go Dogs."

UIC held a 15-8 advantage in total shots and a 4-1 edge in shots on goal, while Drake earned two corner kicks to the Flames' one.

With the draw, the Bulldogs extended their unbeaten streak to 10 matches to start the season and remain undefeated on the road with a 2-0-3 record.