UIC 3, UMKC 0

[Big D]

Another shutout for UIC soccer. Attendance dropped dramatically....down to 254. Maybe that's decent for a Friday night when a lot of people go out and/or home for the weekend. Hopefully, Sunday will bring out more fans seeing that we're playing Bradley...

[soccer fan]

A fine performance by the Flames. Totally confident and totally in control of the game.

If the theme of last year's team was pluck, this year it seems to be mastery. These guys are seriously good.

What can you say about the Flame's defense other than the obvious, which is outstanding? The shut outs speak for themselves. And it was great to see Pavle and Cesar get on the board.

But the most memorable thing about that game was the players coming out into the stands to shake hands and greet the fans after the game. I've never seen that before, not in any college or professional sport (or even high school, for that matter).

It was a little uncomfortable for me at first (It seemed SO Joe Fan-ish to be telling the players "way to go" and "great game"), but I quickly realized that these guys had just been out busting their tails for 90 minutes, executing like champs, so telling them they did great was just telling them the truth. Being marathoner, I can personally attest to the power of positive crowd support, and I don't mind giving back some of what I get every October on the streets of Chicago.

I WAS concerned about how the players would react, given the reputation of some top athletes for being arrogant and surly. But after observing them I can tell you that like anything else, it varies from person to person. Some of the guys headed to the locker room as quickly as possible. But others actually seemed to enjoy the attention, taking the opportunity to remind us that if you liked the game, there is another one on Sunday, and be sure to come out.

All in all it was unexpected and VERY cool. I don't know if this will become a tradition at UIC soccer, but I hope it does (when the Flames win, at least). And even if it doesn't, I still want to thank the coaches and players for taking the time last night.

[Big D]

I feel that Coach Trask is not just trying to build winning program but he's also trying to build a fanbase. His post-game comments seem to verify that. It's a great idea to have the players go out and talk with the fans. Something like that would make the experience a little more exciting and it would also make me more likely to return. I'm interested in seeing if that continues as the season continues.

Sometimes I feel that UIC basketball simply tries to build a winning program but doesn't focus too much time on building a fanbase. Someone like Bruce Pearl, and I know another HL coach as well but I forget which one (maybe Whitesell of Loyola), were very active in getting fans to the games....they have plans for the students....helping strengthen student sections, actively advertising in the dorms, etc...

[uwmbballwriter]

Don't worry D, classes aren't in session yet, so when everyone is on campus, your attendance will get a boost.

[srt4driver]

Wow, sounds like your coach is building a great program, kinda like ours have for us. And some of coach Trask's comments in the press and tendancy's (players shaking the crowds hands afterwards, etc.) sound, dare I say, Bruce Pearl-ish. Trust me, that's a good thing in this case. You'll notice the continued growth in attendance and attention from that kind of stuff.
In any case, I'm afraid of what Oct 3rd's game might bring for UWM at Flames field, and in future years provided you hang onto your coach. I'll be rooting for you for the rest of the non-conference, though. Definately lookin good!