COLUMBUS, Ohio – The No. 16-ranked Ohio State men’s soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision to UIC Wednesday night at Flames Field in Chicago. The Buckeyes are now 6-4-2 on the season, while the Flames improve to 4-7 overall.

 

Derek Huffman scored the lone goal of the match in the 30th minute and paced UIC with a game-high five shots, including three on goal.

 

“Our concentration lapsed and we gave up an unnecessary goal,” John Bluem, Ohio State head coach, said. “UIC then defended very well for the remainder of the game and we didn’t create the necessary chances. We need to regain our confidence and composure and put an end to this slide as soon as possible.”

 

The Buckeyes came out of the gates strong, firing off the first three shots of the match before UIC came back with five in a row, ending with the goal from Huffman at 29:32. After a lapse in judgment by Ohio State, Huffman gained control of the ball near the top of the box and took one dribble before striking a shot into the open goal for the early lead.

 

From there, the Flames sat back on defense, only giving up a smattering of shots through the remainder of the match.

 

Chris Hegngi was the lone offensive threat for the Buckeyes, posting four of the team’s six shots on the night. The Flames led the shot count 10-6, though Ohio State had the 4-2 edge in corner kicks. Both goalkeepers finished the night with three saves.

 

The Buckeyes return to action at 2:30 p.m. Sunday against Valparaiso at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The match is the second portion of a doubleheader with the women’s team, who takes on Minnesota at noon. Valpo is 6-5-2 overall after falling to Michigan, 4-2, earlier Wednesday night.