Chicago Fire @ UIC Flames 4/16/08 (section 8, university, friendly)

[NearWestSider]

For anyone looking for an opportunity to see the Chicago Fire in a more intimate venue than Toyota Park, or anyone wondering what the buzz about UIC soccer is all about, the UIC Flames will be hosting the Chicago Fire at Flames Field tomorrow evening. Read all about it:

Men's Soccer Hosts Chicago Fire This Wednesday :: Flames and Chicago's MLS franchise meet in exhibition to benefit charity.

Section 8, the Fire supporter's club, will be out in force:

Friendly #1 :: @ UIC Flames [R] - Soccer Pubs

I went to the game last year, and it was a lot of fun. The Fire actually played their starting lineup for the first half, so it was very cool.

If you don't follow NCAA soccer, the UIC made it to the elite 8 in last fall's NCAA tourney, and finished ranked 9th nationally. Coach John Trask has turned UIC into arguably THE top soccer program in this state during his tenure.

I am really hoping Blanco and Frankowski play at least part of the first half, and given both the proximity of Flames Field to Pilsen, and the weather forcast, I would expect a good turnout for the game.

As far as the outcome, there is no doubt who will win. The pro's season is well underway, and this is the off-season for the NCAA.

But this is a charity game, and if you want to see the stars up close, or even just been curious about University Village, this is your opportunity to do it for a good cause. Hope to see you at the game!