FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The IUPUI men's soccer team dropped a 5-0 decision to the University of Illinois-Chicago at the National Soccer Festival at the Fort Wayne Sport Club on Saturday night. UIC was recently picked to win the Horizon League and received votes in the NSCAA/adidas national preseason poll.

Last season, UIC went 13-3-5 overall and climbed as high as No. 6 in the national polls.

The Flames scored the eventual game-winner late in the first half against IUPUI goalkeeper Francisco Maia. An unmarked UIC attacker was able to knock a shot past the 6-foot-5 Brazilian, despite Maia getting his hands on it.

Otherwise, head coach Steve Franklin was pleased with his keeper's performance.

"'Cisco did well in his start," Franklin said. "I'm sure he had some nerves going, but he gave a good showing. Plus, we got a look at the back four together, being it was their first time playing together."

IUPUI's projected group of defenders includes juniors Ben Heidari and Dan Heidari and freshman Weston Hawkins. In front of them, senior Adrian Conrad transitioned to a defensive midfield spot after spending his first three seasons as an attacking midfielder or forward.

UIC tallied in the 65th minute before adding three goals over the final 12 minutes.

"The score was a little deceiving," Franklin said. "When we had our starters in there, we played well. We wanted to play as many players as possible, given that this is the preseason."

In all, Franklin played virtually his entire roster in the squad's final tune-up.

IUPUI will open its regular season next Friday night versus UNC Asheville at the University of Kentucky/Nike Invitational. Kickoff will be at 5:00 p.m..