While their season didn’t get off to an ideal start against Chicago State, the ‘Cats were able to get a pair of positive results over the past week against other Chicago foes, including the team’s first win under head coach Russell Payne.
On August 30, NU traveled to Flames Field to face UIC, who had already started their season with a loss at the hands of No. 22 Grand Canyon. Payne elected to employ a similar tactical approach as to what they had done against Chicago State, featuring an extremely high defensive line, pressing from the front 4 of a 4-2-3-1, and direct and quick attacking play.