League: MLS Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Underwood assesses Illinois roster as Mirkovic remains sidelined

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 13, 2026, 2:47 PM

Last updated Oct 13, 2026

Soccer

Summary

Illinois coach Brad Underwood will be without star sophomore David Mirkovic for Saturday's exhibition game at Cincinnati. Mirkovic, recovering from offseason foot surgery due to a broken left foot, participated in minimal practice but is not ready for game competition. The absence has prompted Underwood to evaluate the capabilities of his roster, including standout performances from Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks and 7-2 center Zvonimir Ivisic. Despite Mirkovic's absence, the coach noted growth among a robust freshman class that shows promise as they prepare for the upcoming season. The exhibition will serve as an opportunity for Underwood to gauge the team's development.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•David Mirkovic is sidelined due to recovery from foot surgery.
•Mirkovic has shown limited practice participation but is not game-ready.
•Underwood highlights positive developments in other players, including Vaaks and Ivisic.
•Several freshmen have impressed the coaching staff during practices.
•The exhibition against Cincinnati is an opportunity to assess team performance.

Latest Updates

2:47 PMYahoo Sports — Underwood figuring out team without star sophomore

What they're saying

"
Oct. 13—CHAMPAIGN — David Mirkovic will not play Saturday at Cincinnati in Illinois' first of three exhibition games this month. That's the only certainty Illini coach Brad Underwood has when it comes to the return of his 6-foot-9, 250-pound star sophomore. Mirkovic remains in a "procedural buildup" following offseason foot surgery required by a broken left foot in Illinois' final day of ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

FC Cincinnati MLS Soccer

Sources

External links

Yahoo SportsOct 13, 2026, 2:47 PM
Underwood figuring out team without star sophomore
Oct. 13—CHAMPAIGN — David Mirkovic will not play Saturday at Cincinnati in Illinois' first of three exhibition games this month. That's the only certainty Illini coach Brad Underwood has when it comes to the return of his 6-foot-9, 250-pound star sophomore. Mirkovic remains in a "procedural buildup" following offseason foot surgery required by a broken left foot in Illinois' final day of ...

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Sources

Related Stories