The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Tulsa
Men's Soccer Team Defeats No. 24 Tulsa, 2-1
9/23/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 23, 2002
TULSA, Okla. ----- Jose Rayo scored the game-winning goal with 15 seconds remaining to lift UAB (4-3-1) over No. 24 Tulsa (5-2), 2-1, in dramatic fashion here Monday night. Rayo had three points in the contest, adding an assist on the game-tying goal.
"Obviously, I thought we played well tonight," head coach Mike Getman said. "Tulsa played well also which led to some chances, but when the game was on the line our guys did what was needed to be done."
Tulsa struck first at the 31:07 mark of the first half when Drew Williamson sent a cross from the right side and found a wide open James Dabney. The sophomore midfielder then hit a half-volley from the top of the 18-yard box, over the outstretched arms of UAB goalkeeper Clint Baumstark for a 1-0 Golden Hurricane lead.
The Blazers equalized in the 72nd minute when Jose Rayo headed a ball to Marin Pusek who was able to head the ball from six-yards out, over TU goalkeeper Brent Salter.
Tulsa came close to taking the lead at the 88:54 mark when Kyle Brown beat his defender and hit the near post, however, the ball ricocheted out of danger, setting up Rayo's dramatics.
"Jose Rayo played a good game tonight," said Getman. "He did not start but played a lot of minutes. We have the luxury of having a lot of guys on this team who are capable of starting. Tonight, Jose didn't start but played a lot of positive minutes."
The Blazers will return to conference play when it battles East Carolina on Saturday, September 28, at 1 p.m. on West Campus Field.
