The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
SOUTHERN MISS
UAB Women's Soccer Defeats Southern Miss in Double-Overtime
10/22/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 22, 2005
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- The UAB women's soccer team defeated Southern Miss in double-overtime, 1-0, Friday evening at West Campus Field. Sophomore Jill Porto scored the game-winner in the 105th minute to help the Blazers improve to 8-6-1 overall and 4-1-1 in Conference USA.
"I was very pleased with the first half," said UAB head coach Paul Harbin. "We played very well but we just didn't finish. For the last two games we have been organized and have played well. I was very happy tonight with the flow of the game and our energy level. We were committed to winning this match from the start. In the second-overtime we just needed to play calmly and find the net. Mbong did a great job of finding Porto, who was able to score."
In the first half, UAB dominated Southern Miss out-shooting the Golden Eagles 10 to 3. The Blazers had multiple scoring opportunities in the opening period including four shots on goal. Defensively, UAB was stellar in the first half allowing USM just one shot on goal. Despite controlling the momentum, the match remained scoreless at the half.
Southern Miss opened the second half with a lot of energy and forced some opportunities on offensive. The Golden Eagles had 11 shots early in the second half before UAB regained control of the match.
"This was the best Southern Miss team I've faced in my 10 years at UAB," said Harbin. "They came out in the second half and played with a renewed energy. We were able to overcome that and regain control of the match. This season, Southern Miss has had some tough breaks but they are a strong team."
In the first overtime, UAB was had chances to put the match away but couldn't find the net. Both teams ended up with one shot and forced a double-overtime.
The match remained scoreless with five minutes left in the second overtime period when Mbong hit Porto in stride to score the game-winner. The goal gave UAB its fourth C-USA victory and gives the Blazers momentum heading into their final home match Sunday.
Porto led the way for UAB with four shots and three on goal. Her game-winner was her ninth goal of the season and ties Sally Palmer for most goals on UAB.
Defensively, Katie Forbis played just over 105 minutes in goal recording five saves. Forbis improves to 6-6-1 this year in goal and currently leads C-USA in saves with 101.
UAB will host UCF Sunday at West Campus Field starting at noon. The Blazers will honor seniors Laura Skridulis and Becky Garcia in the final home game of the season. Sunday will also be Youth Soccer Day at West Campus Field allowing free admission to any youth soccer players that attends the match wearing their game jersey.
