The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Drops Conference USA Match to Houston, 1-0
10/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 20, 2006
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB women's soccer team dominated almost the entire match on Friday evening, but in the end fell to the Houston Cougars, 1-0, in a Conference USA contest at West Campus Field. The Blazers out-shot the Cougars 24-4, but Houston capitalized on one of its few chances to gain the victory.
"It's a tough loss," said UAB head coach Paul Harbin. "I feel like we have played very good soccer for the past five matches all the way up to our opponent's 18. We've been extremely consistent in our play. We've possessed the ball well, we knock it about, we dominate, we make some good decisions, and we change the point of attack.
"We just don't have that killer instinct in the end to put it away. Houston had that today. Houston had their one opportunity, and they took advantage of it. There was a period of time where they put some pressure on us, and that is exactly what we needed to be doing on the other end."
The first half was all UAB, with the Blazers keeping the ball in their possession the majority of the half and out-shooting the Cougars, 14-1. Despite the shot differential, UAB was unable to take advantage of its many opportunities as the game remained deadlocked at 0-0 going into halftime.
During the opening minutes of the second half, Houston came out and pressured the Blazers. The Cougars got two quick shots off within the first 10 minutes of the second period, with the second shot getting passed UAB goalkeeper Katie Forbis for the Houston goal.
Houston freshman Jordan Godbolt was responsible for the game's lone goal, which marked her seventh of the season. The play originated from a Cougar corner kick, which was bounced around before senior Sarah Fisher provided the assist for Godbolt.
After the Houston goal, UAB took the game over once again and continued to dominate the rhythm of play, but couldn't put the ball in the net and eventually took the loss, 1-0.
"We just aren't finishing it off," said Harbin. "I guess I haven't prepared them well to do that. At that point, I've got to take responsibility if they're not able to finish. I've got to go back and figure out how to reach them. I haven't found the way to reach them and press upon them the importance on how to get it done."
UAB's record now stands at 5-10 overall and 3-4 in Conference USA games. With the win, Houston elevates its record past the .500 mark (9-8) overall and is now 3-4 in league play.
The Blazers will be back in action on Sunday, October 22 when they host C-USA foe Rice at 2 p.m. at West Campus Field.
