The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Three Blazers Earn Conference USA Honors
11/13/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Nov. 13, 2007
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Junior forward/midfielder Dejan Jakovic headlines a trio of UAB men's soccer players who earned Conference USA postseason recognition, announced by the league office on Tuesday. Jakovic earned a spot on the league's first team, while junior midfielder Trey Gregory was chosen to the second team and defender Curtis Ushedo was tabbed all-freshman, as selected by the league's head coaches.
"This is a great honor for these young men," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "They have all worked hard to get to where they are, and it is nice to see all the hard work pay off. I am glad the coaches from around the league honored them this way."
Jakovic is also one of 29 players selected to the preseason MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List. The Etibicoke, Ontario native has not disappointed, leading UAB in goals (6) and points (13), despite missing nearly five full games with an injury. Jakovic showed the type of player he is when the Blazers defeated then-No. 10 Indiana (Sept. 21). In that contest, Jakovic accounted for two goals en route to the 2-1 upset victory over the Hoosiers in Bloomington, Ind.
This marks the second consecutive year Jakovic was tabbed as a first-team all-conference performer, and the third time in three seasons he was tabbed All-C-USA (earned second team accolades as a freshman).
Gregory has also been a force in the midfield for the Blazers this season. The Birmingham, Ala. native has accounted for two goals and two assists thus far, including the game-winner against UCF to help propel the Blazers into the C-USA Championship. He is one of only two players (Dean Sorrell) to have started and played in every game this season. This marks Gregory's first postseason award recognition by the league office.
Ushedo has made quite an impression during his first year at UAB. The Mississauga, Ontario, Canada native missed the first two games of the season with an injury before making his way into the starting lineup. Ushedo has started the last 14 games for the Blazers, and has helped lead a defense to five shutouts this season. He becomes the fourth Blazers to earn a spot on the league's all-freshman team in the last five seasons.
The trio will look to lead the Blazers in the first round of the C-USA Tournament, hosted at UAB's West Campus Field. The Blazers will open championship play on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. against No. 9 Tulsa. All students who present a valid student ID at the gate will receive free admission, free food and a free drink.
