The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Men's Soccer Team Cruises To 4-0 Victory Over West Florida
4/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
April 7, 2007
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB closed the spring portion of its schedule on a high note, toppling the University of West Florida, 4-0, in men's soccer action at West Campus Field on Saturday afternoon. The victory improved the Blazers to 3-1-1 during the spring season, with the lone loss coming to the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer.
"I am very pleased with our play today and happy where we are at this point of the spring season," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "I thought we played good team soccer to earn the victory this afternoon. I feel we developed well during the spring and we are right where we want to be as a team."
Four different Blazers scored on the afternoon to lift it to victory. Derek Rios began the scoring on what Getman called one of the best goals of the spring season. Midfielder Two Boys Gumede found forward Shane Elsner, who then one-timed a pass to Rios who finished it in the back of the net for the one-goal advantage.
UAB scored another goal before the first half expired. Freshman Drew Knaub, who redshirted last season, scored off a corner kick to give his team a two-goal advantage heading into halftime.
Two signees, who enrolled in classes early to participate in the spring season, helped the Blazers finish off UWF. First it was newcomer Kevin Sawchak who assisted the Blazers' third goal off a corner kick, which found midfielder Bobby Chanthongphio who was able to place the ball past the West Florida goalkeeper. UAB finished the scoring when Montevallo transfer John Markey scored an unassisted goal, resulting in the final margin.
UAB had a productive spring campaign, outscoring opponents 10-3 en route to a 3-1-1 spring record. The lone loss and tie came to professional teams in the Fire and the Atlanta Silverbacks of the United Soccer League, respectively. The Blazers will close out the spring season with the annual alumni game on Saturday, April 14, at 4 p.m. on West Campus Field.
