The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Women's Soccer Plays At Vanderbilt Classic Tournament Friday, Sunday
9/13/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 13, 2007
Vanderbilt Classic Game Notes
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB women's soccer team will put its unbeaten 3-0-1 record on the line this weekend when it participates in the Vanderbilt Classic tournament in Nashville, Tenn. The Blazers will take on St. Mary's Friday at 5 p.m., followed by an 11 a.m. match with Gonzaga on Sunday.
"This tournament is great because it features four teams that are potential NCAA tournament teams," said UAB head coach Paul Harbin. "We get the best of both worlds to be able to face two good west coast teams and only have to travel a few hours up the road to play."
UAB has started off its 2007 schedule in stellar fashion. The Blazers tied with Mercer in their season opener, 0-0. Since then, UAB has earned three consecutive victories, including Georgia State (2-0), Vanderbilt (2-1) and Ole Miss (1-0).
UAB's success has not gone unnoticed. In the latest regional polls by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, the Blazers were listed No. 9.
The Blazers' matches with St. Mary's and Gonzaga marks the first match between the schools in program history.
The St. Mary's Gaels, led by second-year head coach Kelly Lindsey, are holding a record of 1-2-2 less than one month into the season.
The Gaels' lone win of the year came on Sept. 2 over Columbia, 2-1, in overtime. St. Mary's also tied with Vermont (1-1) and Conference USA school Colorado College, 2-2.
"It's always interesting and exciting to play a new opponent," said Harbin. "It's a little nerve-racking because you can look at all the scouting reports, but it's still unfamiliar territory.
"St. Mary's is a quality team, but we don't know what to expect. They tied with Colorado College, who we are familiar with, so that helps a little bit. It give us somewhat of an idea and a helpful link."
Ninth-year head coach Shannon Stiles leads Gonzaga into the tournament with a 2-0-2 record that includes wins over Montana (1-0) and Eastern Washington (2-0), while falling to Idaho (2-0) and Washington State (2-1, 2OT).
The Bulldogs, who are members of the West Coast Conference, have a Conference USA connection. Former SMU head coach John Cossaboon is in his first season as an assistant coach at Gonzaga.
"Gonzaga is another good west coast team," said Harbin. "They are a new challenge for us as well. The familiar link to Gonzaga is John Cossaboon. Any program that John is involved in is going to be a quality program."
