The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Auburn
UAB Drops Close Contest To Auburn, 1-0
8/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 24, 2008
AUBURN, Ala. - The UAB women's soccer team fell just short to in-state foe Auburn, 1-0, Sunday evening at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
The Blazers move to 0-2 on the year after opening their regular season schedule at Clemson and at Auburn this weekend. Auburn improves to 2-0 for the season.
The lone goal of the game came in the 56th minute when Kara Kasten knocked one in the net from just inside the 18 to give Auburn the 1-0 victory over the Blazers. Kasten's goal was assisted by Gabi Rivera.
"We played a good team tonight," said UAB head coach Paul Harbin. "We had opportunities to score and we didn't take advantage of them. Auburn took advantage of its opportunities.
"We have to figure out a way to find the back of the net. We just need to give a little bit extra effort, not only individually, but as a team."
Auburn held the advantage in shots, 20-13, including 12 shots on goal for the Tigers. The Blazers nabbed six shots on goal on the night.
For the second consecutive game, freshman Carolyn Polcari led UAB in shots with seven, including four shots on goal. Senior Nadine Liverpool and freshman Tiffini Turpin had two shots each, while juniors Danya Barsalona and Ayana Russell took one shot a piece.
Jenni Prescott led Auburn's offense with five shots, followed by Rebecca Howell with four and Kasten with three.
"I think we had some pretty good opportunities tonight," said Liverpool. "We just didn't capitalize. We need to start being more creative and confident with our scoring opportunities."
Allison Whitworth earned the win in goal for Auburn, tallying five saves and blanking UAB in 90 minutes.
Despite recording 11 saves on the night, sophomore Kate Blankenship (0-2) received the loss in goal for the Blazers.
Next up for UAB is its 2008 home opener on Friday when they host USF. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT at West Campus Field.
"I think a lot of what is going on right now is mental," said freshman Laura McCalla. "We need that determination and drive. We need to focus on putting the ball in the back of the net. We'll work on improving that before Friday."
