The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Memphis
Blazers Edged by Memphis in Harbin's Finale
10/28/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Oct. 28, 2010
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- UAB and Memphis were knotted at 1-1 late in the second half until a goal in the 78th minute propelled the Tigers to the 2-1 victory on Thursday night at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. UAB junior forward Carolyn Polcari tallied her eighth goal of the year as the Blazers' season ends at 8-9-2 overall and 4-5-2 in Conference USA.
Head coach Paul Harbin's illustrious career comes to a close, as he announced in August that he would retire at the conclusion of the 2010 season. The Blazers fell just short of qualifying for the Conference USA Tournament.
UAB senior goalkeeper Kate Blankenship again matched her career-high with 12 saves. It marked the third time this season and second straight match Blankenship has collected 12 saves. She finishes as school's all-time saves leader with 341.
Memphis (13-3-3, 7-1-3 C-USA) got on the board early, taking a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute. Forward Ashley Berra netted the goal from 18 yards out after it was served in by midfielder Vendula Strnadova.
UAB responded with the equalizer five minutes later. Polcari buried a shot from 15 yards out on an assist from junior forward Laura McCalla.
The two teams remained tied until Tiger forward Rasheeda Ansari tallied her fifth goal of the season at the 77:47 mark. Blankenship came out from between the posts to stop a ball at the edge of the box, but the ball got away and Ansari took control of the loose ball before tapping in the go-ahead goal. The Tigers clung to the 2-1 lead for the remaining 12 minutes to seal the victory.
Memphis out-shot UAB, 22-7, including 12-3 on frame. The Tigers also owned a 5-4 corner advantage.
