The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Babayele Sodade Named Preseason All-Conference
8/11/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 11, 2010
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- UAB junior forward Babayele Sodade has been selected to the Preseason All-Conference USA team for men's soccer in a vote of the league's head coaches, C-USA officials announced on Wednesday.
"This is a great honor for Babayele," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "It is nice to see that his hard work is being recognized by coaches from around the league. I certainly expect big things from Babayele this season."
Sodade, a second-team all-conference honoree last season, returns after having a breakout season in 20009. Sodade led the Blazers in nearly every offensive category, including goals (7), points (18), shots (51), shots on goal (25) and game-winning goals (2). He also finished in a tie for second on the team in assists with four.
Sodade's numbers not only led the team but also ranked among the league leaders. He finished the 2009 season ranked second in shots in C-USA, fourth in shots per game, tied for seventh in points and eighth in goals.
Tulsa highlighted the preseason team with a league-best four selections, highlighted by forward Austin Neil and defender Justin Chavez, who were named the Preseason C-USA Men's Soccer Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively. Also earning preseason recognition from Tulsa were forward Ashley McInnes and defender Chris Taylor.
Kentucky, the only other school with multiple selections, placed defender Brad Walker and midfielder Matt Lodge on the preseason listing.
Also joining Sodade with preseason honors were Marshall goalkeeper Daniel Withrow, SMU midfielder Payton Hickey, South Carolina forward Sam Arthur and UCF midfielder Kevin George.
The 2010 UAB men's soccer season begins with an exhibition game on Saturday, Aug. 21 at Clemson (7 p.m. CT). The Blazers will open the regular season at defending national champion Virginia on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. CT. Fans can follow all the Blazers men's soccer action on UABSports.com.
2010 CONFERENCE USA MEN'S SOCCER ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
Matt Lodge, So., MF, Kentucky (Rossington, England)
Brad Walker, Jr., D, Kentucky (Sydney, Australia)
Daniel Withrow, So., GK, Marshall (Rochester Hills, Mich.)
Payton Hickey, Jr., MF/D, SMU (Plano, Texas)
Sam Arthur, Sr., F, South Carolina (Roswell, Ga.)
Justin Chavez, Jr., D, Tulsa (Edmond, Okla.) - PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Ashley McInnes, F, Sr., F, Tulsa (Aberdeen, Scotland)
Austin Neil, Jr., F, Tulsa (Broken Arrow, Okla.) - PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Chris Taylor, Sr., D, Tulsa (Edmond, Okla.)
Babayele Sodade, Jr., F, UAB (Windsor, Ontario)
Kevan George, Jr., MF, UCF (Decatur, Ga.)
