The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Men's Soccer Hosts Lipscomb In Final Exhibition Contest
8/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 19, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB men's soccer team will play its final exhibition game of the 2011 preseason when it plays host to the Lipscomb Bisons on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at West Campus Field.
"Saturday's game against Lipscomb will be a great test for our team," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "We have only one week until our first regular-season game, so this will give us a chance to fine-tune some things against a very good team."
Following the Lipscomb game, the Blazers will open the regular season a week from Saturday, Aug. 27, when Atlantic Coast Conference rival Clemson comes to town for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Students who have a valid UAB ID will can eat for free at a pregame tailgate in the parking lot directly across the street from the West Campus Field. Furthermore, one lucky student will be the recipient of an IPad giveaway contest at halftime.
"Our regular-season opener is just a short-time away," Getman continued. "We are going to try and set a record crowd for the Clemson game and are encouraging students and fans to come and enjoy what should be a terrific soccer game between two very good teams. We want to create a great atmosphere for that game."
Getman feels the 2011 campaign could be one of the most exciting seasons in program history, culminating when the Blazers serve as the host institution for the NCAA Men's Soccer College Cup in Hoover, Ala. (Dec. 9-11). It marks the first time UAB will host an NCAA championship in any sport.
"Obviously I'm very excited for this upcoming season," Getman said. "I think we have a very talented team. We have depth at every position and I think we're going to be one of the more athletic teams in the country."
UAB is coming off a 4-0 victory over Belhaven in the exhibition opener on Aug. 15. Four different Blazers found the back of the net, while the UAB goalkeepers combined to make five saves en route to the shut out victory.
The Bisons return 17 letterwinners and eight starters from last season's 10-9 squad. Leading the list of returnees is senior forward Garret Pettis, who topped the team with eight goals and 19 points a year ago. Also back is midfielder Joey Chiappetta, who recorded a team-leading seven assists in 2010.
