The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Expectations High For UAB Men's Soccer
8/12/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 12, 2014
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The 2014 UAB men's soccer team returns six starters and 17 letter winners from the 2013 campaign and welcome six newcomers in its pursuit of success on the pitch.
"We expect to be in the NCAA Tournament every year," head coach Mike Getman stated. "I don't know if getting back in it is a goal, it's really just an expectation. I think that, similar to last year, our goals will be to win every game we play in, win the Conference USA championship, and go as far as we can in the NCAA Tournament."
The Blazers are primed for a big season in 2014. UAB led the nation in scoring last season, scoring at a clip of 2.39 goals per game. The team returns its top three scoring threats from 2013 in senior midfielder Alex Clay, senior forward Diego Navarrete, and junior forward Freddy Ruiz.
"It will be very interesting because we return all of our attacking players from last season," said Getman. "You certainly have to expect that we will be fairly similar. I don't think it will be exactly the same as last year. I think we will be even better, which sounds a little silly since we led the nation in scoring. We are going to be exciting. We are going to score a lot of goals. Our M.O. has always been to attack; we are certainly going to continue with that."
The road back to the NCAA Tournament will be an arduous one, as the squad's 2014 schedule will be no cake walk. Seven of the 17 teams UAB will face participated in last season's edition of the national tournament. In addition, four 2014 opponents were top-16 seeds in the 2013 NCAA Tournament.
"It's a little bit of a crazy schedule, lots of travel and lots of big games," commented Getman. "We try to schedule games where we are going to have to play well every week if we want to succeed. That's how we get better as individuals and that's how we get better as a team. This year, there were some opportunities that came up that allowed us to make it that every single game is going to be an amazing challenge, but it will be fun."
The going does not get any easier into conference action. 2013 Conference USA regular season champion New Mexico was a national semifinalist last year. Last season's C-USA Tournament champion Charlotte is only a mere three seasons removed from a national runner-up finish.
"It's an amazing league," added Getman. "The quality from top to bottom is outstanding. The facilities we get to play in, the crowds that everybody attracts; it really is one of the top leagues in the country."
One thing that may aid the club is its home field advantage at West Campus Field on the campus of UAB. Last season, a facility-record 3,205 people witnessed the team defeat 2012 national champion Indiana. An average of 968 people attended matches at West Campus Field in 2013, which ranked No. 39 in the nation.
"It's always been a great home field advantage for us," said Getman. "We have drawn good crowds. I think our fans appreciate good soccer. It makes such a difference, it really does. I am sure every coach says it, but I think in soccer, more than most sports, the energy of the crowd really does come down onto the field. Late in the game when players are tired, I think it makes a difference. The crowd does matter and we are very fortunate that we get great support and they have come out in big numbers."
UAB's five seniors have known nothing but success since arriving in Birmingham in 2011. Heading into their final season on campus, this group is ready to go out with a bang.
"This group of seniors has really known nothing but success since the day they got here," complimented Getman. "They have been to the NCAA Tournament, seeded in the NCAA Tournament, and conference champions. It doesn't matter who we have played, they have had success. I think that all of them are committed to making sure that their final season is the best ever."
For the latest news on Blazer sports, follow the UAB Athletics Twitter account: @UABathletics . For men's soccer news, follow @UAB_MensSoccer .
