The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Host Louisville In Final Exhibition
8/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB men's soccer team plays its last tune-up of the year when it welcomes Louisville at BBVA Compass Field Saturday evening. The Blazers host their annual youth clinic before the game beginning at 2:30 p.m. with the game kicking off at 5 p.m.
“With all the preseason matches, we hope to learn and get better as a team,” said UAB head coach Mike Getman. “We certainly hope to win and are going to play to win, but it is still preseason and what is most important is making sure we improve as a team.”
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|
UAB Blazers |
Team |
Louisville |
|
5-11-0 |
2015 Overall Record |
7-9-3 |
|
2-6-0 (C-USA) |
Conference Record |
1-4-3 (ACC) |
|
1.50 |
Goals Per Game |
1.63 |
|
2.12 |
Goals Against Average |
1.58 |
|
Rami Dajani (3) |
Top Returning Scorer |
Tate Schmitt (7) |
YOUTH CLINIC
The UAB men’s soccer annual youth clinic brings in hundreds of players each year to hone their soccer skills and get involved with the Blazers.
“This is one of the fun events that we all look forward to,” said Getman. “Typically, there is about 500 young soccer players and a chance for our players to interact with the next generation. It’s fun to watch kids see college athletes, get to meet them, work with them, and have fun with them. All-around it’s going to be a great day.”
The clinic is set to start at 2:30 p.m. with gates opening at 1:30 p.m. at the practice field adjacent to BBVA Compass Field. The clinic is free to the public and boys and girls ages 5-18 are invited to participate. A free soccer ball and free dinner provided by Full Moon BBQ are included for players and their parents at 4 p.m.
There is no registration required for the clinic. Game tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for fans under 18 years old for the Louisville game afterwards.
YOUNG STRIKERS
The Blazers did not have any starting forwards returning for this year but the freshly minted freshman class is having no trouble finding the back of the net early on. Massimo Ferrin has scored in each exhibition game while Chase Rushing and Tarnue Tyler each scored in Tuesday’s exhibition versus Auburn Montgomery. Ferrin also added an assist on Tyler’s goal while redshirt freshmen Eder Mora and Philip Makinde aided on junior Ryan Sullivan’s goal against the Warhawks.
SCOUTING LOUISVILLE
The ACC representative is led by head coach Ken Lolla who ranks just above UAB head coach Mike Getman on the active wins list with 326 wins and 13th among active coaches while Getman has 305 wins and is currently 15th.
The Cardinals, who finished second to last in the ACC’s Atlantic Division, were predicated to finish in the same position this year. However, Louisville returns each of its top three scorers from last season including sophomore Tate Schmitt. The forward from Phoenix, Ariz., earned ACC All-Freshman Team honors after scoring a team-high seven goals and adding three assists.
“Louisville is a great team,” stated Getman. “We have had some great battles with them over the years including a 3-3 tie last year in preseason. It was a great match and great learning experience for our team. I’m hoping for the same thing this game.”
WALKING IN MEMPHIS
The regular season opener for UAB is just around the corner as it hosts Memphis next Friday, August 26 for a 7:00 p.m. game. The Tigers opened their exhibition slate with a 1-1 draw against Louisville last Saturday. Memphis finished 3-10-4 overall last year, which included a 3-1 loss to the Blazers to open the season.
GOLD CARD
The UAB Department of Athletics has announced an opportunity for fans to purchase a Gold Card which allows access to six different sports throughout the upcoming year.
The Gold Card provides general admission seating for every volleyball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s basketball, baseball and softball game played at UAB during 2016-17 season, a total of over 100 games and matches.
A single admission Gold Card is $65, while a dual admission card can be purchased for $120, admission for three is $165, and a 4-pack of Gold Cards is $200. Fans who purchase a Gold Card will be given a membership card they show to gain admission into each specific event.
Additionally, single-game general admission tickets are $5 for adults (18 and older) and $3 for youth. Group rates of 15 or more are also $3.
