The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
McNeese State
Blazers Use Early Goals to Blank McNeese State
9/4/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 4, 2016
Box Score (PDF)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB women's soccer team scored two goals in the first 10 minutes on its way to a 3-0 shutout of McNeese State Sunday afternoon from BBVA Compass Field.
The Blazers outscored their two opponents 7-1 this week and never trailed in either contest. Overall, UAB holds a 12-4 advantage in goals in its four home games this season.
Rachel Green connected for her first goal of the season just over two minutes into play to put the Blazers ahead for good. Sarah Morris and Megan Hudgens each picked up an assist after Morris' corner kick into the box allowed Hudgens to deliver a pass to Green for the game-winning goal.
"It's really important to score goals as early as possible when it's hot and you know the heat is going to be a factor," Green said. "Getting that goal was huge for my confidence as we move forward through the season."
Hudgens added to the UAB lead seven minutes later when she struck in the 10th minute for her first goal of the season. Hudgens gained possession just inside the McNeese State box and dribbled to her right for a shot across her body that found the back corner of the net.
Amy Brewer became the third Blazer of the day to register her first goal of the season when she accomplished the feat in the 44th minute. Brewer fired a shot from outside the box that sailed over the hands of a leaping Annie Bravenec.
"We work on finishing a lot in practice, and we have a lot of players we know can finish shots," UAB head coach Harold Warren said. "We feel like we can score goals when we step into any game. It was big for us being able to pick up a win today and on Thursday against UNC Asheville."
Blazer keeper Kelsey Daugherty finished with three saves and recorded her first career shutout. The Kennesaw, Ga., native has allowed no more than one goal in any home match this season.
UAB returns to the pitch Friday at 9:30 p.m. CT when the Blazers travel to Cal State Fullerton to face the Titans in the second game of the Cal State Fullerton Tournament.
For more information on UAB women's soccer, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_WSOC), Instagram (@UAB_WSOC) and Snapchat (@UABAthletics).
