Blazers Host Marshall, WKU on Homecoming Weekend

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB women's soccer team puts its eight-game unbeaten streak on the line Friday at 7 p.m. when the Blazers host Marshall from BBVA Compass Field on Harry Potter Night. UAB caps homecoming weekend Sunday at 1 p.m. with a game against WKU.

The first 200 fans in attendance on Friday will receive a free UAB soccer scarf, and all fans will be treated to a broomstick soccer competition at halftime. In addition, all youth wearing a Youth League jersey can purchase a ticket for only $1.

On Sunday, fans who present their UAB Homecoming football ticket will receive $3 admission. Members of the Blazer women's soccer team will sign autographs at the conclusion of the match.

UAB (8-1-3, 2-0-1) turned in a 5-1 victory over FIU on Friday and posted a 1-1 draw at Florida Atlantic on Sunday last weekend in league play. Blazer senior Amy Brewer scored three goals against the Panthers to post the first hat trick since 2011. The Peachtree City, Ga., native also scored the game-tying goal against the Owls.

Brewer was selected as the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week on Monday to mark the sixth time this season a Blazer has earned a weekly award from the league. She enters the weekend leading UAB in goals (6), assists (4), points (16) and shots (29).

Sophomore forward Megan Hudgens ranks second on the team with 15 points on six goals and three assists, while forward Rachel Green has 12 points on five goals, including three game-winners, and two assists.

Keeper Kelsey Daugherty is first in Conference USA with a 0.69 goals against average to go along with 59 saves and five shutouts.

"This weekend we are hosting two very good teams that can both be dangerous in the attack," UAB head coach Erica Demers said. "Marshall has scored six goals in its last two games, so that is something our backline and goalkeepers need to be prepared for."

Marshall picked up a win and a draw last weekend to run its overall record to 3-7-1 and 1-2-1 in Conference USA play. The Thundering Herd opened the year with three straight losses before turning in a 1-0 victory over Gardner-Webb to open the month of September.

Friday's game will be the first road game for Marshall since falling 1-0 at High Point on Sept. 17. The Thundering Herd is 0-5-0 on the road this season and has only scored one goal while allowing 13.

Sophomore forward Jordan Sackaris leads Marshall with seven points on three goals and one assist. Both Molly Preston and Gabby Powers have six points on two goals and two assists apiece. Keeper Megan Bonelli owns a 1.77 goals against average and has made 66 saves and allowed 20 goals.

UAB and Marshall will meet on the pitch for the 14th time in school history when the two teams battle on Friday. The Blazers own an 8-4-1 lead in the all-time series that began during the 1998 season. The Thundering Herd have won two of the last three meetings, which includes a 1-0 home victory last season in Huntington. The Blazers, however, are 4-1-0 all-time against Marshall when playing in Birmingham.

WKU (3-7-1, 0-3-1) has lost five of its last six games and has not won since a 3-0 victory over Evansville on Sept. 3. It's also the last time the Hilltoppers have scored a goal, as WKU has been shutout in six straight matches. WKU faces Middle Tennessee Friday before traveling to Birmingham.

Sophomore forward Chandler Backes leads the WKU offense with 10 points on four goals and two assists. Senior keeper Allison Leone boasts a 0.97 goals against average and has 55 saves and three shutouts.

"WKU battled against two of the top teams in our conference in Rice and North Texas last weekend, so I know they are going to be hungry for a win," Demers added. "One job for our team is to take care of our home field. We have done a great job of making sure we have done this so far this season, but the stakes continue to raise. Our team will need two great performances this Homecoming weekend."

For more information on UAB women's soccer, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_WSOC), Instagram (@UAB_WSOC) and Snapchat (@UABAthletics).

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics

Blazers Host Marshall, WKU on Homecoming Weekend

Players Mentioned

Amy Brewer

Kelsey Daugherty

Rachel Green

Megan Hudgens

Related Videos