Kehrer’s Early Strike Leads UAB to 1-0 Win Over LA Tech

Sunday, September 16

BBVA Compass Field

1 p.m.

UAB

4-3-1, 1-0-0

Louisiana Tech

7-3-0, 0-1-0

LOUISIANA TECH

UAB

Kehrer’s Early Strike Leads UAB to 1-0 Win Over LA Tech

9/16/2018 5:41:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF) Season Stats (PDF)

BIRMINGHAM – Caroline Kehrer wasted no time giving the UAB women's soccer team the lead on Sunday afternoon, netting the eventual game winner less than two minutes into the match to help the UAB women's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Louisiana Tech in the team's Conference USA opener.

With the win, the Blazers claimed their first-ever victory over the Lady Techsters since the two sides first began playing in 2014. The Green and Gold also extended their unbeaten streak to four matches on Sunday afternoon, while improving to 13-8-2 all-time in C-USA home openers.

"Today was a great team win," head coach Erica Demers said. "We had some good training sessions going into today's game and I thought our players executed the game plan very well. I am so happy to see Caroline (Kehrer) get a much deserved goal. I also thought our backline and midfield controlled the tempo of the game today and that allowed us to create opportunities and keep a very good attacking team at bay."

UAB's (4-3-1, 1-0-0) offense matched the game-time temperature with its hot start, firing off seven shots in the first half before ultimately outshooting Louisiana Tech, 11-3. Sophomore Sarah Buse led the charge with three shots, one of which was on frame.

Kehrer finished the match with two shots, including the game's lone goal, while Megan Hudgens and Paige Merry also added a pair shots. Betsy Ornelas also played a major role, dishing out her third assist of the year, while adding a shot of her own.

The Blazers' defense played lights out, allowing just three shots and frustrating Louisiana Tech's attackers with skillful possession in the defensive third. Goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty did not see her name called in the match en route to earning her third clean sheet of the season.

Louisiana Tech's (7-3-0, 0-1-0) Carlotta Cartelli made three saves, while three Lady Techsters recorded one shot in the loss.

It took just 76 seconds for UAB to find the back of the net when Ornelas found a streaking Kehrer in the penalty box, who took a clean touch and fired a low shot with pace past the goalkeeper to put the Blazers up, 1-0. The offensive pressure continued throughout the first half with UAB outshooting Louisiana Tech, 7-1, but the score line remained the same entering the break.

The momentum shifted in the early goings of the second half when the visitors put together a couple of dangerous spells of possession. However, the Blazers' defense thwarted any real danger and continued their strong play to open their league campaign with a win.

UAB opens a two-match road swing next Sunday when it travels to Boca Raton to take on Florida Atlantic. Kickoff from the FAU Soccer Stadium is slated for Noon CST and can be streamed live on CUSA.tv.

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