The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Michael Wade
New Era of Men's Soccer in Birmingham
8/2/2019 3:58:00 PM | Men's Soccer
BIRMINGHAM- The 2019 season marks the beginning of a new era for UAB men's soccer. A new head coach, new student-athletes and a newly renovated BBVA Field.
First-year head coach Jeff Kinney looks to get the Blazers back into the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2014. Kinney is no stranger to the College Cup; the former Virginia Tech assistant led the Hokies to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances including trips to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. He also took his alma mater American University to the big dance in 2004, his first year as an assistant coach.
"One thing I believe more than anything else is that if you do all the little things right that will lead to the big things that will lead to the results," said Kinney. "How we bring in that culture here is by doing all the things right off the field and doing all the things right in training so that when we get into match day, everything we prepared for will lead us in the right direction."
UAB will showcase 15 new faces this season, including seven transfers and eight freshmen. The new squad will feature 17 returners with six seniors and 2018 Conference USA All-Freshman Team honoree Blake White on the field for the Blazers.
"We brought in several transfers because we were looking for some maturity. A lot of these players already have one or two years of college soccer under their belt," Kinney says. "Our international players bring in a different level of experience as well. Players tend to be a little more mature over there because they have been in professional environments. It is a well-rounded group we think will help us succeed early, hopefully building onto what this current group has already created."
With a new coach and a new team comes a newly renovated home. BBVA Field saw major upgrades in the offseason highlighted by the 5,000-seat grandstand, which increased the overall stadium capacity to 6,000. A brand new 18x32.5 feet video board captures eyes in the West end of the stadium.
"I feel very fortunate to be able to open my head coaching career on that field, not a lot of people get that opportunity. Any time you can build an environment that is exciting for fans, friends, alum, and players like they are doing here at UAB, you have everything you need to be successful in the long-term."
Men's soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2019-20 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB men's soccer team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_MSoc) or Instagram (UAB_MSoc).
First-year head coach Jeff Kinney looks to get the Blazers back into the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2014. Kinney is no stranger to the College Cup; the former Virginia Tech assistant led the Hokies to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances including trips to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. He also took his alma mater American University to the big dance in 2004, his first year as an assistant coach.
"One thing I believe more than anything else is that if you do all the little things right that will lead to the big things that will lead to the results," said Kinney. "How we bring in that culture here is by doing all the things right off the field and doing all the things right in training so that when we get into match day, everything we prepared for will lead us in the right direction."
UAB will showcase 15 new faces this season, including seven transfers and eight freshmen. The new squad will feature 17 returners with six seniors and 2018 Conference USA All-Freshman Team honoree Blake White on the field for the Blazers.
"We brought in several transfers because we were looking for some maturity. A lot of these players already have one or two years of college soccer under their belt," Kinney says. "Our international players bring in a different level of experience as well. Players tend to be a little more mature over there because they have been in professional environments. It is a well-rounded group we think will help us succeed early, hopefully building onto what this current group has already created."
With a new coach and a new team comes a newly renovated home. BBVA Field saw major upgrades in the offseason highlighted by the 5,000-seat grandstand, which increased the overall stadium capacity to 6,000. A brand new 18x32.5 feet video board captures eyes in the West end of the stadium.
"I feel very fortunate to be able to open my head coaching career on that field, not a lot of people get that opportunity. Any time you can build an environment that is exciting for fans, friends, alum, and players like they are doing here at UAB, you have everything you need to be successful in the long-term."
Men's soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2019-20 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB men's soccer team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_MSoc) or Instagram (UAB_MSoc).
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