The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Vermont
Sodade's Late Goal Lifts UAB To Memphis Classic Title
9/20/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Sept. 20, 2009
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Sophomore forward Babayele Sodade scored a goal in the 83rd minute to lift the UAB men's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Vermont on Sunday. With the victory, the Blazers finished the weekend with a 2-0 mark and captured the Memphis Classic title.
"I thought we played very well for most of game," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "We really controlled play throughout most of the game. Vermont is a very good defensive team and hard to score against. Their goalkeeper was also outstanding and made several big saves early in the game. In the end we found a way to get it done. We did an excellent job in our attack and created a lot of chances and eventually it paid off."
The win improved UAB to 5-2 on the season and marked its third consecutive win and the fifth win over the Blazers' last six contests.
"I think we've played well all season against some very good teams," Getman said. "We are creating chances, defending well and not giving up goals. I'm pleased with where we are as a team."
Sodade's goal came off a free kick from senior midfielder and All-American candidate Two-Boys Gumede, who recorded his team-best third assist of the season. Gumede's free kick went to the back side of the 18-yard box, which Sodade easily slipped past Vermont goalkeeper Tom Critz to record his team-leading fourth goal of the season and second game-winner.
The Blazers dominated the opening 45 minutes of play, outshooting the Catamounts 11-5, while also holding a 4-2 advantage on corner kicks. UAB had a pair of excellent scoring chances, but Critz, who made six saves on the day, was up to the challenge on both attempts.
After a scoreless opening half, the Blazers continued the pressure in the second half. But with just over 10 minutes remaining, the Catamounts were able to force a turnover that resulted in a one-on-one chance with UAB goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski. But the Columbus, Ind. native was up to the challenge, stoning the Catamount forward and preserving his second shutout of the season. Woszczynski would end the game with six saves on the day.
UAB will hope to continue its winning ways when it travels to Dallas, Texas to compete at the SMU Classic next weekend. The Blazers will open with their first Conference USA game of the year when they take on SMU on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. UAB will then close the event on Sunday against Houston Baptist at 11 a.m.
"Next weekend will be huge for us," Getman said. "It's a conference game and it's against a very good team in SMU. They are a tough team, but if we can continue play this way, I think we are also a tough team to beat. It should be a great game."
