The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Belhaven (Exh.)
UAB Takes Down Belhaven, 4-0, In Exhibition Opener
8/15/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Aug. 15, 2011
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB men's soccer team erupted for three goals over the final 16 minutes to cruise to a 4-0 victory over Belhaven University on Monday night at West Campus Field. The contest marked the first exhibition game for both teams.
"I thought overall we played pretty well," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "A lot of young players were able to get on the field and get some experience. I thought we showed our fitness and our depth tonight by scoring so many goals over the final 20 minutes. It was a good night."
Since it was an exhibition, both coaches agreed the format for the contest would be played in three 30-minute segments.
UAB struck for its first score of the season in the 22nd minute when freshman Diego Navarrete found the back of the net. Navarrete's goal was a bit fortunate as a Belhaven defender attempted to clear the ball, but instead popped it into the air. The ball settled at the feet of Navarrete who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The Santiago, Chile native then hit a simple chip shot right over the top of the goalie and into the back of the net.
After a scoreless second period, the Blazers erupted for three goals over the final 20 minutes.
Chris Williams scored the Blazers' second goal at the 73:16 mark. The tally was set up when junior Kofi Gyawu's shot was blocked by a Belhaven defender and ricocheted right to Williams' feet. The Pearl, Miss. native then ripped a shot off the far post and into the back of the net.
Sophomore transfer Moses Adeniran made it 3-0 in the 81st minute. The goal was assisted by freshman Stewart Abrahart, whose cross went over the head of the goalie and off the cross bar, right to the chest of a streaking Adeniran who was able to deposit the ball into an open net.
The scoring was capped off by senior Ken Tabata, who used some nifty footwork to beat a couple of Belhaven defenders and finished into the far side of the net to result in the final score.
UAB outshot Belhaven, 23-15, on the night. Leading the way was senior forward Babayele Sodade, who had five shots, four of which came on frame.
UAB will play its final exhibition contest on Saturday, Aug. 20, when it hosts Lipscomb. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at West Campus Field.
The Blazers will host ACC foe Clemson in the regular-season opener on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.
