April 3, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB men's soccer team tied the Atlanta Silverbacks, 1-1, in its latest spring contest last week. The Blazers held a one-goal lead late in the contest, but could not hang on for the win.

"I was quite pleased with the way we played," UAB assistant coach Justus Griffin said. "Defensively we were very solid throughout and I thought we generated some very good scoring chances. Anytime you can play against professionals, you are going to learn some things. I thought this was a great experience for our kids."

Sophomore Trey Gregory scored the Blazers' lone goal of the contest late in the second half. Junior Two Boys Gumede sent a corner kick into the box, which Gregory headed in the back of the net to give his squad a goal advantage.

However, the Silverbacks responded a few minutes later with a goal of a corner kick. UAB goalkeeper Carl Woszcynski punched the initial corner off the line, but the Silverbacks gathered the rebound and drilled a shot in to the back of the net from about 15 yards out for the equalizer.

Approximately 250 fans saw an entertaining match with both teams having several good chances to score throughout.

The Blazers now head to Columbus, Ohio where they will take on another professions soccer team when they take the pitch against the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.