Sept. 5, 2008

Final Stats

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB men's soccer team allowed a goal with just over six minutes remaining in regulation, resulting in a 1-0 loss to No. 25 UIC on Friday night at West Campus Field. The contest marked the second straight game that UAB has played an opponent which reached the 2007 NCAA Elite Eight, and for the second consecutive contest, the Blazers came up just short (UAB lost 2-1 to then-No. 16 Bradley on Aug. 31).

"I thought tonight was a really good college soccer game between two very good teams," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "UIC is a good, skillful team and I think we made them work tonight, just as they made us work. In the end, the difference was which team was going to make a mistake and unfortunately, we got tired and gave up a goal with six minutes left. That was the difference."

The Flames goal came at the 83:32 mark when Baggio Husidic made a nifty heel pass to his teammate, Charlie Trout. Trout then faked a shot, which created an opening, and drilled home the game winner into the lower right corner of the net.

Senior midfielder Carlo Schiavoni had UAB's best opportunity of the night midway through the first half, when sent a blistering shot from 25 yards out towards the left side of the goal. However, UIC goalkeeper Jovan Bubonja made a diving save to preserve the shutout. Schiavoni led the Blazers with three shots in the contest, including one of UAB's two shots that came on frame.

The match was played evenly throughout, as UIC outshot UAB, 8-7, but the Blazers had a 5-2 advantage on corner kicks.

"I thought it was two teams that play a similar style, which made for a very interesting game," Getman said. "Both coaches have similar backgrounds (both played and coached at Indiana) and both teams try to exhibit the skill and talent that's out on the field. It was a well played game."

The Blazers will look to snap their current two-game losing streak when they take on the Bears of Mercer on Sunday at 2 p.m. at West Campus Field. It marks the third consecutive season Mercer has come to Birmingham.

The contest is free to UAB students who have a valid student ID. Additionally, students and UAB men's soccer season ticket holders are encouraged to come and enjoy free food and drinks at a pregame tailgate that will begin 90 minutes before the match.