Sept. 7, 2008

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Senior forward Derek Rios scored the game-winning goal in the fourth minute of the first overtime, giving UAB a 1-0 victory over Mercer on Sunday afternoon. Rios' goal was his second game-winning tally of the campaign, and improved the Blazers to 2-2 on the young season.

"I thought we played well as a team once again," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "I think we have outplayed every opponent we have faced this season, but have not been able to capitalize on our opportunities. We need to learn how to play when teams are playing eight or nine in the back against us and we still need to work on finishing, but overall, I am pleased with the result."

The UAB goal came at the 96:15 mark, just 6:15 into the first overtime. Sophomore Kevin Sawchak used some nifty dribbling to create an opening on the right side of the box. He then slotted a ball to Rios, who turned and drilled home the game-winner from six yards out.

Just moments before, the Bears (0-2-1) had a terrific opportunity to win the game when Mercer's Phillip Thoren had a one-on-one with UAB goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski. Thoren attempted to chip a ball over the head of an oncoming Woszczynski, but the sophomore netminder made a terrific one-handed save to preserve the shutout. Woszczynski closed the afternoon with four saves.

The Blazers dominated possession throughout the contest and created 24 shots, with 11 coming on goal. In comparison, the Bears had just five shots on the day, with four coming on frame. UAB also had a 10-3 advantage in corner kicks.

"We have been doing a good job of creating chances," Getman said. "As the season goes along, we are going to get better. We have more work to do, but I am pleased with where we are right now."

Sunday afternoon's contest was eerily similar to last year's matchup between the two teams at West Campus Field. In that game, UAB's Frank Brown scored the game-winning goal 4:22 into the first overtime to lead the Blazers to a 1-0 win. In doing so, the Blazers captured the 2007 UAB Classic championship.

The Blazers will next be in action when they host the UAB "Soccer For A Cure" Classic on Sept. 12 and 14 at West Campus Field. Western Illinois and Memphis will get things started on Friday at 3:30 p.m., while UAB will play UC-Irvine in the nightcap at 8 p.m. On Sunday, UC-Irvine and Memphis will play at 11:30 a.m., followed by the tournament finale featuring UAB and Western Illinois at 2 p.m.

"I think this is going to be a great tournament," Getman said. "It will feature very good competition between four good teams. Not only that, but it also gives us a chance to raise money for families that have been affected by cancer and allow us to give back to a community that has been so supportive of UAB soccer through the years."

Both contests are 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 each game.