Feb. 12, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Head coach Mike Getman announced the 2008 UAB men's soccer spring schedule, highlighted by games against two professional teams in Columbus Crew and Atlanta Silverbacks. In all, the Blazers will play seven games on the spring slate, three of which will be contested at West Campus Field.

"I am very excited about this spring schedule and look forward to the challenge ahead," Getman said. "This schedule provides the kind of challenge we want during the spring. Every game will push our players to be better. The Atlanta Silverbacks lost in the USL Championship match and the Columbus Crew are one of the most successful teams in MLS."

The Blazers open the spring slate on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. against in-state foe Montevallo. Following the game against Montevallo, the Blazers will face off against former Conference USA rival Louisville in Nashville, Tenn. on March 20 at noon.

UAB will meet up with the Silverbacks on March 28 at West Campus Field. The Silverbacks feature several former UAB players, including Tony McManus and Jason McLaughlin.

Two days after their game against Atlanta, the Blazers will travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer. The game will be played at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 30.

Action continues with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 5. UAB will take on Clemson at 2:30 p.m., followed by a match up against Furman at 4 p.m. Both games will be played at Clemson, S.C. The spring campaign concludes with the annual UAB alumni game at 2 p.m. on April 12.

Admission is free to the public for all the spring home games.

Getman has high expectations for his 2008 team, as the Blazers return 10 starters and 19 letterwinners from last season's team.