Aug. 28, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Coming off an outstanding performance over the weekend, UAB senior goalkeeper Jeremy Drake was tabbed the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday. It marks Drake's second such accolade of his career, and the first since earning the honor the week of Nov. 1, 2003.

"I thought Jeremy had a great weekend and is very deserving of this award," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "He played extremely well and was part of the reason we finished in second place during a tournament that featured three of the top-15 teams in the nation."

Making his first starts since his freshman season, Drake played outstanding in the net during the Mike Berticelli Memorial Tournament in South Bend, Ind. Facing two of the top teams in the nation in No. 12 Indiana and No. 15 Notre Dame, Drake piled up 14 saves on his way to being named as the Most Outstanding Goalkeeper and was the lone keeper on the All-Tournament team.

Against tournament hosts Notre Dame, Drake stopped eight shots and collected his first shutout of the year in the 1-0 double overtime victory. He also made six saves in the loss to the Hoosiers.

UAB returns home to host the UAB Classic on Friday, Sept. 1, and Sunday, Sept. 3. After Birmingham-Southern and Wright State play the tournament opener at 5 p.m., the Blazers will battle Mercer at 7:30 p.m. Sunday's contests pits Mercer and Birmingham-Southern at noon, followed by UAB and Wright State at approximately 2:30 p.m. The games will take place at UAB's West Campus Field.

UAB students who come for the Blazers' game against Mercer on Friday night and present a valid ID, will receive a free t-shirt, as well as a free dinner. Come show your school spirit for the UAB men's soccer team.