Sept. 25, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB men's soccer team received a double-dose of good news on Tuesday afternoon. Junior forward Dejan Jakovic was tabbed to the Soccer America Team of the Week for his performance this past week, while the Blazers debuted at No. 7 in the latest NSCAA Regional ranking.

"I thought Dejan really displayed the type of player he can be when we beat Indiana," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "He is capable of taking over a game at any point, which is what he did. I think Dejan is one of the top players in the country and he certainly proved that last Friday night."

The Blazers earned a spot on the regional ranking after one-upping then-No. 10 Indiana, 2-1, in Bloomington, Ind., on Sept. 21. In that game, Jakovic led the way, scoring both of UAB's goals in the victory. Jakovic scored the game's first goal in the 12th minutes of action, and followed with the game-winning goal with just over a minute remaining in regulation to lead the Blazers to the upset win.

Jakovic was one of 29 men's soccer players selected to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List prior to the start of the season. Additionally, the Etibicoke, Ontario native was also named to the preseason All-Conference USA team, after earning first-team all-conference honors and first-team all-region accolades in 2006.

Jakovic will lead the UAB men's soccer team as it begins play in Conference USA this weekend. The Blazers will battle No. 22 South Carolina in an important league-opening contest on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. UAB students who come to the game and present a valid student ID will receive free food and a free t-shirt.