Oct. 24, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB men's soccer team will close out the non-conference portion of its schedule when the Blazers take on SIU-Edwardsville on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at West Campus Field. The game will mark the second meeting between the two teams on the pitch, with the only other meeting coming in a 2-1 UAB victory on Oct. 17, 1993.

The Cougars enter the contest sporting a 4-5-1 overall record and will be playing their ninth game away from home in 10 games this season. Most recently, SIU-Edwardsville battled Conference USA opponent Memphis to a scoreless draw on Oct. 22.

Sophomore forward Chris Anzalone leads SIUE with three goals and six points on the campaign, while senior midfielder Bob Ridder is also tied for the team lead with six points on a pair of goals and assists. Junior defender Myles Hensler and Ridder each have two assists on the campaign to lead the Cougars.

Senior goalkeeper Nick Frasca has started eight games in the net for SIUE and has a 1.23 goals allowed average on 11 goals and 37 saves this year.

The Blazers will enter the contest looking to snap a three-game losing streak after dropping a 2-0 decision to No. 24 SMU Wednesday night after a pair of goals in the 83rd and 84th minutes of action. The setback marked the first time in eight losses the final margin was not decided by one-goal, but it did mark the sixth defeat coming in the final minutes or in overtime.

UAB is led on the year by senior forward Derek Rios and junior midfielder Two-Boys Gumede. Both players have accounted for team highs of three goals and eight points on the campaign. Forwards Shane Elsner and Kevin Sawchak, midfielder Michal Mravec and defender Curtis Ushedo each have found the back of the net twice this season. Senior midfielder Carlo Schiavoni leads the team with three assists on the campaign.

Junior goalkeeper Wes Johnson has started 10 games for the Blazers in the net. He will come into the contest with a 1.10 GAA and 35 saves on the season.

The match 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 game (5:30 p.m. CT).