Junior midfielder David Valverde of Mobile dribbles the ball past oncoming Lobos defenders in Wednesday night’s game against the No. 30 New Mexico Lobos. Photo by Ian KeelTrinity Dix - Staff Writertri915@uab.edu
The UAB Men’s Soccer team fell 1-0 to the No. 30 University of New Mexico Lobos on Senior Night, Wednesday, Oct. 26.
In the first half of the game, the Blazers controlled the game against the Lobos, with nine shots on goal for UAB compared to five for New Mexico. In the second half, the Blazers lost control defensively, giving the Lobos an opportunity to score.
“I thought we played a great game,” UAB Men’s Soccer Head Coach Mike Getman said. “I thought against the No. 30 team in the nation, we controlled the play from the opening whistle. We out-shot them, we out-possessed them. Plain and simple: we outplayed them. In soccer, that’s not always good enough. Give them credit for a nice goal, but I was really pleased with the way the team played.”
The team has six wins, seven losses and three ties this season, as of Wednesday night’s game.
“I think it was a tough loss,” goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky said. “I think we performed pretty well, and just didn’t take our chances. And unfortunately, they had their one opportunity and they took it. That’s how soccer goes sometimes.”
While Kuzminsky believes the team needs to step up offensively, he also stressed the need for defensive improvements.
“Defensively, I think we’re getting a little sloppy with our passes,” Kuzminsky said. “Cleaning that up, and offensively, we need to score. It’s plain and simple. We need to get the ball in the back of the net.”
Before kickoff, UAB honored the five seniors on the team, including Kuzminsky.
“It’s a little upsetting,” Kuzminsky said. “I’ve been here for five years now and I really love my time here. I’ve gotten so much out of it. I’ve made so many friends ... so, it’s upsetting, but I’m excited for what’s coming next.”
“It’s the last home game for them,” Getman said. “It’s not the last game for us. So, it’s always a little bittersweet when you get towards the end of a senior’s career. These guys have played so well. Given so much on the field, off the field. They’re just five great ambassadors for UAB, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Aside from Kuzminsky, a mechanical engineering major, the other seniors graduating are midfielder and accounting major James Ngoe, midfielder and sociology major Henrique Sposito, defender and sociology major William White and defender and marketing major Lars Willemse.
The Blazers wrap up regular season conference play when they face Florida International on Saturday, Nov. 5 in Miami. The game is slated to begin at 6 p.m. at Florida International University Stadium.
