BIRMINGHAM – Despite erasing a two-goal deficit with less than 12 minutes remaining in regulation, the UAB men’s soccer team fell to UTRGV 3-2 in double overtime on Friday night at BBVA Field.
After the Vaqueros (1-2) opened the scoring with a goal off an initial save from Blazer keeper Seth Torman, UTRGV’s Reshaun Walkes doubled the visitor’s advantage with a goal in the 59th minute.
The Blazers (1-2) chipped away at UTRGV’s deficit when Curtis DeLeon netted UAB’s first goal at BBVA Field this season in the 79th minute. Nathaniel St. Louis delivered a low cross from the left side of the box to set up DeLeon for the home side’s opening score.
UAB knotted the game at 2-2 when Brooks Rice, who had just entered the game less than a minute earlier, delivered a curling ball from outside of the right side of the box to St. Louis for the equalizer. St. Louis nodded home the cross with a diving effort across the face of UTRGV goalkeeper Trevor Schneider.
After going without a shot in the first overtime, the Blazers almost pounced on a Vaqueros’ mistake for the golden goal. A miscue from Schneider and the UTRGV back line allowed Jackson Bates to attempt a shot from distance with a half-open goal, but his attempt landed just wide of the left post.
UTRGV’s Jan Engels secured the victory for the visitors with a deflected shot from the right side of the box, scratching across the golden goal with less than a minute remaining.
The Blazers fired 11 shots, three of which were on frame. UAB registered five corners in Friday night’s matchup.
UAB will close out the Soccer for the Cure Classic with a 5 p.m. kickoff on Sunday against Central Arkansas (3-0). Sunday’s match at BBVA Field will mark the fourth meeting between the Blazers and Bears in program history.
Men’s Soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2021-22 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2021-22 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for Conference USA or NCAA Championship events.
Individual match tickets can be purchased here.
For more information on the UAB men’s soccer team, follow @UAB_MSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
