BIRMINGHAM. – Jessica Wheeler’s goal in the 17th minute was all the scoring UAB needed in its 1-0 victory over crosstown rival Samford on Thursday night.
With the victory, the Blazers improve to 3-2-2 on the season and 3-1-0 at PNC Field. Samford, who received votes in the United Coaches Top 25 poll falls to 3-2-2.
Eve Beyer, who faced 11 Samford shots, stopped three including a pair inside the final two minutes of play. Beyer earned her second win and recorded her first clean sheet of the season.
The game-winner was set up off a corner kick by Abbey Burns on the left side. The kick was headed out to the 18-yard line by a Samford defender before Wheeler gained control and blasted the ball past Bulldog keeper Morgan McAslan over her outstretched left arm.
Samford had a chance to make the half level in the 42nd minute, but Beyer stopped Elle Simpson at point blank range in the box.
“Starting with Eve, who has been solid for the last few games, she isn’t letting anything go inside of the six,” said head coach Erica Demers. “She controls our backline and that controls everyone else and gives them confidence. I’m super proud of the backline tonight.”
The Blazer defense held Samford to 11 shots, three below its season average.
The final nonconference match is at Tennessee Tech (2-3-2) on Sept. 11. The Golden Eagles defeated Middle Tennessee earlier tonight.
The Blazers return to PNC Field for the beginning of the Conference USA season on Sept. 18 against Middle Tennessee.
GAME NOTES
- UAB is now 4-0-0 all-time at home against Samford
- The Bulldogs were ranked No. 8 in the latest United Soccer Coaches Southeast Region poll
- Beyer recorded her eighth career shutout, trying Lisa Nowoslawski (1998-02) for fifth all-time
- Wheeler’s goal was her first career game-winner
The 2022-23 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2022-23 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.
For more information on the UAB women’s soccer team, follow @UAB_WSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
The 2022-23 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2022-23 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.
For more information on the UAB women’s soccer team, follow @UAB_WSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
