BIRMINGHAM – The UAB men’s soccer team picked up plenty of new talent in the offseason, signing 15 new players to the squad for the 2020 season. Over the next few weeks, UABSports.com will profile these newcomers leading into the start of the season, with today featuring Andrew Strait, Owen Travis and Santiago Herrera.
Andrew Strait, Fr., South Riding, Va.
Strait comes to Birmingham from Freedom High School in South Riding, Va. where he was twice named First Team All-District, First Team All-Region, All-Met and All-Loundoun County. The 6-3 midfielder earned First Team All-State honors in his junior season. As a three-time captain for his prep school team he set school records for goals in a career, goals in a season, assists in a season, goals in a game and assists in a game.
Coach Kinney on Strait:
“Andrew has a strong soccer mind. His left foot along with his athleticism gives us many options to see him play in a number of spots for us.”
Owen Travis, Fr., Locust Grove, Ga.
Travis joins the Blazers from Locust Grove, Ga. where he played high school soccer at Locust Grove High. The 6-3 defender helped lead Locust Grove to a GHSA State Tournament Elite Eight appearance. Travis played club soccer for Gwinnett Soccer Academy with incoming freshman Dillon Gee where the pair won the 2019-20 ECNL League Championship and were national runner up in 2018-19.
Coach Kinney on Travis:
“Owen brings athletic ability on both sides of the ball and a winning mentality that we have been looking for in our team these last 18 months. He gives us another option for an aerial attack for our set pieces as well.”
Santiago Herrera, Fr., Birmingham, Ala.
Herrera, a Birmingham native, comes to UAB from McAdory High School in McCalla. The 5-6 forward/midfielder was team captain all four seasons for the Yellow Jackets. He was named First Team All-Metro and Alabama 6A First Team during his time at McAdory High. As a member of Birmingham United Soccer Association Herrera made ECNL in the first season it was introduced. While playing for the Hoover Soccer Club he was the Coaches Award honoree.
Coach Kinney on Herrera:
“Santi is a technical and quick attack minded player that uses his feet to get out of trouble. He has ability to create chances on his own as well as provide outlet for his teammates.”
The Blazers are set to kick off the 2020 season at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Georgia State in Atlanta. Single game tickets are available for purchase now here. Check UABSports.com regularly for schedule updates.
Men’s soccer season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2020-21 Gold Card for $65 here. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, women’s basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB men’s soccer team, follow @UAB_MSoc on Twitter and Instagram. # UAB #
