BIRMINGHAM – Asha Zuniga’s penalty kick goal in the 56th minute was all the offense UAB needed in its 1-0 victory over Chattanooga in the 2022 season opener at PNC Field on Thursday night.
Keepers Anika Toth and Eve Beyer split duties evenly, with Beyer recording the win.
Jessica Wheeler led all players with four shots, two on target.
UTC keeper Abbey Saddley turned away three UAB shots.
The game winner was set up when Wheeler found Stella Kiss in the box, who was fouled by the Mocs’ Kelly Tuerff. Zuniga was called upon and buried the shot on the lower left side.
“Chattanooga played extremely organized and they took away parts of our game that we wanted to do in the first half,” said head coach Erica Demers. “We changed up some things in the second half and played a lot more of what we’ve been coaching in the first two weeks. We were about to adapt and take over the game in the second half.”
“Asha is our captain, she’s the one I lean to for a lot of things. I have the confidence that she is going to score in a moment like that.”
The game-winner was Zuniga’s second of her career.
“It’s going to be great to get back on the road again, Georgia Southern is going to be a tough opponent for us.”
UAB travels to Statesboro, Ga. to face Georgia Southern on Aug. 21. The Eagles (0-1) fell to Georgia 4-0 earlier this evening. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
The 2022-23 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.
For more information on the UAB women’s soccer team, follow @UAB_WSoc on Twitter and Instagram.
