March 25, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB men's soccer team fought valiantly against the Atlanta Silverbacks of the United Soccer League, battling to a 1-1 tie in spring soccer action at West Campus Field on Sunday afternoon. The Blazers had several good opportunities to capture the victory; however, could not finish the upset.

After allowing a first half goal off a corner kick 25 minutes into the contests, the Blazers battled back to even the score late in regulation. Defender Joe Klosterman scored the game tying goal with 15 minutes remaining off a set piece to knot the score up at one all.

The Blazers had several good chances in the waning minutes to steal the victory, but the Silverbacks defense, led by former Blazer Tony McManus, held strong to preserve the tie.

"Overall I was pleased with the way our guys played, especially in the second half," UAB head coach Mike Getman said. "I thought we played well against a professional team and battled hard. These are the types of games we need to help prepare us for next season, and I am pleased with our progress to this point."

UAB will continue the spring exhibition season when they do battle with another professional soccer team. Former Blazer Jerson Monteiro will face his former teammates as a professional player when he leads the Chicago Fire against the Blazers on March 29, at 3 p.m. in Jackson, Miss. Monteiro, who graduated ranked second in the program's all-time scoring and points list, was the eighth overall selection of the Fire during the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.