Nov. 8, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Fresh off a semifinal appearance in the 2006 Conference USA Tournament and an at-large bid to the 2006 NCAA Tournament, the UAB men's soccer team has climbed to No. 23 in the nation, according to the latest poll by Soccer Times released on Nov. 8. The Blazers will host the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. in the NCAA Tournament first round contest at West Campus Field.

It marks the second consecutive week the Blazers have made their way into the national rankings, earning the No. 25 ranking last week by Soccer Times. Earlier this season, UAB spent five consecutive weeks ranked among the nation's top-25, reaching as high as No. 15 in the nation midway through the campaign.

The Blazers enter tournament play with a 10-6-3 overall record; however, it is the end of the season, which probably propelled UAB into the tournament. UAB has proved that they belong in the dance, finishing the year with a 3-0-1 record in its last four contests, and a 4-1-1 mark over its last six games. Furthermore, the Blazers ended the season going 3-0-1 against four teams ranked among the top 25 (1-0 over then-No. 18 Kentucky on Oct. 14, 2-1 over then-No. 1 SMU on Oct. 25, 3-2 over No. 16 South Carolina on Nov. 1 and 1-1 vs. No. 2 SMU on Nov. 3).

Both UAB and Gardner-Webb enter the first round NCAA Tournament game riding impressive hot streaks. The Blazers have earned a 5-2-2 record over their last nine contests, including victories over three ranked teams. The Blazers are led by senior forward Jerson Monteiro's 14 goals, six assists and 34 points on the campaign. Senior forward Lukasz Kwapisz is second on the team in goals (7) and points (14), while sophomore midfielders Trey Gregory (3g, 2a) and Two-Boys Gumede (1g, 6a) each have eight points.

Meanwhile, after starting the season with a 0-5-2 record, the Bulldogs closed the campaign with a 9-2-1 mark en route to capturing an automatic berth to the NCAAs by winning the Atlantic Sun Tournament. Gardner-Webb is led by junior forward Richard Godfrey, who has a team-leading six goals and 18 points on the campaign. Freshman midfielder Boris Gatzky has a team-best eight assists and is second on the squad with 16 points (4g, 8a).

Gates to West Campus Field for Saturday's contest will open at Noon. Tickets will cost $3 for youth and students who present a valid student ID, and $7 for adults.