Blazers Win Conference USA Championship, Advance to the NCAA Championship
6.21.2000
Blazers Win Conference USA Championship, Advance to the NCAA Championship
BIRMINGHAM, Ala - Twenty-second ranked (in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Poll) and top-seeded UAB scored four goals to defeat fourth-ranked (NSCAA Poll) and second-seeded Saint Louis (16-3-2) 4-0 in the final of the 1999 Men's Soccer Conference USA Championship. The Blazers will now receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
Josh Brinkley struck first for the Blazers in the 25th minute, scoring the game winning goal, off Justin Pratt's throw-in. Peter Byaruhanga was also credited with an assist on the goal, as he tapped the ball to Brinkley. UAB led 1-0 at the half. Saint Louis out-shot UAB 12-6 in the first half.
Flavio Monteiro opened up the scoring for the Blazers in the second half, finding the back of the net in the 64th minute, off an assist from Houston Smith. Martin Rey followed suit, scoring in the 86th minute, with an assist from Byaruhanga. Byaruhanga scored the game's final goal with six seconds remaining to play (89:54 mark), off an assist from Pratt, to keep his consecutive goal streak alive. Byaruhanga's goal marked the 13th consecutive match in which he has scored at least one goal. He currently ranks second in the NCAA record book for consecutive games with at least one goal.
Goalkeeper David Clemente of UAB had his third straight shutout, eight saves on the match and picked up the win, his 11th straight. Paul Nagy of Saint Louis gave up four goals and picked up the loss. The Billikens out-shot UAB 20-16 on the match.
The win for UAB (15-5-0) was the team's 11th straight. The Blazers broke the school record for consecutive wins on Friday as they shutout South Florida 4-0. UAB's eight goals in its two games in the 1999 Conference USA Championship broke the C-USA record for goals scored by one team in the Championship. The victory also marked the second time this season the Blazers have defeated Saint Louis. October 24th, UAB knocked off Saint Louis, who was ranked second in the nation (NSCAA Poll), 3-2 in double overtime at West Campus Field.
The 1999 Conference USA Championship Most Valuable Players were: Ned Crancer of UAB, Most Valuable Defender; Jeff DiMaria of Saint Louis, Most Valuable Midfielder; Peter Byaruhanga of UAB, Most Valuable Forward; and David Clemente of UAB, Most Valuable Goalkeeper.
The 1999 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship Bracket will be announced during a selection show that will air Monday from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Indianapolis, Ind.
1999 Conference USA Championship Most Valuable Player Selections:
UAB goals: Josh Brinkley (25:14), assist Justin Pratt, Peter Byaruhanga. Flavio Monteiro (64:42), assist Houston Smith. Martin Rey (86:05), assist Peter Byaruhanga. Peter Byaruhanga (89:54), assist Justin Pratt.
Goalkeepers: David Clemente (UAB) 8 saves; Paul Nagy (Saint Louis) 0 saves
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
