Musketeers Outshoot UAB 15-4 in Tough Road Loss

Sunday, August 28

Birmingham, AL

7 p.m.

Xavier University

1-1-0

UAB

1-1-0

Xavier

UAB

Musketeers Outshoot UAB 15-4 in Tough Road Loss

08.28.16 | Men's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Season Stats (PDF)

By: Brendan Bergen, Xavier Athletics Communication

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Xavier men's soccer outshot UAB 15-4, but couldn't find the back of the net in a frustrating 2-0 road loss on Sunday night at BBVA Compass Field.

The Musketeers fell to 1-1 on the young season, while UAB improved to 1-1.

HOW THEY SCORED

• 69' | UAB | Andrew Nkpolukwu received a long volley right in front of the net and out-jumped XU keeper Zachary Nelson for the score. David Valverde was credited with the assist.
• 72' | UAB | Rami Dajani beat Nelson to the right on a penalty kick after getting tackled hard on a breakaway in the box. Nelson was assessed a yellow card on the play.

NOTABLE

• True freshman Zachary Nelson made his debut in net, getting the start and making one save.
• Matt Vasquenza and Jalen Brown led XU with three shots apiece.
• Matt Nance, Derrick Otim and Majed Osman each added two shots.
• Cory Brown, Cameron Taylor, Jalen Brown, Matt Nance and Walker Andriot all played the full 90.
• Xavier held a 7-3 edge in corners and a 15-4 advantage in shots. The Musketeers outshot the Blazers 6-1 in the opening frame and 9-3 in the second half.

UP NEXT

• Xavier hits the road again on Friday, Sept. 2 at No. 17 Virginia. First touch is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Klöckner Stadium.

QUOTABLE

"After watching the video, I can say that I was pleasantly surprised with how much command of the game we had and how well we played. We hit a post and missed three to four very good looks at goal. Early in the year, it's important to measure whether or not you're generating chances and how well your performances are and how your personnel is. I liked those aspects. We'll get back to work on Tuesday with the Herculean task of taking on Virginia on the road and then hosting Dartmouth at home – both Top 25 ranked teams. This program always responds well after a loss and has answered the bell with top opponents and I'm confident you'll see us do that next week." – Andy Fleming

AMONG THE NATION'S BEST

• Xavier men's soccer has reached the NCAA Tournament in four of the last six seasons.
• The Musketeers finished 2015 at 12-6-1 overall, marking a sixth straight season with at least 10 wins – one of just 12 programs that can claim the feat.
• Last fall also marked Xavier's third straight finish in the top-four of the BIG EAST.
• XU was ranked in the nation's top-10 by the NSCAA for the third time in four years, while knocking of the national No. 1 (Creighton) and No. 2 (Notre Dame) on the road last season. The Musketeers are widely believed to be the first program to ever knock off both a No. 1 and a No. 2 on the road in the same season.