Alabama A&M Falls to #20 UAB

Alabama A&M fell to intrastate rival University of Alabama-Birmingham 1:0 Sunday afternoon at John Hunt Soccer Stadium. A&M held the 20th ranked team in the country scoreless for 82 minute before UAB's Curtis Ushedo's header deflected off a defender past A&M goalkeeper Paul Musoke.

UAB's Curtis Ushedo heads in the winning goal

After frustrating UAB in the first half with solid defensive work and great saves from Musoke, A&M coach Salah Yousif's men turned up the pressure in the second half and twice had opportunities in the area only to shoot wide of the mark.

A&M coach Salah Yousif talks about the loss

As the Bulldogs showed flashes of potential, UAB displayed the solid defensive work and midfield fluidity that has kept them among the top programs in the country. UAB created several chances but it was the woodwork that twice denied the breakthrough. The rest of the Blazer's forays were disrupted by the industrious A&M defenders.

UAB and former RCU midfielder Michal Mravek talks about the game and his time with RCU

In the 83rd minute, the Blazers won a free kick in a dangerous position and former Rocket City United midfielder Michal Mravek stepped over the ball. Mravek who spent part of this past summer playing with RCU while recuperating from a knee surgery whipped in a driven cross which Ushedo rose to meet. Ushedo's header was redirected off an unsuspecting A&M defender into his own goal for the only goal of the match.