Alabama-Birmingham Defeats Clemson 2-1 in Men’s Soccer Exhibition

Aug. 22, 2010

CLEMSON, SC – Norris Howze scored the game winning goal in the 71st minute to lead Alabama-Birmingham to a 2-1 win over Clemson in a men’s soccer exhibition match at Clemson, SC Saturday night.

Chris Williams sent a corner kick from the left side to Howze who headed the ball in from six yards to give the Blazers the 2-1 lead.

Early in the first half, in the fifth minute, Clemson had an opportunity to take the early lead. Defender Francklin Blaise headed the ball in from a corner kick by Keegan Priest but the UAB goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski tapped the ball over the cross bar in the middle to keep the game scoreless.

The Blazers took a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute as Kofi Gyawu scored on an assist by Babayele Sodade.

Clemson scored in the middle of the second half. Riley Sumpter converted on a penalty kick and beat the goalkeeper Tucker Stone to his right tying the score at 1-1.

Howze scored the game winner at the 70:32 mark to give the Blazers the victory.

“I thought we were tired mentally and was not as sharp offensively or defensively,” said first-year Clemson Head Coach Mike Noonan. “However, I thought our mind set was good as far as our effort and attitude. We believe in ourselves and we fought back after being down 1-0. It was disappointing to give up a goal and have a let down after tying the match.

“Overall, I was pleased. It was a decent performance-it was a good run out the first night. I think our players are understanding what we’re trying to do. I think we’re learning and improving everyday. I look forward to going to practice everyday and I think our players do too. I’m happy with our progress.”

Clemson will play at USC-Upstate on Tuesday, August 24, in an exhibition match in Spartanburg, SC. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m.

Alabama-Birmingham 2, Clemson 1

UAB-Kofi Gyawu (Babayele Sodade) 17:44 CU-Riley Sumpter (Penalty Kick) 67:53 UAB-Norris Howze (Chris Williams) 70:32

Shots: Clemson 9, UAB 12 Corner Kicks: Clemson 10, UAB 3 Saves: J.D. Spearman (CU) 1, Carl Woszczynski (UAB) 6, Tucker Stone (UAB) 0 Fouls: Clemson 14, UAB 14 Attendance: 853