Alabama-Birmingham Defeats Clemson 3-0

Aug. 17, 2008

CLEMSON, SC – Ken Tabata had two assists in Alabama-Birmingham’s 3-0 win over Clemson in a men’s exhibition soccer match at Clemson Sunday afternoon.

Alabama-Birmingham scored all three of their goals midway in the second half.

In the 67th minute, Derek Rios scored with an assist by Carlo Schiavoni. Almost four minutes later, Andrew Barsalon scored with an assist by Tabata to make the score 2-0.

With 11:31 left to go in the match, Two-Boys Gumede scored with an assist by Tabata to give the Blazers the 3-0 advantage.

Clemson took 11 shots compared to seven by Alabama-Birmingham. The Tigers also edged the Blazers in corner kicks 5-3.

“I thought for the most part it was an even game,” said Clemson Head Coach Trevor Adair. “We trained twice yesterday and I think we hit a wall after 60 minutes of play. We did this on purpose as we are tying to get in condition for the season and improve on our endurance. I think we responded well, but we were fatigued mentally and physically after 60 minutes.

“We were without three starters today, but this gave us opportunities to look at other people in different places and that is what exhibition matches are all about. Alabama-Birmingham is a veteran team and we made some mistakes. But I am proud of the fact that we came back and created some good chances.

“I am pleased with our preseason training. It has been good and very demanding. I am happy with the way we are responding. We are looking at people at different places. This afternoon we had at one point seven freshmen and three sophomores playing on the field. We are working hard and we are making strides to where we want to be.”

Clemson will play two more exhibition matches. The Tigers will play Chile’s U17 National team in Atlanta on Tuesday. Clemson will play at Winthrop on Sunday at Rock Hill.

Alabama-Birmingham 3, Clemson 0

UAB–Derek Rios (Carlo Schiavoni) 66:55 UAB–Andrew Barsalona(Ken Tabata) 70:55 UAB–Two-Boys Gumede (Ken Tabata) 78:29 Shots:UAB 7, Clemson 11 Corner Kicks: UAB 3, Clemson 5 Saves: Wes Johnson(UAB) 0, Tucker Stone (UAB) 3 Joseph Bendik (CU) 2, Scott Rosman(CU) 1 Fouls: UAB 15, Clemson 9 Attendance: 428