Alabama Soccer Comes From Behind with Three Second Half Goals

Friday, September 20

Tuscaloosa, Ala.

TBA

Alabama

6-1-0

UAB

3-3-1

UAB

Alabama

Alabama Soccer Comes From Behind with Three Second Half Goals

9/22/2002 12:00:00 AM | Soccer

Box Score

Friday, September 20, 2002

Kim Zarzour

» Box Score

TUSCALOOSA, AL—The University of Alabama women's soccer team was down early but not out, as the Tide posted three second half goals to come from behind and defeat the UAB Blazers 3-2.

The come-from-behind victory for the Tide (6-1) was their first in 62 matches dating back to a come from behind win against then No. 22 Vanderbilt at the beginning of the 1999 season.

"In the second half we showed beautiful skill and great determination," said Alabama Head Coach Don Staley. "It was an exciting night of soccer and to be able to come from behind like that capped it all off."

The Blazers (3-3-1) took the early lead when Adrienne Suffridge found herself wide open at the top of the 18-yard box and floated a shot over the head of Alabama keeper Courtney Rogers for a 1-0 lead just over 10 minutes into the match.

The Tide carried the half-time deficit into the locker room and trailed for the first 28 minutes of the second half before Kim Zarzour passed to a streaking Dawn Nash who sent a centering pass to Katie French who put in the left side of the goal tying the game at 1-1 at the 73:22 mark.

Just over a minute later the Tide struck again. Missy Keller took a direct kick off a UAB foul and floated it just in front of the goal. Nash rose above the rest of the pack and headed the ball in for a 2-1 Tide lead.

Alabama continued to apply the pressure, keeping the ball in the Blazer end of the field. Finally, three minutes and 15 seconds after their second goal, Alabama made its move again with Libby Probst drawing a foul inside the box resulting in a penalty kick for the Crimson Tide. French did the honors and converted on her second goal of the match which would turn out to be the golden-goal.

UAB scored the final goal of the match when Tara Kidwell knocked in a loose ball just as time expired for the final 3-2 score.

"This bunch of girls is something special," said Staley. "They kept battling back and never quit. One of the unsung heroes tonight was Katie Holtzapfel. She played her usual 90 minutes, kept things calm and composed and went about her business like she always does. She's a true warrior for this team."

Zarzour paced the Tide on the night with three shots, while French's four points led the team. The Tide out shot the Blazers overall 15-14 and posted more shots-on-goal, holding an 8-5 advantage.

Alabama will return to action on Sunday to host the Jackson State Lady Tigers with kick-off scheduled for 1:00 p.m.