Soccer Hosts Crimson Tide Classic
9/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sept. 18, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - A total of four teams will play four matches this weekend at the Alabama Soccer Complex. The Crimson Tide (3-2-1) will open its weekend against the UT-Chattanooga Lady Mocs (3-3-1) on Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Alabama is coming off a thrilling double overtime 1-0 victory while UTC handed Tennessee Tech a 1-0 defeat on Wednesday. The action will begin at 5:00 p.m. as Jacksonville (1-4-1) will open classic play against Mississippi Valley State (0-4-0).
Who to Watch: Alabama junior forward Kelsey King provided the dramatics for the Crimson Tide last weekend. King helped lead the Crimson Tide to a thrilling 1-0 double overtime victory over the Raiders by finding the back of the net in the 106th minute. The goal was the first of the season for the Kingwood, Texas native. On the season King has three points on a goal and an assist. Her assist came on the lone Alabama goal against No. 21 ranked Cal State Fullerton.
Last Time Out: Alabama continued its dominance at home by earning another shutout victory. The Crimson Tide blanked Wright State in double overtime on the strength of Kelsey King's goal that came in the 106th minute. King was set up by senior Kailey Corken and newcomer Shannon Lathrop. Junior goalkeeper Kara Gudmens earned the shutout victory behind five saves. The shutout marks the third straight at home for Alabama and the second straight for Gudmens.
Scouting Chattanooga: The Lady Mocs enter Tuscaloosa with a 3-3-1 record after earning a 1-0 victory over Tennessee Tech on Wednesday. UTC has earned wins over Lipscomb and Austin Peay. On the road the Lady Mocs post a 2-1-0 ledger. UTC has scored only six goals on the season and allowed 12. The Lady Mocs are led in scoring by freshman D.K. Henry with goals in two of UTC's wins. Freshman keeper Allie Preston has three shutouts on the year with 33 saves. After netting the game-winner against Tennessee Tech, Morgan Shelton is tied in the lead in goals with two. Four different Lady Moc players have handed out assists. Head Coach J.D. Kyzer welcomes nine newcomers to his squad this season to go along with 10 veterans from the 2007 team.
Alabama vs. Chattanooga: The Series: Friday's meeting will mark the fourth time the two squads square off and the third time the two programs play in Tuscaloosa. Alabama holds a 2-1 edge over UTC by earning victories in the first two meetings and dropping the last decision at home. The two teams last met on Sept. 12, 2004 in Tuscaloosa where the Lady Mocs escaped with a 2-1 win. Alabama has outscored UTC 10-3.
Gudmens Named Defensive Player of the Week: Alabama junior goalkeeper Kara Gudmens continues to shine at home as she posted back-to-back shutouts to lead Alabama to a perfect 2-0 weekend. Gudmens opened the home stand with a 1-0 shutout win over 2007 NCAA tournament participant Samford on Friday. In that contest the Cincinnati, Ohio native made seven saves. Against Wright State Gudmens played 106 minutes in between the pipes and made five saves to secure the clean slate. The 5-9 keeper has not yielded a goal in 225 minutes at home. On the season Gudmens has made 35 saves and allowed six goals for a 1.04 goals against average.
Crimson Tide Classic: Alabama will host the Crimson Tide Classic this weekend. The classic will feature three other teams as four games will be played at the UA Soccer Complex this weekend. Jacksonville and Mississippi Valley State start things off on Friday, Sept. 19 at 5:00 p.m. Alabama will then cap off the evening against Chattanooga at 7:30 p.m. Play will continue on Sunday, Sept. 21 with Jacksonville and UTC squaring off at Noon. UA will conclude classic play at 2:30 p.m. against Mississippi Valley State.
Home Sweet Home: Alabama has started off its 2008 home slate in impressive fashion as it has not allowed an opponent to score in its three home matches. The Crimson Tide opened its home slate with a 3-0 shutout victory over Jacksonville State on Aug. 31. Alabama goalkeepers Kara Gudmens and Karen Lansden combined to blank the Gamecocks. On Friday, Gudmens held in-state rival Samford scoreless with her first shutout of 2008. Gudmens followed that up by blanking Wright State in double overtime on Sunday. The Crimson Tide has out-scored the opposition 5-0 in Tuscaloosa. The three straight shutouts at home to start a season ties the modern Alabama record set in 2002. In 1988 Alabama began its campaign with four straight shutout wins.
UAB Nike Classic All-Tournament Team: Alabama had four players earn UAB Nike Classic All-Tournament accolades. The tournament that was played in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham featured Samford, Wright State and UAB. Sophomore forward Victoria Frederick was named the Co-MVP of the tournament. Joining Frederick on the team was junior defender Alex Butera, senior midfielder Jessica Deegan and junior forward Kelsey King.
Next Time Out: After the conclusion of tournament play the Crimson Tide will dive into SEC action for the first time under first-year head coach Todd Bramble. Alabama will hit the road for the opening weekend of league play as the Crimson Tide will head to Nashville, Tenn. to face Vanderbilt on Friday, Sept. 26. The Crimson Tide closes out the opening weekend of league play in Lexington, Ky. when it faces the Kentucky Wildcats on Sunday, Sept. 28.
