Alabama
North Alabama
Alabama Tops North Alabama 3-1 in Home Opener
8/22/2024 10:43:00 PM | Soccer
A pair of goals from Nadia Ramadan and a solo goal from Itala Gemelli lifted the Crimson Tide to its second win of the season
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A pair of goals from Nadia Ramadan highlighted Alabama's 3-1 victory over North Alabama (1-2-0) Thursday night in the Crimson Tide's home opener. In addition to Ramadan, Itala Gemelli also found the back of the net to aid the Crimson Tide (2-1-0) in its second win of the season.
The Lions struck first as Molly Parham cut down the endline before passing the ball back to Hope Lensing for a goal at the eighth-minute mark. Gemelli would notch the tying goal eight minutes later off a rebounded shot from Nedya Sawan. Just two minutes later, Ramadan would challenge a mix-up between the Lions goalkeeper and a defender, sliding the ball into the right corner of the goal. The Tide held a 2-1 advantage for 49 minutes before a penalty inside the box by UNA's goalkeeper set Ramadan up for her second goal.
From Head Coach Wes Hart
"Credit to North Alabama, they made it really hard on us. They put a lot of numbers behind the ball and defended tough. There wasn't a lot of space to exploit. I thought the second half, we did a little bit better job of utilizing the width and getting to the endline, getting crosses in and stuff like that. In first half, there was not enough activity, movement and stuff to break them down. So, I think for me, the positive I look at is, I felt there was a better second half from us."
Game Notes
- The Lions scored the first goal of the game as Parham battled on the endline to send a ball back towards the middle of the box for Lensing to hit into the back on the net with her first touch
- Alabama's first goal came off a strong offensive series in the 16th minute of the game
- A throw-in deep inside North Alabama's territory led to a crossed ball from Ramadan towards the back post to Sawan who took a touch then shot towards goal
- Sawan's shot was saved on the goal line as the rebounded ball bounced towards Gemelli 12-yards out
- Gemelli immediately played a low ball across the frame of the goal to give UA the lead
- Alabama would dominate the start of the second half, allowing just one shot in game play before a missed penalty kick accounted for the Lions' second and final shot of the game at the 86th-minute mark
- UA would tally 11 shots in the second half including its final goal off a penalty kick from Ramadan after the UNA goalkeeper fouled Kate Henderson in the box in the 67th minute
- Overall, Alabama paced game in shots (22-5) and corner kicks (10-1)
- Coralie Lallier made one save in goal, while North Alabama's Allanah Blye tallied three saves
Next
- Alabama will travel to Chattanooga for a Sunday matchup against the Mocs
- The game is set to kick off on ESPN+ at 5 p.m. CT at Finely Stadium
-UA-
