Box Score BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Belmont University men's soccer team fought valiantly but eventually succombed to 14th-ranked UAB, 2-0, Wednesday evening at West Campus Field in Birmingham, Ala.
The Blazers lit up the scoreboard first in the 17th minute of the first half when forward Freddy Ruiz notched his fifth goal on the season to give UAB the early 1-0 advantage.
The Bruins couldn't capitalize on several good scoring chances the rest of the half as UAB took the narrow 1-0 advantage heading into the locker room.
Belmont head coach Earle Davidson liked how the Bruins responded in the second half.
"I thought we played very hard throughout the match, but especially in the second half," Davidson said. "I felt like we controlled the tempo against a very good and athletic UAB team."
UAB (5-1-1) added to its lead in the 70th minute of the second half when midfielder Alex Clay knocked in his first goal of the year to give the host Blazers a 2-0 advantage over the Bruins.
Belmont (3-3-1) couldn't capitalize on several chances the rest of the way.
"I felt that overall the guys played very hard and smart, we had enough good chances throughout the match to pull out the victory but we just failed to capitalize," said Davidson. "I'm proud of how the team responded and fought in a very good road environment."
Belmont held a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks over the Blazers in the contest.
Belmont goalkeeper Grayson Rector (3-3-1) recorded a match-best five saves on the evening with four of those coming in the first half.
The Bruins will return to action this Saturday as Belmont continues its six-game road trip away from Rose Park with a 6 p.m. CT match against Jacksonville.
