BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB men’s soccer team defeated Lipscomb, 5-3, in its final exhibition match leading into the 2014 season on Saturday night at West Campus Field. In its last two exhibition contests, UAB exploded for eight goals scored.

“That’s really where we are, we just need to be a little more consistent in what we do on all aspects,” said assistant coach Justus Griffin. “We scored some nice goals. We still could do a little bit better."

Sophomore forward Rami Dajani led the way for the Blazers with two goals on the night. Senior defender Darion Copeland, freshman midfielder DeAndre Robinson, and sophomore defender Lars Willemse all tallied one goal each, as well.

“We did really well on our set plays,” Dajani added. “We scored two or three goals off those. The more repetitions we do that, the more dangerous we are going to be. As we move forward, watch out for us.”

Dajani started the scoring early, tallying the first goal in the second minute of play. Redshirt sophomore midfielder Aaron Getman-Pickering sent a through ball to the far post, which Dajani deposited in the lower right corner of the net.

11 minutes later, Willemse collected a rebound and put it past Lipscomb freshman goalkeeper Nate Davis to give the host team a 2-0 edge. Copeland was credited with an assist on the play.

The Bisons got on the board in the 19th minute, but UAB would respond quickly. In the 22nd minute, Copeland headed in a free kick from redshirt senior midfielder Alex Clay to put the team ahead 3-1.

After a Lipscomb score in the 29th minute, the Blazers would enter halftime with a 3-2 advantage. UAB would start the second half just like the one prior, putting one on the board early. Redshirt junior defender Stewart Abrahart made a spectacular full-field pass to a streaking Dajani, who chipped it over the keeper for his second goal of the night.

Robinson would put the final one in the books for the Green and Gold on Saturday night. In the 71st minute, Abrahart played a through ball to sophomore forward Freddy Ruiz, who flicked it to Robinson. The freshman midfielder placed the ball in the top left corner for the final UAB tally of the game.

Lipscomb went on to score its third goal with 10 minutes remaining, but that would be the final tally of the night.

More than 1,400 fans showed up for the squad’s final exhibition at West Campus Field. Prior to the game, student-athletes and coaches from both UAB and Lipscomb provided free instruction to youth between the ages of five and 18 years old.

The UAB men’s soccer team is back in action in its 2014 season opener on Friday, Aug. 29 against Memphis. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. at West Campus Field.

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