BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The No. 14 UAB men’s soccer team (5-1-1, 0-0-1) recorded its second straight shutout en route to a 2-0 victory against Belmont (3-3-1, 0-0-0) on Wednesday night at West Campus Field. Redshirt junior midfielder Alex Clay led the way for UAB, recording a career-best three points (1 g, 1 a) on the night.

“I thought our guys played well,” head coach Mike Getman stated. “We scored two really terrific goals and defended very well against a very good team. I thought it was a very good performance all the way around."

The Blazers’ potent offense jumped on the scoreboard early. In the 17th minute, Clay slid a pass to sophomore forward Freddy Ruiz inside the Belmont box. Ruiz collected the pass, took one touch, and beat Bruins freshman goalkeeper Grayson Rector to his right. It marked Ruiz’s fifth goal of the year and Clay’s fourth assist of 2013. Both totals lead the Green and Gold this season.

Belmont was looking for the equalizer in the remaining minutes of the first half, but was stymied by UAB senior goalkeeper Raphael Ville in its attempts. Ville would record his only two saves of the match in the period.

The Blazers continued to be the aggressor into the second stanza. Their efforts would pay off in the 71st minute.

Clay broke away from the Belmont defense, charging toward the opposing goal. The Huntsville, Ala. native bent a shot into the top right corner past the outstretched arms of Rector to secure the 2-0 victory for the Green and Gold.

“He played very well,” commented Getman on Clay’s performance. “He has played well every match all season long. He doesn’t always get the credit. He doesn’t have all the goals, but he’s always a big part of our attack and the way our team plays. Tonight, he finally got the rewards for all of his hard work.”

UAB will hit the road in its next match, as it takes on Conference USA-foe Kentucky on Sunday, Sept. 29. The match is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. CT in Lexington, Ky.

Notes: Redshirt junior midfielder Alex Clay tallied a career-high three points (1 g, 1 a) against Belmont … UAB earned its second consecutive clean sheet and now has four shutouts in 2013 … Sophomore forward Freddy Ruiz collected his fifth goal of the year against the Bruins, which leads the squad … Clay had his fourth assist of the season, which is tops on the team.

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