SEATTLE, Wash. – The 20th-ranked UAB men's soccer dropped a 2-1 decision to tournament-host Washington in the final game of the Husky Classic on Sunday. It marked the second-straight defeat for the Blazers (5-2-2), who broke into the top-25 national rankings earlier in the week.

 

 

 

The Huskies captured the Classic crown on the strength of goal differential (Washington +5, Portland +4) and improved to 5-1-2 on the season. UW goalkeeper Spencer Richey was named the Classic's defensive MVP, while Steven Evans of Portland was selected offensive MVP.

 

 

 

Washington wasted no time getting on the board with a pair of goals over a nine-minute span early in the opening 45 minutes.

 

 

 

The Huskies first tally came at the 11:09 mark when junior forward Quinton Beasley took a pass from teammate Brent Richards in front of goal and ripped a shot past UAB goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski for a one-goal lead.

 

 

 

Just under nine minutes later, at the 20:08 mark, Washington would go up 2-0 on a goal by senior midfielder Casey McCool. The tally was set up when Jacob Hustedt ripped a shot which was saved by Woszczynski, but McCool was right there for the rebound and stick back.

 

 

 

The score would remain that way until the 72nd minute when Sodade converted his second penalty kick of the season to cut the Huskies lead to 2-1. Junior defender Reed Matte had a chance to tie the game just minutes later, but his long-distance shot was saved by Richey.

 

 

 

Washington held the Blazers to just six shots on the day, three of which came on goal. In comparison, the Huskies collected 12 shots, nine of which came on frame. Woszczynski kept the Blazers close with six saves in the match.

 

 

 

The Blazers will have a nine-day stretch between games. They next take the pitch on Tuesday, Oct. 4 against South Carolina in the Conference USA opener for both teams. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at West Campus Field.