Oct. 6, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The men's soccer team's 1-0 win over then-No. 13 Kentucky has vaulted UAB to No. 25 in the nation in the latest Soccer America top-25 poll, released on Oct. 5. The Blazers make their first appearance in a top-25 poll since the week of Nov. 8, 2006 when they checked in at No. 23 in the nation.

The Blazers are also getting noticed in the other two major collegiate soccer polls, as UAB ranks among the top 30 teams in the nation in both the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and SoccerTimes.com rankings. The Blazers are ranked 29th in both outlets, receiving 23 votes in the coaches poll and 25 votes in Soccer Times.

Furthermore, UAB has jumped to No. 2 in the Midwest Region in the NSCAA latest rankings.

UAB enters Saturday's FIU contest sporting a 7-2-1 overall record and a 1-0-1 mark in Conference USA play. The Blazers are riding a six-match unbeaten streak (5-0-1) and have only one loss over their last nine contests (7-1-1).

Over that nine-game stretch, the Blazers recorded wins over then-No. 10 UIC (3-1) and 2008 NCAA Tournament participant UMKC (2-1), in addition to the win over the 13th-ranked Wildcats. UAB also secured a pair of tournament titles (Memphis Classic and SMU Classic) during that time. The lone loss over the last nine contests came to then-No. 23 Drake (2-1), who is currently ranked No. 1 in the Midwest Region.

UAB will face another conference test this weekend when it plays host to Florida International on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at West Campus Field. The contest will mark the Blazers' first home match in nearly a month.

Admission is free to all UAB students with a valid ID, while students and season ticket holders are encouraged to attend a pregame tailgate with free food and drinks beginning approximately 60 minutes prior to the start of the match.