The Dove Awards artists were practicing their pitch while the Lipscomb men’s soccer team (7-5-1, 2-2) played its way to victory on the pitch, defeating the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers (6-4-3, 2-1-1), 1-0 on Tuesday night at Lipscomb’s Soccer Complex.
Through the first 10 minutes of play, Lipscomb controlled much of the possession through the midfield and had three shots on goal adding to the two free kick opportunities, which pressured the Blazers.
“I thought our midfield play was fantastic tonight,” head coach Charles Morrow said. “A good emphasis for us was to win first and second balls, and I thought our midfield did a great job of that.”
Lipscomb senior goalkeeper, Micah Bledsoe, made a save right in front of Lipscomb’s goal in the 17th minute to preserve a 0-0 score.
Shortly after, UAB had a breakaway chance, but the Blazers were unable to take advantage of the breakdown in Lipscomb’s defense. After the chance, the pressure shifted to Lipscomb.
UAB controlled the next 15 minutes of possession as Lipscomb struggled with the Blazers’ pressure.
The Bisons found their footing for a short burst before halftime, firing off four shots in a short five-minute window. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.
Lipscomb began the second half with a goal from junior forward Ivan Sakou (4), as he received a low-arching cross from sophomore, forward and leading goal-scorer, Logan Paynter, who added his third assist on the year. The goal gave the Bisons a 1-0 lead.
“I thought Logan Paynter gave them all that they wanted today, and we were able to find him high and wide right away and really put their defense on their heels,” Morrow said.
Lipscomb continued to control possession until the midpoint of the second half, limiting UAB’s chances to answer Lipscomb’s goal, as the midfield continued to control the pace.
“I think Daniel Vieira and Eduardo Reza just did a great job of battling,” Morrow said.
The Bisons kept up the game of ‘keep-away’ into the waning minutes of the match, as Lipscomb fended off any comeback attempt from the Blazers.
“I thought decision-making was fantastic tonight in terms of kicking the right pass at the right time,” Morrow said. “I think that those things combined together were able to turn the tide of possession and controlling the game.”
The Bisons will play at NJIT on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 1:00 p.m. The final home game for Lipscomb is against conference foe FGCU on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 5:00 p.m. at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics