BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In an even battle in the Conference USA opener, Louisiana Tech was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities while UAB netted two second-half goals to come away with the 2-0 decision on Thursday night at BBVA Field.
 
The chances were minimal for both squads in the early going as each team only had one shot attempt through the first 20 minutes.  LA Tech (4-4-1, 0-1-0 C-USA) did have to work hard at clearing set pieces the remainder of the period, fending off four corner kicks.
 
The Lady Techsters orchestrated their best goal-scoring chances early in the second period though.  Two minutes in, Anna Loftus had a one-touch shot inside the 18 saved by the diving keeper.
 
Then in the 52nd minute, Lauren Egbuloniu found space and sent a missile at the target from the top of the box, but her shot clanked off the crossbar.
 
UAB (2-5-2, 1-0-0 C-USA) converted though one minute later, taking advantage of a questionable foul called on Valeria Rios just outside the 18.  The free kick went to the far post and was headed in by Asha Zuniga.
 
The Blazers doubled their lead in the 69th minute.  After a corner kick was cleared out, they reorganized and sent a long ball from midfield back into the attacking third that was not cleared out by a LA Tech defender.  Lexxe Lipsey ran on it and beat the keeper 1v1.
 
LA Tech generated three more shots and three more corner kicks the rest of the way but could not find the back of the net.
 
QUOTABLES
Interim Head Coach Steve Voltz
 
"You could tell we were a little wide-eyed and nervous in the first half.  We came out strong in the second half though with a couple of really good scoring chances, but we ended up getting beat on a set piece again, which has been a theme this season.  We need to find more consistency because we have another tough conference match come Sunday." 
 
NOTABLES

• The LA Tech-UAB series is now tied at 4-4-0.
• LA Tech is now 3-6-0 in Conference USA openers.
• Josie Studer, Valeria Rios, Lena Radler and Libe Banuelos played the full 90 minutes.
• After keeping UAB scoreless through the first 45 minutes, LA Tech has only allowed two first-half goals this season.
• The 15 fouls called on LA Tech is a season high and the most since March 19, 2021 versus Rice.

UP NEXT
LA Tech returns to Ruston on Sunday, Sept. 19 to host the Charlotte 49ers who made it to the C-USA Tournament Finals last season.  Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Robert Mack Caruthers Field.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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