Auburn Mercer Goal Gives Bama Soccer Shutout Victory
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| Crimson Tide's Auburn Mercer Photo Credit: RollTide.com |
It was a late second half goal by University of Alabama soccer senior Auburn Mercer that brought the Crimson Tide a 1-0 shutout victory over the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles yesterday afternoon at the FGCU Soccer Complex in Fort Myers, Florida. This is the fourth shutout of the young season for the Crimson Tide soccer team in six contests, and the most through the first six games of a season since 2012.
Mercer had four shots, three shots on goal and one goal on the day. Emma Walsh had four shots, three shots on goal as well, with one assist. Abbie Boswell had five shots, three shots on goal while Lacey Clarida took three shots, three shots on goal.
Alabama will be back in action on Friday, September 9th to do battle in Knoxville, Tennessee to begin Southeastern Conference play with the Tennessee Volunteers.
| Game Stats | UA | FGCU |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Shots | 18 | 15 |
| Shots on Goal | 12 | 5 |
| Saves | 5 | 11 |
| Corners | 4 | 3 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
| Fouls | 11 | 11 |
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Nick Saban's Press Conference
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Sideline Issue Addressed, 2 Quarterbacks For Now
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Nick Saban's Press Conference
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Sideline Issue Addressed, 2 Quarterbacks For Now
It's Labor Day, and University of Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban is exactly where you'd figure he'd be with week one of the college football season in the books. That's right, at work. And a little earlier Saban finished his first press conference digesting the previous weekend's game, in this case the 52-6 blowout of Southern Cal, and any injuries, problems or general what-evers that have occurred.
Let's start with some of the past problems. Saban said there have been no updates to speak of concerning the eligibility issues of defensive lineman Raekwon Davis and cornerback Tony Brown.
Concerning the sideline altercation between safeties Eddie Jackson and Ronnie Harrison that ABC featured for all to see, Saban said that Harrison's behavior was "totally out of character." He explained that Harrison had gotten upset by the trash talk from USC, then got upset when Jackson tried to calm him down. The coach said that the lesson learned from all of this was that Harrison should have offered a "thank you" instead of a "screw you."
Moving to what was/is bad news to at least a little-better-than-bad news, Saban said that the injury to receiver Cam Sims wasn't as bad as initially thought, and that he has a bruised shoulder. Sims may be questionable for game against Western Kentucky on Saturday.
Saban complimented inside linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton, saying he played well this past Saturday. He told everyone that Hamilton played more because Rashaan Evans had missed roughly a week of practice before the game against USC. He then added that Hamilton is "very dependable."
Concerning quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Blake Barnett, Saban said they both were "shaky" at the beginning but did improve over the course of the game. He said he, as of now, still plans to employ the two-quarterback-syestem, although how the two are deployed may change.
Saban confirmed the hiring of former USC coach Steve Sarkisian, saying, "We're glad to have him as part of the organization."
One last note on last week's game. Saban said that after viewing the film, he believed the team did play "through some adversity" and made "explosive plays" where they were needed. He also complimented the defense saying they performed consistently against USC.
Concerning the upcoming contest with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, Saban reminded everyone that they were a ranked team last season and did win their bowl game. He further stated that Alabama cannot take this team for granted.
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Cam Sims Injury Not Considered Serious
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| Cam Sims University Of Alabama Photo Credit: RollTide.com |
All of the Alabama Crimson Tide fans held their collective breath as they watch receiver Cam Sims leaving the field for the locker room Saturday night during Bama's 52-6 blowout victory. He was taped around the shoulder area and his arm put in a sling then walked into the locker room during the fourth quarter.
It has been reported that the young man's injury is not serious. In fact, according to AL.com, it may be that the shoulder injury will not even cause Sims to miss this week's game. Sims is the backup behind receiver ArDarius Stewart.
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Nope, Still Not Naming A Starting QB
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| Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban Photo Credit: RollTide.com |
Just not a good idea to ask University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban if he has decided to name Jalen Hurts, or anyone else for that matter, as the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide.
Might as well just settle in and chew your arm off while waiting for that particular announcement today.
Alabama will be playing its home-opener this Saturday against Western Kentucky before getting into SEC play the following weekend when the Tide will face the only team to beat them the last two regular seasons...No. 11 Ole Miss
Saban has been so secretive about who the starting quarterback would be, either because he could or perhaps, as he said, because it hadn't been decided, against USC until redshirt freshman Blake Sims was sent onto the field on Saturday night. Then in the third series he was pulled and replaced, for most of the remainder of the game, by Hurts.
Saban said that he wondered about that. "We think both guys are talented, and we wanted both guys to play in the game," Saban said. "When the first quarter was over, I was wondering to myself, 'Was this a good plan or a bad plan?' Both guys were a little shaky in the beginning."
After all, it wasn't looking good for the Crimson Tide early on. Trailing 3-0 in the first half, only gaining 12 yards on the first 10 plays, and Hurts fumbling away the football on his very first college possession would make any coach wonder about his decision.
So no, Virginia, Coach Saban still isn't officially naming a starting quarterback at Alabama today. When the man wasn't completely satisfied with the 52-6 drubbing of a nationally-ranked team that also gave him 10-consecutive opening-game wins since coming to Alabama, you can expect that he is still working the process to the letter. As it should be.
Until this team is "Sabanized", it's going to be left open as to who starts for the Tide at QB.
