MOBILE BRACES FOR SHOWDOWN WITH CROSS-TOWN RIVAL

      MOBILE, Ala. – For the first time in their storied history, the UM Rams find themselves vulnerable to a cross-town rival that has never before posed a threat. When the Rams (9-4) play host to the Spring Hill College Badgers men’s soccer team (7-8) Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m., they will do so knowing full well that they will have a battle on their hands.

“They’re a very good team,” Coach Fuller said. “Coach [Wulf] Koch has done a tremendous job with them. They’re a much better team than they’re record would indicate. They’ve played a tough schedule, one of the toughest in the region. They’re solid and well organized defensively and it’s a game that can go either way.”

Echoing coach Fuller’s sentiments, Spring Hill coach Wulf Koch, will look for key personalities both on the defensive end as well as going forward, to help give the Badgers what would be their biggest win of the season.

“There are four key personalities for us that we will be relying upon tomorrow night,” Coach Koch said. “Our starting goalkeeper, Thomas Kozma, needs to have a big outing for us. Maruo Grignola (13 goals and five assists), Love Nelson, and Cooper Kimbrell will also have to step it up for us if we going to have a shot at winning this game.”

While the Rams will look to their leading goal scorers and talented freshmen tandem of Darren Toby and Thiago Ramos to dent Spring Hill’s net, it is the combination of All-American defenders Jamie Ferguson and Steve Linpow that UM will rely upon most as they will have to find a way to shutdown Region 13 Player of the Week Mauro Grignola.

“They have a number of players that can hurt us going forward,” Coach Fuller said.

Wednesday night’s game has post-season implications that can potentially impact whether or not the Rams will have the opportunity to go to the NAIA National Tournament to defend their crown. And with an anticipated capacity crowd the game is expected to have the atmosphere of a national tournament final.

“We need to stay as close as we can with Mobile,” Coach Koch said. “It’s a huge game and will be a measuring stick for us as a program.”

Free Krispy Kreme doughnuts and hot chocolate will be provided for the anticipated capacity crowd. WABB’s 1480AM Sports Show Live will also be broadcasting live from the field from 5 p.m. until kickoff.

-30-