March 27, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB men's soccer team continues its 2008 spring slate, when the Atlanta Silverbacks of the United Soccer League invades West Campus Field on Friday, March 28, at 6 p.m. Admission will be free for students, as well as the general public.

Two former Blazers will return to the field when UAB takes on the Silverbacks. Former men's soccer players Tony McManus and Jason McLaughlin will make their return to West Campus Field.

McManus led the Blazer defense from 1999-2003. He was initially drafted by the Chicago Fire in 2004 and is in his second third playing with the Silverbacks. During his stint with UAB, he was named NSCAA All-American, Soccer Times All-American, NSCAA First Team All-South, Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and C-USA All-Conference, among others.

McLaughlin is in his second season with Atlanta (2006 and 2008) after a stellar career with the Green and Gold. McLaughlin spent four seasons at UAB (2000, 2003-05), and earned second team all-league accolades following his senior season. He was also selected to the C-USA All-Tournament team as a junior and accounted for 15 goals and 12 assists during his collegiate career. McLaughlin scored five goals and collected two assists during his previous season at Atlanta in 2006.

UAB head coach Mike Getman and his club has high expectations for the 2008 team, as the Blazers return 10 starters and 19 letterwinners from last season's squad.