Miami Kicks Off Road Trip at No. 5 Alabama
Date: Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Stadium: Alabama Soccer Stadium
The Matchup
Miami opens a three-match road swing, as the Hurricanes visit the Alabama Crimson Tide Thursday evening. The contest is set for 8 p.m. ET at Alabama Soccer Stadium and will be televised live on SEC Network+.
The Hurricanes lead the all-time series over the Crimson Tide, 3-1, including a 1-0 victory in the lone battle in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 3, 2000. In the most recent meeting between the two sides, Miami mounted a 1-0 win at Cobb Stadium last year.
Scouting The Tide
Following a 2-1 victory over then-No. 17 Memphis, Alabama will look to defend its NCAA-leading 22-game home winning streak Thursday.
The Tide are ranked No. 5 nationally in the United States Coaches poll with Felicia Knox and Itala Gemelli gaining national attention as members of the MAC Hermann Trophy watch list.
Alabama is coming off its best season in school history, which was highlighted by 23 wins, a College Cup appearance and an SEC regular season title. The Tide reached a program-high No. 2 national ranking in 2022 before finishing fourth in the country.
Tracking The Hurricanes
Prior to a 2-1 setback against Georgia Southern, Miami remained unblemished through its first three matches for the second consecutive campaign.
The Canes bring back 74 percent of their roster, including seven starters from a year ago. Miami has eight newcomers—all freshmen—on the 2023 roster, joining the 17 returning letter winners.
She’s a Keeper
With her third stop against Florida, Melissa Dagenais became the first Hurricane to record 200 career saves since Phallon Tullis-Joyce reached the milestone in 2018.
Dagenais paced the ACC in saves per game (4.81) last season, while her 77 saves ranked second in the conference.
2022 in Review
The Hurricanes finished the 2022 campaign with five home wins and five shutouts—the most by the club in six seasons.
Miami mounted signature victories over eventual NCAA College Cup semifinalist Alabama in August and then-No. 24 Virginia Tech in October.
Looking Ahead
Miami continues its SEC swing, with the Mississippi State Bulldogs Sunday. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. ET.
To keep up with the University of Miami soccer team on social media, follow @CanesFutbol on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
