TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A 22-game home win streak has finally come to an end for Alabama as they drew Miami, 0-0. The game marks the Crimson Tide’s first non-win at home since 2021.

The story of the game was the Crimson Tide’s inability to finish in the box. Alabama controlled the ball well in the midfield and attacking third all game, but couldn’t piece together a scoring run. Bad first touches and lack of communication haunted the Tide against the U, but fortunately their back line held strong for the team’s third shutout of the young season.

“Obviously, discouraged that we didn’t get the win,” head coach Wes Hart said after the game.

“When we play these types of games, we’re expecting to come out with a win, but credit to Miami they made it hard. They put a lot of numbers in the box first half. I don’t know if they were credited with a shot in the first half. Second half, late in the game, I think they had a couple attempts…”

Alabama dominated the match in every aspect outside of the scoreboard, tallying 18 shots (nine on goal) to a mere five (one on goal) from the Hurricanes. Miami keeper Melissa Dagenais held strong with an impressive seven saves and a shutout performance credited to her name. Tide star Felicia Knox put two shots on goal and Gianna Paul added one but was unable to score for the first time in three matches.

Some may argue the Tide should’ve been credited a goal in the 67th minute, when freshman Nadia Ramadan’s shot off a deflection seemed to have potentially crossed the goal line. After a lengthy review, the officiating crew decided to stand with their original call on the field of “no goal.”

“Anytime you get a team that just bunkers in and makes it difficult to break down, it’s hard to score goals. The majority of our goals (this season) were scored with teams that can open up and we’re able to get through them, but credit to Miami. Like I said, they packed it in and made it difficult for us,” said Hart.

Despite the underwhelming result on the scoreboard, the Crimson Tide left Thursday night’s match with several positives headed into their next game. Tide midfielder Macy Clem did an excellent job maintaining possession in the middle third and facilitated very well, setting up forwards such as Paul for potential scoring runs. The Alabama back line, led by Sasha Pickard played very well, keeping the ball in front and drawing Miami offsides three times throughout the game. Tide goalkeeper and Kennesaw State graduate transfer, Dylan Pixton, had a clutch save and tallied her second shutout in just three starts this season.

Alabama moves to a record of 4-0-1 on the season and will travel to take on Samford on the road Sunday Evening.

Caden Johnson serves as WVUA-FM’s senior soccer writer. You can follow Johnson on X @CadenLJohnson.