Drew Van Wagenen, Zach DeFrancis, Tyler Christiansen, BJ Pugmire, and Britton Osborne will be on the team billboard this season.  The last team billboard was in 2006, featuring Matt Affleck if I’m not mistaken.  That one was in Utah Valley.  This billboard will be on the west side of I-15 near IKEA in Draper.  It’s going to feature a photo of the five, like the poster seen on byusoccer.com.

Jaren Wilkey of BYU Photo and Dave Broberg of Creative Service in Athletics do amazing work.

The billboard will be similar to the poster.

The Cougars will get some great national exposure again this season with several games on BYU Television.  BYUtv will broadcast seven games in english and BYUtv will rebroadcast three games in Spanish and Portuguese.   If you don’t get those channels, you can view them online, for free at this link.

Spanish

Portuguese

English

Here’s the BYUtv International Schedule

June 10-BYU vs LA at 4 p.m.  (May 21)

July 22-BYU vs Hollywood  at 4 p.m. (July 8 )

July 29-BYU vs Fresno at 4 p.m. (July 16)

*Mountain TimeTweet

The season is almost here and with it, a new poster.  Jaren Wilkey of BYU Photo shot it and Dave Broberg of BYU athletic creative services, molded it. Love it? I do.

The player are as follows from left to right: Drew Van Wagenen, Britton Osborne, Zach DeFrancis, BJ Pugmire, and KC Whitworth.

The 2010 BYU Men's Soccer Poster

The team will also have a billboard on I-15 south in the next few weeks. Updates to follow.Tweet

Jarom Jordan
jarom.jordan@byu.edu
801-471-4469

PROVO, Utah (April 26, 2010) — The BYU men’s soccer team will host the U-21 Mexican National Team, Wednesday May 12 in Provo.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Stadium at South Field in Provo, Utah.  The game will be broadcast live, worldwide on BYU Television.  It will also be streamed online, for free at www.byu.tv.  Tickets are $10 for reserved seating and $6 for general admission.   Those can be purchased at Rancho Markets, Utah Community Credit Union, or www.byutickets.com.  BYU expects a sellout.

“It will be a huge event,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “Obviously it will be a great game for us.  There’s no question about their abilities and talents.  They are all full professional players and have been for several years and are the very best of what Mexico has to offer.  It’s a great challenge, opportunity, and platform for our team to play on.  Hopefully we bring out some of the local Latino population that want to come out and watch them play.  Hopefully we will represent ourselves well and have a good night.”

The Mexican under-21 team is second only to the senior national men’s team, which will compete in this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.  This is the first time a Mexican national team has played against the BYU men’s team.  It is the first international friendly for the Cougars since defeating the Fijian national team, 3-1 in 2007.

Other national teams to visit Provo are the USA (2005) and El Salvador (2009) senior men’s national teams who used BYU’s facilities to practice for games in Salt Lake City.

PDL SEASON APPROACHES
BYU’s Premier Development League season is almost underway. The Cougars will practice Thursday and Friday of this week, scrimmage Weber State on Saturday at Haws Field and begin afternoon practices next week.  BYU opens on the road at the Orange County Blue Star, May 8.  The first home game is May 21 versus the Los Angeles Legends.

2010 SPRING SEASON REVIEW
BYU is 2-1-1 in spring pre-season play. The Cougars defeated the Mesa State Mavericks twice on March 20 in Grand Junction, Colorado in the team’s first pre-season games. The Cougars won the first game 3-0 on goals from BJ Pugmire (‘13), Zach DeFrancis (‘16), and Brady Marshall (‘56). In the second game the Cougars won 2-1. March 27 BYU tied the UNLV Rebels 0-0 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  April 7, MLS Cup Champion, Real Salt Lake won 6-0 in a scrimmage in Lehi.  In the fall, BYU went 1-1-1, defeating Utah State (2-0), tying Weber State (1-1), and losing to Real Salt Lake (4-1).

PREVIEWING THE COUGARS
Eight starters return this season, including goal keeper, Bryan Black, veteran defenders, KC Whitworth and Drew VanWagenen, midfielders Brent Jensen and Britt Osborne, as well as forwards Zach De Francis, Brady Marshall, and BJ Pugmire. The Cougars lost seven players to graduation, including All-PDL western conference honorable mention midfielder, Richie Bindrup.  BYU welcomes back five returned missionaries and seven freshman will join the team out of high school in June after their graduations.

2009 REVIEW
BYU finished 7-5-4 overall, in fourth position in the southwest division and just one spot out of the playoffs. Despite some major injuries the Cougars defeated Southwest Division champion, Hollywood Hitmen, 1-0 and tied eventual PDL champ, Ventura County 2-2.

PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
After winning seven club national championships, Brigham Young University joined the PDL in 2003. The Cougars reached the elite eight in 2006 and 2007. The PDL is the top U23 men’s league in North America and features 68 teams within four conferences across the United States and Canada. The PDL season consists of 16 regular season matches for each team, eight home and eight away. The PDL provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. BYU is the first and only university to own a franchise in the PDL. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The USL Premier Development League has proven to be an important stepping stone for top professionals now playing around the world.

FOLLOW THE COUGARS ONLINE
Check out the Cougars on twitter at www.twitter.com/byusoccer or on the official website at www.byusoccer.com.

QUICK FACTS
Who: BYU Cougars vs. U-21 Mexican National Team
When: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 7 p.m. MT
Where: The Stadium at South Field in Provo, Utah
Tickets:  $10 reserved, $6 general admission
TV: BYUtv or www.byu.tv

BYU will host the U-21 Mexican National Team on May 12 at 7 p.m.

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I just caught wind of this incredible story of Dallin Hayne of Poway, California. It’s a good read.  It mentions his desire to possibly play for BYU in college.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/13/accident-brings-new-perspective-to-senior/

Senior, Dallin Hayne has overcome an partially amputated toe to score 12 goals in his last 16 games (San Diego Union-Tribune, John Gastaldo)

Jarom Jordan
jarom.jordan@byu.edu

Toni Niccoli – Forward (Fr.)

Brady Marshall – Forward (Jr.)

Kip Critchlow – Midfielder (Fr.)

PROVO, Utah (April 9, 2010) — After a frantic, all out offensive assault, BYU scored the game winning goal in double overtime to beat the Dixie Red Storm, 2-1 in Provo on Friday night. KC Whitworth played Brady Marshall the ball wide who then scored the game winning goal in the 107th minute, his second goal of the spring exhibition season.

“It feels great,” said junior forward, Brady Marshall. “KC (Whitworth) played me the ball and I turned and let it run … and put it in the far post. It was all KC. I just finished it off.”

Toni Niccoli, assisted by BJ Pugmire, got BYU on the board in the 68th minute with his first goal since the 2007 PDL season before his mission. Dixie tied the score in the 78th minute with a penalty kick. The Cougars relentlessly attacked Dixie with shot after shot only to play 17 minutes of the possible 20 in overtime to win with Marshall’s golden goal.

“I think we’re doing well,” said freshman forward, Toni Niccoli. “We’ve made huge steps in the two games this week. We’re starting to create a lot more opportunities now. It’s just putting them in.”

The Cougars outshot the Red Storm, 21-7 and made five saves on the night.

“I loved it,” said freshman, Kip Critchlow. “The fans were really loud and we got the win so it was great.”

BYU’s next game is April 24 at 6 p.m. on Haws Field in Provo. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students and children.

Chris Watkins rallies his team after the first overtime to victory against Dixie.

Tonight is BYU’s first home game of 2010, an exhibition against NCAA Division II side, Dixie.  Kick off is at 7 p.m. and is $6 for adults and $5 for students (with a valid ID) and children.

Coach Chris Watkins announced today, BYU will play Weber State on Haws Field on April 24 at 6 p.m. BYU and Weber State tied 1-1 in the fall.

The Premier Development League opener is on the road at Orange County on May 8 and the first home game is May 21 against the Los Angeles Legends.Tweet

Jarom Jordan
Media Relations Director
jarom.jordan@byu.edu

Audio Interviews
Jason Kreis – RSL Head Coach

Chris Watkins – BYU Head Coach

Toni Niccoli – BYU Forward

LEHI, Utah (April 7, 2010) – In a closed scrimmage to the public, the BYU Cougars played Real Salt Lake in a physical game Wednesday morning at Xango Field in Lehi.  The Cougars played tough but lost 6-0.

“Overall I really liked our ideas going forward,” said head coach, Chris Watkins.  “I like the confidence that a lot of our guys had in taking some of them on and releasing some of the pressure.  It’s better than we’ve had in the past.  The score wasn’t as good as we’d like and we’ve had in the past.  The ideas going forward and the potential of this team is great.”

The scoring started early with goals in the third and eight minutes from Fabian Espindola who capitalized on a misplayed ball and connected a strike from the left flank.  The Cougars controlled the tempo and possession for a stretch of the first 30 minutes but RSL put away many of their opportunities.  BYU’s best chance at goal came in the ninth minute when Toni Niccoli sent a cross that Zach De Francis nearly headed in.

“It’s fun,” said forward, Toni Niccoli.  “It’s interesting to see that (Kyle) Beckerman and some of these players that we know are training with the national team, that could play in the World Cup this year and we’re kind of playing side by side.  It’s fun and intimidating at the same time.  It’s a new experience.”

The game was broken into three 30-minute periods.  RSL scored three in the first, two in the second, and one in the third.  Despite allowing six goals, goalkeeper’s Bryan Black and Cory Cosgrave made some nice saves to prevent even more goals.  Real Salt Lake will play their home opener against the Seattle Sounders Saturday night.

“We have a good relationship with (BYU’s) coaching staff and have for a couple of years,” said Real Salt Lake head coach, Jason Kreis.  “They’ve been really accommodating for us and more than willing to play us in these kind of matches.  These are important for us because our guys need full side (11 vs 11) experience.”

Scoring Summary:

Minute            Name                        Score

3’                    Fabian Espindola       1-0

8’                    Fabian Espindola       2-0

25’                  Nelson Gonzalez        3-0

38’                  Will Johnson              4-0

50’                  Kyle Beckerman          5-0

71’                  Jamison Olave            6-0

—–

Postgame Notes

BYU Starters

Forwards: Zach De Francis, BJ Pugmire, Toni Niccoli

Midfielders: Brent Jensen, Pedro Vasconcelos, Matt Rider

Defenders: James Bindrup, Cameron Lamb, KC Whitworth, Drew Van Wagenen

Goalkeeper: Bryan Black

—–

-This is the first time BYU has played Real Salt Lake since it won the Major League Soccer Championship.

-BYU is now 2-1-1 in spring pre-season play.

3/20     @ Mesa State                 3-0            W

@ Mesa State                 2-1            W

3/27     @ UNLV                          0-0            T

4/7       @ Real Salt Lake            6-0            L

-BYU begins the PDL season May 8 at the Orange County Blue Star.

Welcome to RSL's practice facility, Xango Field.

Coach Chris Watkins prepares the team before the game.

RSL throws in near the BYU bench.

RSL's Kyle Beckerman prepares to receive a pass (left, center of the screen).

Coach Chris Watkins felt his team played well, despite losing against RSL.

Jarom Jordan
Media Relations Director
jarom.jordan@byu.edu

PROVO, Utah (April 7, 2010) — BYU will play its first home spring exhibition game this Friday, April 9 against the Dixie Red Storm at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for children and students with a valid ID. A dance party hosted by the team will happen at 9:30 p.m. after the game in the annex of the Smith Fieldhouse. A single ticket works for both.

SCOUTING THE RED STORM
Dixie finished the season 6-11-1 and in seventh place in the Pacific West Conference of NCAA Division II. The Red Storm are paced by all-conference forward, Jordan Roylance who led the Red Storm in goals (11), points (23), shots (39), shots on goal (20) and game winners (4) during the 2009 season.

2010 SPRING SEASON REVIEW
BYU is 2-0-1 in spring pre-season play. The Cougars defeated the Mesa State Mavericks twice on March 20 in Grand Junction, Colorado in the team’s first pre-season games. The Cougars won the first game 3-0 on goals from BJ Pugmire (‘13), Zach DeFrancis (‘16), and Brady Marshall (‘56). In the second game the Cougars won 2-1. March 27 BYU tied the UNLV Rebels 0-0 in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the fall, BYU went 1-1-1, defeating Utah State, tying Weber State, and losing to Real Salt Lake.

PREVIEWING THE COUGARS
Eight starters return this season, including goal keeper, Bryan Black, veteran defenders, KC Whitworth and Drew VanWagenen, midfielders Brent Jensen and Britt Osborne, as well as forwards Zach De Francis, Brady Marshall, and BJ Pugmire. The Cougars lost seven players to graduation, including All-PDL western conference honorable mention midfielder, Richie Bindrup. The Cougars begin the PDL regular season May 8 at the Orange County Blue Star before returning to Provo for its first home against the Los Angeles Legends on May 21.

2009 REVIEW
BYU finished 7-5-4 overall, in fourth position in the southwest division and just one spot out of the playoffs. Despite some major injuries the Cougars defeated Southwest Division champion, Hollywood Hitmen, 1-0 and tied eventual PDL champ, Ventura County 2-2.

PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
After winning seven club national championships, Brigham Young University joined the PDL in 2003. The Cougars reached the elite eight in 2006 and 2007. The PDL is the top U23 men’s league in North America and features 68 teams within four conferences across the United States and Canada. The PDL season consists of 16 regular season matches for each team, eight home and eight away. The PDL provides elite collegiate players the opportunity to taste a higher level of competition while maintaining their eligibility. BYU is the first and only university to own a franchise in the PDL. In addition to league play, PDL teams compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup as well as various exhibitions. The USL Premier Development League has proven to be an important stepping stone for top professionals now playing around the world.

DIXIE CONNECTIONS
BYU Goalkeeper, Cory Cosgrave played a game against Dixie as the BYU-Hawaii goalkeeper during the fall of 2009. Dixie goalkeeper, Tyler McAninch attended the same high school as BYU midfielder, Connor Bassett (Centennial HS in Las Vegas, Nevada). Dixie midfielder Zhaque Budge attending the same high school as BYU’s Britt Osborne and Doug Clark (Bountiful HS in Bountiful, Utah). Current BYU basketball coach, Dave Rose played basketball and baseball at Dixie and former BYU President, Jeffrey R. Holland attended Dixie.

FOLLOW THE COUGARS ONLINE
Check out the Cougars on twitter at www.twitter.com/byusoccer or on the official website at www.byusoccer.com.

QUICK FACTS
Who: BYU Cougars vs. Dixie Red Storm
When: Friday, April 9, 2010 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Stadium at South Field in Provo, UtahTweet

The Cougars continue to play spring pre-season exhibitions in preparation for the 2010 Premier Development League season. So far the Cougars are 2-0-1 with two wins at Mesa State (March 20) and a 0-0 tie at UNLV (March 27). Friday, April 9 BYU will host Dixie at the Stadium at South Field.

Come check out the Cougars almost a month to the day before the start of the 2010 PDL season (May 8 @ Orange County).

BJ Pugmire tweaked his knee at UNLV last Saturday but practiced strong yesterday so it sounds like he’s OK. BJ was highly recruited out of high school, had an outstanding two season in 2004 and 2005 with the team before serving a mission to Mexico. He’s been hampered by two ACL tears (one in each knee) and will be a key contributor up front, especially if BYU plays a 4-3-3 like they are experimenting with right now.

Mr. Pugmire also writes for the Daily Universe (BYU’s school newspaper). You can read a couple of his recent articles at these links.  Ironically he covers several of the extramural sports at BYU, one of which is men’s soccer but he’s in season with rugby and lacrosse.

Rugby suffers hard loss to in-state rival Utah (3/25)

Lacrosse team takes Trek to Canada (3/18)

BYU Rugby to Play Colorado (3/11)

The photo below is of BJ last summer performing tricks in Nicaragua to children in the streets. (Photo by Drew Van Wagenen)

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