Jarom Jordan

FRESNO, California (June 24, 2010) — The Fresno Fuego beat the BYU Cougars, Thursday night on a penalty kick in the 67th minute.  The loss drops the Cougars to 2-6-2 on the season.

“It was another disappointing result,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.   “I’m really proud of our energy.  With all of these things happening, we’re not quitting.  We’ll keep working to try and make something happen.”

BYU lost its second game in a row, Thursday. (BYU Photo)

Fresno forward, Milton Blanco made a run at goal when BYU senior defender, KC Whitworth was called for a foul in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick.  Fabricio Codeceira buried the PK, just beyond the reach of goalkeeper, Bryan Black for the game-winner and team-leading fifth goal of the season.

The Cougars featured a new formation, playing with four midfielders in a box, instead of a triangle to try and neutralize the Fuego’s midfield connection.

“The new formation worked pretty well,” said junior goalkeeper, Bryan Black.  “We possessed the ball well.  Fresno is a physical team and has a good offensive attack.  They put the ball forward really well and attacked us.  I thought we played strong but they got that lucky penalty kick call at the end.  I was impressed with the way we played.  I just wish we had better results.”

Despite a big crowd and playing down a goal the Cougars had offensive chances throughout the game.  The best one came in the 88th minute off a corner kick.  Doug Clark hit a volley that popped up to KC Whitworth who struck the ball just wide of goal.

BYU plays the Lancaster Rattlers at Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster on Saturday, June 26 at 5 p.m. PT.

Starters:
GK-Bryan Black
D-Cameron Lamb, Tyler Christiansen (Doug Clark), KC Whitworth, Kip Critchlow
M-Pedro Vasconcelos, Britton Osborne, Matt Rider, Brent Jensen
F-BJ (Zach De Francis & Jantzen Romney), Brady Marshall (Blake Tillotson)Tweet