Doug Clark and the Cougars look to finish the fall season undefeated. (BYU Photo)

PROVO, Utah (Oct. 13, 2010) — BYU will play its final fall game this Friday versus cross town rival, Utah Valley in the “University Parkway Collision” at the Stadium at South Field in Provo on Friday, October 15 at 7 p.m.

“This is really important for everybody but especially the starters,” said BYU assistant coach, Chad Sackett. “Utah Valley is kind of the little brother, so to say and they’ve got something to prove. I imagine it will be a good crowd and a good group.”

The Cougars are 2-0 in fall exhibition play with victories against Utah State (3-1) and Weber State (2-0). BYU’s regular season is during the summer in the United Soccer League’s, Premier Development League. BYU went 4-10-2 during the 2010 summer season.

The BYU coaching staff likes the individual improvement from each member of the team this fall. “We’ve been looking for those little wins,” said Sackett. “If it’s not a goal, it’s something that each guy can improve upon.”

Follow the Cougars on www.byusoccer.com and www.twitter.com/byusoccer.

Quick Facts
What: Men’s Soccer — Utah Valley vs. BYU
When: Friday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Stadium at South Field in Provo, Utah

Listen to an audio interview with assistant coach, Chad Sackett after Wednesday’s practice.
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Assistant Coach, Clay Christenson gives his thoughts about the team in “From the Box”.

We’re already into the last few practices of the fall season, but we’ve seen great improvement from just a few weeks ago when we started. During the first two exhibition games we’ve attacked well and racked up around 40 shots, but we’ve struggled with really putting those quality opportunities in the back of the net. Finishing has been a priority this week for us and will continue to be with the remaining practices.

If we can put a ball in the back of the net early in the first half,  it changes the whole dynamic of the game. We can relax, and really let the flow of the game take over. In contrast, if we wait to score, the pressure continues to build and if the game is 0-0 with 10 minutes left, anyone can win. The players are doing a nice job bringing a competitive spirit to practice, clearly they’re excited every day to prove themselves. They’ll have two more practices to try to jump into the starting 11.  It should be a great few days of practice.Tweet

PROVO, Utah (Oct. 8, 2010) — Senior forward, BJ Pugmire paced the Cougars to victory Friday night with a pair of goals as BYU beat Weber State, 2-0.  The Cougars are now 2-0 in fall exhibition play and will scrimmage the BYU Alumni, Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

“We did a good job of creating quality opportunities,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “I felt very good about the way we attacked with the exception of the finishing touch.  It was a good step.”

The Cougars scored in the 33rd minute off a set piece 10 yards outside the top of the box from Pugmire.  He sent the ball right of the Weber State wall and into the net.  His second goal was at the end of stoppage time when BYU had a 10×8 advantage because of red cards.  Toni Niccoli sent a ball wide to Pugmire who chipped it up and over Weber State goalie, Jan Robbins.

“Soccer’s a lot more fun when you score,” said Pugmire.  “I can promise you that.  It was fun to chip the goalie and it was kind of a lucky play.  I hit it right.”

“BJ works so hard,” said Watkins.  “He’s a great leader for our team.  To get two goals in one game is fantastic.”

The game was marked by a plethora of cards, including eight yellows and three reds for Weber State and one yellow and one red card for the Cougars.

“We have to decide whether or not we really want to do this game,” said Watkins.  “It’s too much.  It’s not the way the game should be played.  It’s not safe out there.  It’s a tough situation.”

BYU outshot Weber State 17-9, including 10 shots on goal.  The contest featured 40 fouls, 24 from WSU and 16 from BYU.

“I’m very happy with this team,” said Watkins.  “As we thought, it’s not the most talented team but they really work together for each other.  They are fun to be around.  I’m excited to see where we can go.”

“We’ve got passion,” said Pugmire.  “The guys really want to win.  We’ve got desire.  We’ve got the players and talent.  It’s fun.  There’s still a lot of work to do but it’s better.  It’s so fun to play with these guys.”

The Cougars next fall exhibition game is against Utah Valley next Friday at 7 p.m. in Provo.

Scoring Summary
33′    BYU 1-0    BJ Pugmire (Unassisted)
90+’  BYU  2-0   BJ Pugmire  (Toni Niccoli)

Final Stats
WSU        BYU
Shots                        9                17
Shots on Goal         5                10
Fouls                       24               16
Corners                    5                 2
Saves                        8                 5
Offsides                    1                 3
Yellow Cards           8                 1
Red Cards                3                 1

Cautions
18′  WSU   Jeff Rogers
32′  WSU   Shea Miller
53′  WSU   Mike Hodgen
54′  WSU   Erik Creamer
59′  WSU   Aaron McKinley
65′  BYU    Ethan Meyer
68′  WSU   Jess Patterson
80′  WSU   Bracken Wooden
82′  WSU   Ben Steggell

Ejections
83′  BYU    Ethan Meyer
83′  WSU   Eric Creamer
90′  WSU   Aaron McKinley
90′  WSU   Jeff Rogers

Listen to post game audio interviews with head coach, Chris Watkins; senior forward BJ Pugmire, and senior goalkeeper Cory Cosgrave.

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BJ Pugmire and the Cougars play Weber State, Friday at 6 p.m. (Daily Universe)

PROVO, Utah (Oct. 6, 2010) — BYU and its alumni are preparing for a weekend of reunion and matches as the Cougars play Weber State, this Friday at 6 p.m. and the Alumni play Utah Valley at 8 p.m. at South Field. Tickets go for $5 each for the first game, while the second game is free. The Alumni will also play each other Saturday at 12 p.m. for free.

“I know they (Weber State) always play us really well,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins. “They bring out a good team. They really compete hard against us and that’s what we need right now. It’s a great match for us.”

BYU is 1-0 in the fall season after a 3-1 win against Utah State on September 24. Senior defender, Tyler Christiansen gave the Cougars the lead three minutes into the game. Jantzen Romney added a goal before the half for the game-winner and Kip Critchlow scored in the second half to seal the victory.

“I think we are probably a better team than we were a year ago,” said Watkins. “I like our team now for sure. The difference now is we struggle to score goals. Any game is competitive if you struggle to score goals. It’s not life or death to win or lose. It’s really important for us to play well and show improvement.”

In 2009 the two teams tied 1-1 in a double overtime draw. Blake Tillotson scored for BYU in the first half and Weber State’s Kyle Christensen scored in the 83rd minute for the tie. The Wildcats are a club team competing in the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association. The Wildcats won the national championship in 2009. BYU competed in the same league prior to 2003.

“We’ve got a lot to prove,” said senior forward, BJ Pugmire. “This year everyone is coming back really committed. Weber is a very physical team. They’re the club national champions. They’ve got a good resume. They’re a good team. They’ll be the best competition we’ve played thus far but I’m pretty confident in the way we are playing right now that we’ll be able to show well and dominate possession as usual.”

Prior to BYU’s entrance into the Premier Development League in 2003, the Cougars won seven national titles between 1993 and 2001. BYU expects 45-50 alumni to return to Provo for a game or two of action plus a close up look at the 2010 fall team and some fund raising opportunities.

“It’s a fun weekend for a lot of us,” said Watkins. “It’s good for our players to see and appreciate the alumni.”

The Cougars wrap up the fall season with a game against Utah Valley next Friday, October 15 at 7 p.m. in Provo.

Follow the Cougars on www.byusoccer.com and www.twitter.com/byusoccer.

Quick Facts
What: Men’s Soccer — Weber State @ BYU
When: Friday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.
Where: The Stadium at South Field in Provo, Utah

What: Men’s Soccer — Utah Valley @ BYU Alumni
When: Friday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Stadium at South Field in Provo, Utah

What: Men’s Soccer — BYU Alumni vs. BYU Alumni
When: Saturday, Oct. 9 at 12 p.m.
Where: Haws FieldTweet

Catch up with the BYU men’s soccer team at practice today by listening to head coach, Chris Watkins and senior forward, BJ Pugmire. They discuss the practice conditions, the new faces of the fall season, and the upcoming matchup with Weber State this weekend.

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BYU will play Weber State this Friday, October 8 at 6 p.m. at the Stadium at South Field.  It’s $5 for everyone.  The alumni will play Utah Valley at 8 p.m. on South Field.  That game is free.  The alumni will also play against each other on Saturday, October 9 at noon.  That is also free.Tweet

Kip Critchlow led the Cougars to victory, Friday night. (Daily Universe)

PROVO, Utah (Sept. 24, 2010) — The BYU men’s soccer team dominated Utah State to the tune of 3-1 on Friday night at South Field in Provo.  The Cougars outshot the Aggies, 21-3 and controlled possession the entire game.

“Our starters were brilliant,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “They did a great job of keeping the ball on every occasion and I’m not sure Utah State crossed the midfield stripe but one time while our starters were out on the field.”

BYU scored three minutes into the game with a Tyler Christiansen goal, curled into the far post from a Doug Clark pass out of the midfield.  The Cougars continued holding the ball all of the first half, finishing another goal in the 42nd minute with a laser inside the near post from Janzten Romney, assisted by BJ Pugmire.  The “Y” added a third goal in the 67th minute from Kip Critchlow who found himself wide open on the back post after a beautiful cross from sophomore, Toni Niccoli.  Utah State got on the board with a score in the 85th minute on a header from a set piece.

Chris Watkins was pleased with BYU’s play as well as the attitude of a team, rebounding from a tough PDL summer season.

“The team looked really excited,” he said.  “You could feel the rhythm was there.  The movement was there.  I think we’re excited to be out there to play.”  “We were pinging the ball really well.  We probably connected 10-12 passes on every possession.”

Sophomore midfielder, Kip Critchlow led BYU in assists as a freshman and continued his great possession play Friday night.

“Kip was the man of the match,” said Watkins continued.  “He controlled everything.  He had the ball the whole game and they couldn’t do anything about it.”

BYU next game is Friday, October 8 at 7 p.m. against Weber State.  The alumni game will be played at 4 p.m. the same day.

“I took a little bit from this than I normally would,” said Watkins.  “I really enjoyed watching the team.  They played with great rhythm.”

Starters
F-Janzten Romney, Blake Tillotson
M-Toni Niccoli, Doug Clark, Kip Critchlow, BJ Pugmire
D-Junior Lartey, James Bindrup, Tyler Christiansen, Ethan Meyer
GK-Cory Cosgrave

Scoring Summary
Min.  Goal                               Assist
3′      Tyler Christiansen          Doug Clark
42′    Janzten Romney            BJ Pugmire
67′    Kip Critchlow                  Toni NiccoliTweet

Jarom Jordan

Pedro Vasconcelos will serve a mission in Santa Rosa, California.

Pedro Vasconcelos didn’t always want to go on a mission.  In fact, he wanted (and still does) to be a professional soccer player.  The Brazillian was born in an LDS family, went to church and did the right things but it wasn’t always in the cards to serve an two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  After the good examples of friends and a year at BYU, Vasconcelos received his mission call on July 9 to serve in the Santa Rosa, California mission, Spanish speaking.  He enters the Provo Missionary Training Center on November 30.

“I couldn’t believe it when I read it,” said Vasconcelos.  “I always wanted to go state-side.  I was way happy.  I was way emotional.”

Pedro’s road to this point has accumulated a lot of flyer miles.  Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil his family vacationed in the United States in 2000 and he returned in 2006 to live with his Aunt during the summer.  There he came in contact with and played for the club, Impact for a while in Salt Lake City.  Returning to Brazil, wanting to one day return, Impact coach, Connie Martin asked if he wanted to come back to the U.S. to play with the team.  Vasconcelos said yes but realized he needed a family to volunteer to host him as a foreign exchange student or else he could be placed anywhere in the country.  That’s where high school and BYU teammate, Matt Rider comes in.

Matt Rider (Left) is serving in Lima, Peru.

Rider and Vasconcelos became best friends while playing club and high school soccer at East.  Rider’s family volunteered to host Vasconcelos and he returned to Utah for his senior year of high school during the fall of 2008 to play in the spring of 2009.  Vasconcelos and Rider teamed up to lead East to a third place finish in Region 6 and a birth into the State Tournament.  Rider was already recruited by BYU and in February, Vasconcelos made the team as well.

This past summer the two became regular starters for the Cougars, an accomplishment rather uncommon for freshmen to do.  Vasconcelos played in 10 of BYU’s 16 games and scored a goal in the final regular season contest against Ogden.  He credits his year at BYU as the most influential of his life.

“It helped me so much to make good choices when I’m around people that make good choices,” he said.  “The BYU environment created a desire to do good in me.”

“Pedro has a real love and passion for the game,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.   “He has amazing creativity and skill going forward.  He will be a great loss for our team, but we look forward to having him join us in two years.”

Vasconcelos still lives with the Rider’s who saw Matt leave on his mission on August 11 to Lima, Peru.  Pedro is an assistant coach with the East high school girls soccer team and occasionally helps with his old club, Impact.  He will return to Brazil on October 5 to stay with his family until he returns to Provo on November 30 to enter the MTC.Tweet

Watch this video to hear assistant coach, Clay Christenson discuss BYU’s new roster and preparation for Utah State this Friday.

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BYU plays Utah State, Friday at 7 p.m. in Provo. (BYU Photo)

PROVO, Utah (Sept. 20, 2010) — The BYU men’s soccer team opens its fall schedule with a Friday night tilt against in-state rival, Utah State on Friday, September 24 at 7 p.m at the Stadium at South Field.  It is the first of three games in four weeks for the Cougars.  All tickets are $5.

“We want to get a win,” said assistant coach, Clay Christenson.  “We’ve structured practice to get the best 11 on the field and they’ll get the opportunity to prove themselves.  I’m anxious to see who will rise to the occasion.  No doubt Utah State is looking forward to it too.  They’ve got a good team and given us a good game the last few years.”

In 2009 BYU beat USU, 2-0 on September 25.  The Cougars started eight freshman, highlighted by rookie, Nils Lofgren (81st minute) and senior, Britton Osborne’s (88th minute) goals while Jake Petersen and Bryan Black combined for a shutout.

BYU returns 19 of the 30 players from the Premier Development League roster and four starters.  A lot of new faces will don the Cougars blue, Friday with an expected game roster of 18 players.

“We’ll probably have a good rotation to get other guys a good look because there is a lot of talent out here,” said Christenson.

BYU will play a three-game fall exhibition schedule with additional contests against Weber State (Oct. 8), and Utah Valley (Oct. 15).  All three are at the Stadium at South Field in Provo and kickoff at 7 p.m.  The alumni game is set for October 8 at 4 p.m.

Follow the Cougars on www.byusoccer.com and www.twitter.com/byusoccer

Premier Development League
BYU’s summer schedule is in the Premier Development League.  After winning seven club national championships, the Cougars 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.

Quick Facts
What: Men’s Soccer — Utah State @ BYU
When: Friday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Stadium at South Field in Provo, UtahTweet