BYU Assistant Coach, Clay Christenson gives his thoughts about the team “From the Box”.

Nobody walked away on Saturday night satisfied with our 2-game weekend performance. The first issue the team needs to deal with is defensive. In both games this past weekend, we conceded goals within the first 15 minutes. Playing from behind completely changes the dynamic of the game. Because you feel pressure to equalize with a goal, decision making generally gets worse and you’ll typically leave large gaps on defense which increases the odds the other team scores again. You have an uphill battle for the rest of the game, we have to keep our opponents to zero.

On the flip side, we have to put balls in the back of the net. As a team, we had nearly 30 shots on goal this weekend with only two goals. We are still searching for players who are not only hungry to create opportunities to score, but also have the composure to do so when the pressure is on. I know we have the effort, there’s no doubt that the guys on the field want to score and make a difference, but we’re hopeful that those difference makers rise up sooner than later. If we can’t put goals on the board and turn the pressure on our opponents, it’s going to be difficult to get three points out of a the rest of our matches.

So after a frustrating weekend each player, coach, and fan have two options. The first is to point the finger of blame at everyone else, not make any changes to how you prepare for a game, and basically settle into the mindset of, “We’re just happy to be here.” The second is to pull out the positive, go back to working harder than ever, and believe in yourself and the fact that YOU can make a positive difference, and prepare to win in every way next Friday at 7 p.m. Fortunately, the guys on the team, the other coaches, and fans all emphatically choose option two.

Let me make a case in point of one player who had an immense impact on both games this weekend, Colby Bauer. Colby is one of the smallest guys on the entire field but I guarantee he won more head balls and tackles than any other player both nights. His effort is always relentless every minute he is on the field and because of that, he’s rewarded with tackles, head balls, and difference-making plays on the field. In practice, Colby does the same thing, and I know all the players see it and respect it. We need more players to go out on the field with the mindset Colby has, he fears no one and is willing to sacrifice his body at any moment and on any tackle just to make sure we win. Back to work on Tuesday, we’ll be ready on Friday night. Go cougs!Tweet