Junior midfielder, Connor Bassett gives his weekly thoughts about the team in “On the Pitch”.

I won’t spent too much time on the games.  I won’t make excuses, either.  By now, you probably already know the results: 2-0 at Fresno and 1-1 at Orange County.  I will say, however, that our team is excited and optimistic for the future.  The results from the past weekend don’t necessarily say it, but this is a good team.  If you’re still a skeptic then come and watch this Friday night when we take on the Fresno Fuego again at South Field.

Also, the comeback equalizer at Orange County was hard-fought.  We learned a lot about ourselves and our ability to fight back. I’ll venture to say that our strong desire to keep a never-say-never attitude will prove advantageous in the future.

Results aside, the weekend was a good experience for the team.  BJ Pugmire’s family was very generous.  We spent some time in their home playing pool, watching movies, joking around and having fun.  I should note here that BJ’s dad proved that he is true a master of the grill — the Pugmire’s dinner was undoubtedly the best we’ve had together all season long.

We also found out some other interesting, off-the-field things about each other.  For example, Coach Watkins is easily scared and is totally incapable of watching even semi scary movies.  Toni Nicoli is probably the worst pool player on the team, consequently he relays on technicalities to win games.  Easton Folster and myself proved to me the most surprising pool-playing-duo.  With Easton’s clutch play and my careful particularity, we were able to upset Coach Clay Christensen and Doug Clark (which was possibly one of the biggest upsets in team history).  Also, Junior Lartey is a true fisherman and, had he been given more time, I have no doubt that he could have fed the whole team with fish from the mall’s pond.

Most importantly, we learned that our teammates have the will to comeback from unfortunate results.  Coach Watkins probably said it best following the loss at Fresno: “BYU never quits.”Tweet

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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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

Junior goalkeeper, Cory Cosgrave is one of several Cougars who have played with the now defunct reserve team or trained with the 2009 MLS Cup Champs.  Here are some of Cory’s thought from that experience, about a month ago.

“I’m really not quite sure, but I think RSL first knew about me from Bryan. He has trained with them for some time and he approached me asking if I would be interested in doing it if he couldn’t make it or something.  Then one morning in May (maybe?) I got a call from Coach Watkins who said the RSL goalkeeper coach contacted him.  He asked me if I wanted to go train with them that morning, which I obviously agreed to.

So I went to Rio Tinto Stadium and signed a bunch of papers and what not. They gave me my training gear.  Met a few of the guys, but mostly just kept to myself in the locker room.  Then 30 minutes before training starts we head down to Xango field, their practice field.  I had a Chemistry test to take so I drove myself down so I could back to school.  Since the first time, the keeper coach has called me a few other times to come.

I was pretty nervous at the start, and still get that way a little, but its getting better.  It takes a few reps in warm-ups and they usually go away.   It’s that little kid feeling. You always dream of being a “professional soccer player” and for me this is probably the closest to it that I will ever get.

Each training, the keepers train for about 40 minutes then we move to playing small-sided games.  It’s been great for me because of the coaching I’m able to get to fix bad habits I’ve fallen into.  It’s great to be around the higher level of soccer.  I still make some “rookie” mistakes because of nerves or inexperience, but when I’m able to settle down, stop thinking so much and just play, then I honestly feel pretty comfortable and confident in playing against them.  It just takes one save to give you that boost.

Training with them gives me confidence because I’m improving and that usually carries over to our training.  At the same time, it keeps me plenty humble because at least once a practice I’ll take a wrist-breaking shot, or a shot to the face or stomach.  They do a good job of picking on the new guy. But it’s all good just to be there.”Tweet

Senior midfielder and co-captain, Britton Osborne talks about shooting a skills DVD with BYUtv at South Field on Friday, July 9.

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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

PROVO, Utah (May 12, 2010) — A tie might as well be a victory for the BYU Cougars against the U21 Mexico National team. Wednesday night in front of more than 3,500 fans, BYU tied some of the best Mexico has to offer, 2-2. The atmosphere was electric, the soccer superb, and the performance from both teams was at a high level.

“I certainly wouldn’t have bet on a tie or a win,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins. “It was certainly exciting for our fans and players. It was probably safe to say for everyone of (our players) it was probably the highlight of their soccer playing career. Our guys played really well. It was a great night.”

BYU started the scoring in the seventh minute when junior forward, Brady Marshall curled his way across the top of the box, dribbling with his left foot until he blasted a shot into the upper left corner to put the Cougars up 1-0. “Brady’s goal was special,” said Watkins. “It was one of those moments you’ll never forget and it set the tone for the night.”

The Cougars tacked on another goal in the 31st minute when Toni Niccoli gathered his deflected shot, volleyed the ball to himself and connected into the near post. “I think it kind of took a lucky bounce,” said the freshman forward. “I just took a touch off my knee and took it near post and it worked out.”

BYU goalkeeper, Bryan Black came up huge with seven saves on the night, including one in the first 30 seconds to prevent a quick goal from Mexico. “Bryan was big,” said Watkins. “He was outstanding and probably the man of the match.” “I think it’s a big deal (to tie) for our teams confidence,” said the junior goalkeeper. “We’ve played some pretty good teams in the PDL but that game right there showed that we can really play with some of the best players around. We are just a bunch of normal guys who work and are married and these guys; it’s their lives. The fact that we can draw with a team like that shows that we’re hard working and really good.”

Black’s only blemish came in the 42nd minute when he was called for a foul in the penalty area, resulting in a successful Luis Ramos penalty kick to put “El Tri” on the board. Both teams made several subs in the second half and Mexico got the equalizer on a loose ball in the box that Leopoldo Morales put away in the 72nd minute to tie the game at 2-2. “It was right in the box and I turned around and I just took it,” said Morales. “It was a great goal.”

“I think all of us came into this game nervous and wondering how it would go down against an international team, especially a powerhouse like Mexico and I feel like we really put it together,” said Niccoli. “If we play like that the rest of the season I don’t think there will be many teams to stop us.”

To watch the game again, go to www.byu.tv. BYU now prepares for the Los Angeles Legends, next Friday, May 21 at 8 p.m. in Provo. BYU Television will broadcast the game live, at 8 p.m.

POSTGAME NOTES
STATS
Mexico BYU
Goals 2 2
Shots 17 9
Shots on Goal 9 4
Corner Kicks 2 2
Fouls 16 20
Cards 3 3

BYU STARTERS
Forwards: Toni Niccoli, BJ Pugmire, Brady Marshall
Midfielders: Britton Osborne, Brent Jensen, Kip Critchlow
Defenders: James Bindrup, KC Whitworth, Tyler Christiansen, Cameron Lamb
Goalkeeper: Bryan Black

Subs: Blake Tillotson, Jantzen Romney, Trevor Henderson, Pedro Vasconcelos, Matt Rider, Drew Van Wagenen, Josh Patino

DOUBLE DOSE
BYU tied 2-2 for the second game in a row after a 2-2, Saturday versus the Orange County Blue Star in the PDL season opener.

NEXT UP
BYU hosts the Los Angeles Legends, next Friday, May 21 at 8 p.m. in Provo. It will be live on BYUtv.

BYU junior forward, Brady Marshall celebrates the first goal of the game with his teammates. (BYU Photo)

Freshman forward, Toni Niccoli scored BYU's second goal against Mexico (BYU Photo).

BYU coach, Chris Watkins called goalkeeper, Bryan Black the man of the match (BYU Photo).

Cameron Lamb and the BYU back four played a great game against Mexico (BYU Photo).

I’ll publish these officially tomorrow but here are the game notes for Wednesday’s game against the U21 Mexican National Team.  If you can’t make it to the game in Provo ($10 reserved, $6 general admission) the game will be live on BYU television and online at www.byu.tv.  Hugh Van Wagenen and I will be rockin’ the mic with Aaron Nilsson roaming the sidelines (or touch lines if you are from across the pond).

Game Notes 2

BYU will host the U21 Mexican National Team, Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Provo.

Assistant Coach, Clay Christenson gives his weekly thoughts about the team on the blog known as “From the Box”.

It took us only 7 minutes to dig a hole that would ultimately take 83 minutes to dig out on Saturday night (against Orange County) but we did it.  The guys showed a lot of fight and we’re excited to build on that this week.  What an amazing opportunity the guys have to play against some of the best players in the world on Wednesday night.   Many of the players we’ll go head to head against, will be vying for Mexico’s world cup team in 2014.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  These are the games you remember for the rest of your life.  I know the guys are very excited about it.

Assistant Coach, Clay Christenson shares his thoughts on Monday's on the blog.

IRVINE, California (May 8, 2010) — The BYU Cougars opened the Premier Development League season with a 2-2 tie on the road against the Orange County Blue Star (0-0-2). BYU is now 5-0-1 since 2005 in season openers. The Cougars (0-0-1) gave up two quick goals on defensive miscommunications but rallied to get a result.

“It was a tale of two halves. In the first seven minutes we were as bad as we’ve ever been,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins. “I’m not satisfied with the way we played but I am with the resolve and fight we played with tonight.”

“It was frustrating to go down 2-0 in the first seven minutes but this was a great team building experience to tie a good team like OC on the road,” said assistant coach, Chad Sackett.

The Blue Star got goals from Oscar Aguero in the third minute and Amani Walker in the seventh minute to take an early and commanding lead. Brady Marshall helped lead the Cougars back with a goal in the 25th minute off a counter attack set of passes from Kip Critchlow and BJ Pugmire. Marshall’s speed created problems for the Blue Star defense.

“Brady Marshall was a lot faster than their back line,” said senior, Britton Osborne. “He created 2-3 chances for himself and got the momentum back for us.”

The Cougars tied the game later in the second half with a cross on the end line from Kip Critchlow to Britton Osborne to tie the game at 2-2 in the 70th minute.

Goalkeeper, Bryan Black came up with a couple of huge saves to help secure a result on the road for BYU.

“Most of the time we’re on the road, we’re happy to get a point,” said Chris Watkins. “Today a point was fair and the right outcome for us. Orange County is a really good team and good on the attack. We had our hands full.”

BYU now prepares for a friendly with the U21 Mexican National Team on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Stadium at South Field. 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 and can be purchased at Rancho Markets, Utah Community Credit Union, or www.byutickets.com.

POST GAME NOTES
SCORING SUMMARY
‘3 Oscar Aguero (OC, 0-1)
‘7 Amani Walker (OC, 0-2)
‘25 Brady Marshall (BYU, 1-2)
‘70 Britton Osborne (BYU, 2-2)

SEASON OPENERS
BYU is now 5-0-1 in season opening games since 2005.

BACK-TO-BACK
The Cougars ended the 2009 season with a 2-2 tie at home against Orange County. BYU has now tied the Blue Star with that same score in consecutive games, spanning two seasons.

CAPTAINS
Seniors, KC Whitworth and Britton Osborne will both wear the captain’s armbands simultaneously each game for the Cougars.

STARTERS
Forwards: BJ Pugmire, Brady Marshall, Toni Niccoli
Midfielders: Britton Osborne, Brent Jensen, Kip Critchlow
Defenders: Drew Van Wagenen, KC Whitworth, Doug Clark, Cameron Lamb
Goalkeeper: Bryan Black

SUBS
James Bindrup, Zach De Francis, Blake Tillotson, Matt Rider, Trevor HendersonTweet