BJ Pugmire and the Cougars went undefeated during the fall season. (BYU Photo)

Jarom Jordan
jarom.jordan@byu.edu

PROVO, Utah (Nov. 29, 2010) — After a summer season in the Premier Development League with tough competition and 4-10-2 record, BYU ripped through its fall exhibition season, going undefeated and netting multiple goals in every game to take a step forward in preparation for next year.

“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.”

The Cougars schedule featured three in-state teams, all home games and a contest against the BYU alumni and a scrimmage against BYU-Idaho.

September 24 BYU opened its three-week slate with a matchup against the Utah State Aggies.  BYU outshot USU 21-3, possessing the ball nearly the entire game.  The Cougars got goals from Tyler Christiansen (3′), Jantzen Romney (42′), and Kip Critchlow (67′) for a 3-1 win.

Two weeks later on October 8 the Cougars had a cat fight with the Weber State Wildcats.  The game got messy with eight yellow cards and three reds against WSU while BYU also earned a yellow and red.  The Cougars won 2-0 with both goals coming from senior forward, BJ Pugmire.

“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.”

Later that evening the BYU Alumni played the Utah Valley University Alumni to a 3-0 win with a hat trick coming from BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.

The next day BYU played the BYU Alumni, whomping the old-timer’s, 9-0.  The Alumni also scrimmaged each other resulting in an 8-7 win for the, yep you guess it, Cougars.

The final game of the fall was October 15 when BYU played Utah Valley in the “University Parkway Collision”.  The Cougars amazingly didn’t allow a shot while putting in five on the Wolverines for a shutout victory.

The next afternoon the BYU reserves defeated sister-school, BYU-Idaho 2-1.

BYU finished the fall undefeated at 3-0 (beating Utah State, Weber State, Utah Valley), outscoring its opponents 10-1.  Tyler Christiansen, Jantzen Romney, BJ Pugmire, and Blake Tillotson scored two goals each while Kip Critchlow and Doug Clark had a goal a piece.

Clark, Toni Niccoli, and Romney all added two assists and Pugmire and Ethan Meyer had one assist each.

Romney finished first in points with six, trailed by Pugmire with five, and Clark, Tillotson, and Christiansen with four.

“From our first fall game to the last fall game, seeing that progression is what we want,” said assistant coach, Chad Sackett.  “All in all, pretty good.”

“I feel like we have a style,” said senior defender, Tyler Christiansen. “I credit that a lot to our center midfielders who are very confident receiving the ball and moving forward with it. That was something I feel really good about.”

The Cougars now take a break until the first week in January when the team will begin to train for tryouts in February and the PDL season next May.

Listen to an audio interview with head coach, Chris Watkins about the fall season.

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Blake Tillotson scored twice and had an assist in victory, Friday night. (BYU Photo)

PROVO, Utah (Oct. 15, 2010) — The BYU Cougars finished fall exhibition play with a 5-0 win in the “University Parkway Collision” against Utah Valley, Friday night.  The Cougars end the fall season undefeated at 3-0.

“I like our guys to end on that kind of a note,” said BYU assistant coach, Chad Sackett.  “I really wish we would have had more (goals) because it could have been that way.  We needed more but I’ll take 5-0.”

BYU dominated the game, out shooting UVU, 28-0 and recorded seven corners to the Wolverines zero.  Ten of the Cougars shots were on goal, netting half.

“At first nothing went right,” said midfielder, Doug Clark.  “Eventually, it’s just a numbers game.  If you shoot 28 times, you’ll score five goals.”

The Cougars scored the eventual game-winner in the 39th minute when Jantzen Romney fed Doug Clark a ball in the box which Clark buried in the upper left “v”.

In the second half, Blake Tillotson put the Cougars up 2-0 on a header off the keeper’s hands from a ball launched at midfield by freshman, Ethan Meyer.

In the 63rd minute BYU built another solid attack where Doug Clark crossed an end line ball into the six-yard box to Janzten Romney for the Cougars third goal.

The fourth goal came in 71st with Blake Tillotson finished a Jantzen Romney offering.  Tyler Christiansen put a five spot on the board when he took an errant James Bindrup touch, and did a spin move while flipping the ball over the keeper’s hands for the final score of 5-0.

“I knew where the goal was but to be honest there was some luck involved there,” said Christiansen.  “I pride myself on being a defender who can score.  I’m two for two.  Two shots, two goals.  I don’t think I want to play forward because that would ruin my numbers.”

BYU held UVU to zero shots, a feet not often seen or accomplished.

“That was pretty good,” said senior, defender, Tyler Christiansen.  “I think they weren’t confident coming straight at us.”

The Cougars will scrimmage BYU-Idaho at 5 p.m. on Saturday, officially ending the fall season.  BYU will break until January when they’ll begin training in the mornings in preparation for the late February tryouts for the summer Premier Development League team.

“Our first game to this game, seeing that progression is what we want,” said Sackett.

“I feel like we have a style,” said Christiansen.  “I credit that a lot to our center mid’s who are very confident receiving the ball and moving forward with it.  That was something I feel really good about.”

Post Game Notes:
Scoring Summary
39′   BYU       Doug Clark (Jantzen Romney)
55′   BYU       Blake Tillotson (Ethan Meyer)
63′   BYU       Jantzen Romney (Doug Clark)
71′   BYU       Blake Tillotson (Jantzen Romney)
90+ BYU       Tyler Christiansen (Unassisted)

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

Cards
76′    BYU   Jantzen Romney

Final Stats
Stat                   UVU             BYU
Shots                  0                   28
SOG                    0                  10
Fouls                 11                   4
Corners             0                    7
Saves                 5                    0
Offsides            1                     4
Cards                0                     1

Chris Watkins wasn’t at the game because he is with the #8 BYU women’s soccer team as an assistant coach in New Mexico for Saturday’s game between BYU and New Mexico.

Listen to audio interviews with Chad Sackett, Tyler Christiansen, and Doug Clark.

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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

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

Jarom Jordan
jarom.jordan@byu.edu

PROVO, Utah (August 28, 2010) — All five-foot-five of freshman midfielder, Trevor Henderson has been called to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Henderson will serve in the Toronto East, Canada mission.  He leaves September 15.

He says it’s tough to give up soccer but he knows he’s doing the right thing.  “It’s definitely not easy and is foreign to me,” he said.  “I never not played for two years.  I know I’m doing what’s right.  I’ll come back and be blessed for it.  It will be hard but I will work harder for it.  I believe strong enough in this to leave.  I know that it will take care of itself.  BYU is a great place to leave and come back from a mission.”

Henderson proved to be a valuable sub straight out of Timpanogos high school in Orem, Utah in 2009.  He recorded 102 minutes in six games, weeks removed from his high school graduation.  Following his first academic year at Brigham Young University, Henderson was hampered by a back injury that limited his play to 90 minutes over the course of seven games.  He registered an assist in BYU’s final game of the 2010 season against Ogden for his first point as a Cougar.

In addition to his soccer prowess, Henderson leaves two bands in need.  He plays keys for Vibrant Sound and the drums for Desert Noises.  “Vibrant Sound sometimes plays without keys,” he said.  “They’ll be OK.  They might find a replacement.  Desert Noises is in the process of finding a new drummer.”

Henderson enjoyed his year at BYU and looks forward to the future.

“It was great, phenomenal,” he said.  “After high school, club, and ODP you are looking for the next step above that.  BYU and the PDL is definitely the next step above it.  It was a pretty good game.  It was rough to be injury stricken this past season.  It was a humbling experience.  My freshman year, getting time was awesome.  It was an amazing experience.  I’m looking forward to coming back.”Tweet

OGDEN, Utah (July 17, 2010) — The BYU Cougars only won four games during the 2010 season but they will end the year on a winning streak.  Saturday night at Bonneville High School in Ogden the Cougars defeated the Ogden Outlaws, 3-1 to finish the year with a 4-10-2 record.

“I’m impressed with the players resilience,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “It would have been easy to fold the tent when Ogden scored the first goal.  It was heart breaking.  It took a while to bounce back, after halftime. I don’t know where it comes from.  It was impressive.”

Toni Niccoli won the BYU "Golden Boot" Saturday versus Ogden. (BYU Photo)

It was the Cougars second, 3-1 win against Ogden as both games produced an unanswered, three goal, come from behind win.

True to form this season, BYU gave up the first goal for the twelfth time in sixteen contests.  Midfielder, Collin Harrison found the back of the net in the 28th minute after a corner kick popped up to him where he promptly ripped a volley past Cougar keeper, Cory Cosgrave to lead 1-0.

Despite trailing at the intermission, the Cougars were hopeful of a comeback in the final game of the year.

“We went into halftime saying ‘what the heck?’  We were the better team,” said freshman forward, Toni Niccoli.  “We’ve had the trend to drop a goal in the first half.  It felt great to come back and get a win, especially against Ogden.  They are our rivals and the subs that came in really made a difference.  Our starters did a good job of wearing them down.  Things blew right open.  For probably 15 minutes we were unstoppable.”

Freshman midfielder, Pedro Vasconcelos scored his first goal versus Ogden. (BYU Photo)

In the 70th minute, Trevor Henderson set up Janzten Romney for the equalizer.  It was Henderson’s first assist of the year and second goal for Romney.  Just five minutes later, Romney returned the favor, this time to Toni Niccoli in the six yard box who slotted his team-leading fourth goal of the year that was the eventual game-winner and gave him the team “Golden Boot” this season.

“I’m excited we got a win and finished the season like we did,” said Niccoli.  “It was exciting to win.  To win the golden boot with four goals, I kind of had to chuckle at myself.  I was happy to contribute to the team this year.”

“Toni is our most comfortable player in front of the net,” said Watkins.  “It’s great that he took the golden boot.  I hope he wins it again next year, but has 14 goals.”

Just two minutes later, in the 77th minute, Kip Critchlow made one of his patented runs to the end line where he connected on his team-leading sixth assist of the year and first goal for Brazilian freshman midfielder, Pedro Vasconcelos to take a commanding, 3-1 lead.

“Pedro’s goal was fantastic,” said Watkins.  “He settled us down with his passing.  We only wanted 25 minutes out of him but he was great for 25 minutes.”

BYU will now break until September when the team will have a fall tryout and exhibition schedule in preparation for next season.

“2010 was probably our most difficult season ever.  We thought we were a good team.  We didn’t score goals.  We did a good job of keeping our heads up and not giving up.  We learned a lot and there are things we can take with us in the future.”

Post Game Notes:
-Both of Janzten Romney’s goals came against Ogden this season
-BYU won for the second time in 12 tries this year when the opponent scored first
-The Cougars won for the second time in 10 games, after trailing at the half
-Three of BYU’s four wins came on a Saturday
-All four of BYU’s win required 2+ goalsTweet

Neal Minson
For byusoccer.com

PROVO, Utah (July 16, 2010) — The BYU men’s soccer team had a hard night, Friday as they said farewell to five seniors and lost to the Fresno Fuego, 2-1.

“Well, that’s just kinda the way soccer goes, but our guys played well tonight,” said head coach, Chris Watkins.

Both teams started strong, each finding opportunities in the others defensive weaknesses, but the Fuego got the best of the BYU defense first, scoring in the 18th minute as a Milton Blanco’s cross slipped past BYU keeper Bryan Black, finding an open Fabricio Codeceira for the first goal.

Caption: BJ Pugmire scored his first goal of the season. (BYU Photo)

The Fuego had another opportunity 10 minutes later on a 1-v-1 situation with Black, but the BYU keeper’s hard effort and long reach knocked the ball just wide, denying the Fresno’s, Eddie Gutierrez of another goal.

BYU finally had an offensive close call of their own, as BJ Pugmire dribbled with some quick moves through the Fuego defense.  Unfortunately, his would-be tying shot soared just wide of the post.

The Cougars came out with a stronger offensive attack in the second half, finding opportunities on goal.  However, Fuego’s keeper, Gilbert Vega continued to stay on top of his game, consistently in front of the Cougar’s shots.

“We defiantly had a stronger second half,” said BYU keeper, Bryan Black.  “We had a lot of good chances on goal, but their goalkeeper had some great saves.  I give a lot of credit to him for the outcome of this game.”

Fresno’s keeper couldn’t keep it up all night however, as a quick counter attack down the side line by the Cougar’s had Kip Critchlow finding BJ Pugmire open for the tying goal in the 74th minute.  It was the first goal for Pugmire since returning this season from being injured the last two.

“I’m thrilled that BJ finally got a goal,” Watkins said.  “He’s been deserving of one for a long time.”

“It felt real good,” Pugmire said.  “It came at a good time, on a good night, in front of a good crowd.  It’s a good feeling.”

The Cougar’s then turned on the offensive pressure with multiple shots on goal but luck would not shine on BYU as a penalty kick was awarded to Fresno with less than a minute left in the game.  Fresno did score, but it appeared that Fabricio Codeceira did not have continuous forward movement during his shot.  The referee let the goal stand amid an eruption of emotion from the Cougar bench leading to assistant coach Clay Christenson receiving a red card for walking onto the field and a win for the Fresno Fuego.

“It’s been a tough season, but this team is like Rocky Balboa,” Watkins said.  “They get knocked around, but they just keep coming back.  I’ll remember this team for a long time because of that.”

The Cougars saw their departing seniors play hard in the final home game of the season.

Four seniors played their final games at home, including KC Whitworth. (BYU Photo)

The BYU men’s team is unique in the PDL, as it is the only university to be in the league.  Because the Cougar’s represent a school, they must release a player when he graduates.  Seniors, Brit Osborne, KC Whitworth, Bryan Black, Drew Van Wagenen, and Brent Jensen took the field for their final appearance as BYU Cougars.

“Yeah, I got a degree here at BYU, but I am going to remember the guys on the team, and the nights under the lights on the field,” said departing senior Brent Jensen.  “Being a player on this team has helped make me the person I am today.”

Brit Osborne played midfield as one of the team captains this year, and has scored more goals from outside the 18-yard box than any other current BYU player.  Graduating with a degree in Geology, Osborne is going to pursue his Master’s in Geology.

KC Whitworth played as a defender and is also a team captain this year.  Whitworth has started every game this season and is looking forward to pursuing a career in health care administration.

Bryan Black has been the starting goalie for the Cougars for the past three years, and has been rated among the top goalies in the Southwest division in the PDL including the top five goalies with shut-outs.

Drew Van Wagenen, who also played as a defender, is the last of four brothers who have played on the BYU men’s team for the past 16 years.  Van Wagenen has played in more BYU soccer games than any other player on the team, and is the final player to be part of the team when it was still a club.  Van Wagenen looks to have a career as a photojournalist.

Brent Jensen played midfield for BYU, and was always recognized by teammates and opponents alike for his constant effort and energy of the field, usually setting the tone of the game for the team.  Brent recently earned his degree in Economics.

Scoring Summary:
FRE: Fabricio Codeceira (Milton Blanco) 18
BYU: BJ Pugmire (Kip Critchlow) 74
FRE: Fabricio Codeceira (PK) 91

Post Game Video:

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Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. MT on BYUtv or www.byutv.org/live to watch BYU versus Fresno from Provo.

Click here for the preview of the matchup and other news from the team.

During the broadcast if you have questions or comments, email us at tvsports@byu.edu.

See ya tonight!

Jarom Jordan

Watch the final home game of the season versus Fresno on BYUtv tonight at 8 p.m. MT. (BYU Photo)

Jarom Jordan

Click here for complete game notes (PDF)

PROVO, Utah (July 13, 2010) — BYU will plays its final two games of the season this week, with senior night on Friday.  The Cougars play the Fresno Fuego in Provo on Friday, July 15 at 8 p.m. and the Ogden Outlaws on Saturday, July 16 at Bonneville High School at 6 p.m.  Friday’s game will be live on BYUtv and www.byutv.org/live with Jarom Jordan, Hugh Van Wagenen, and Aaron Nilsson on the mic.

BYU is 3-9-2 with 11 points in eighth place out of nine teams in the Premier Development League’s Southwest Division and out of playoff contention.  The Cougars lost a pair of games last weekend to Hollywood, 3-1 and Ventura County, 2-1 at home.  Britton Osborne, Brady Marshall, and Toni Niccoli have each scored three goals and combined for nine of the teams 13 goals this year.

Senior night is Friday versus Fresno. (BYU Photo)

Five seniors will play their final home games for BYU on Friday night.  They are KC Whitworth, Drew Van Wagenen, Bryan Black, Britton Osborne, and Brent Jensen.

The Fugeo is in fourth place at 6-4-3 and 21 points.  Fresno won 1-0 in the first meeting this season with a penalty kick in the 67th minute by Fabricio Codeceiro on June 24 at home.  Codeceira leads the team with seven goals and four assists, followed by Milton Blanco’s six goals and three assists.  The Fuego lead the series, 4-3 with a +6 goal differential (16-10).  Fresno has won two of the last three meetings and won the first two meetings back in 2003.  The Fuego won the most important meeting between the two squads in the 2007 Western Conference Final, 3-0.  BYU is 1-1 in Provo and 2-3 in Fresno.

“Fresno was a great team when we played them,” said BYU assistant coach, Clay Christenson.  “They had a lot of control of the ball in the middle.  They’ve got some talented players.  I think the advantage we have is that they’ll play the night before in Ogden.  Hopefully they’ll be a little worn down.  We’re at our home field with home fans.  Senior night is a special night.  I think guys give a little bit extra.”

“They (Fresno) are a very skillful team,” said senior midfielder, Britton Osborne.  “They are very good at keeping the ball but we can get our chances.  They’re good offensively but defensively they are not a very good team. They’ve had a lot of goals scored on them.  We need to score first and then I think it will be an easier game for us.”

Ogden is 2-8-2 with eight points and in last place in the division.  BYU won the first meeting this year, 3-1 on July 3.  Andrew Cornia and Kenan Powell lead the Outlaws with three goals a piece.  Triston Sommerville leads the team with four assists to go along with two goals.  BYU leads the series 14-2-1 with a +16 goal differential.  The Cougars used to meet their in-state rivals 3-4 times a year but 2010 marks the first equal scheduling among the eight Southwest Division teams playing each other twice, home and away.  BYU has won four in a row against the Outlaws and are 7-2-0 in Provo and 7-0-1 in Ogden.

“We’re excited for Ogden,” said Christenson.  “It’s the last game of the season.  If I remember correctly, I don’t think we’ve ever lost on their home field (7-0-1). I think the guys will be ready to play, especially those guys who will be ending their career’s.”

“We had an awful game (the first time against Ogden) and still came out with a win,” said Osborne.  “I’m expecting a win.  I think we’re a better team.”

QUICK FACTS
Who: Fresno Fuego vs. BYU Cougars
When: Friday, July 16 at 8 p.m. MT
Where: The Stadium at South Field in Provo, Utah
TV: Live on BYUtv or www.byutv.org/live (Jarom Jordan, Hugh Van Wagenen, Aaron Nilsson)

Who: BYU Cougars vs. Ogden Outlaws
When: Saturday, July 17 at 6 p.m. MT
Where: Bonneville High School in Ogden, Utah

PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
After winning seven club national championships, Brigham Young University joined the Premier Development League 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 United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League has proven to be an important stepping stone for top professionals now playing around the world.

PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Check out the Cougars on twitter at www.twitter.com/byusoccer or on the official website at www.byusoccer.com.Tweet

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