Box Score

Video: BYU Coach – Chris Watkins Postgame

PROVO, Utah (May 20, 2011) — In BYU’s Premier Development League home opener, the Cougars lost 3-0 to the Fresno Fuego Friday night. BYU is now 5-2-1 on the year and 0-2-1 in the PDL.

“I’m obviously very disappointed,” said head coach, Chris Watkins. “It’s always going to be tough. We need to play with more energy and more belief in ourselves.”

The undefeated Fresno side started the game with a bang, scoring in the first 10 seconds off the kickoff. Jose Cuevas launched a ball at BYU’s backline that took a perfect bounce to the path of striker, Gustavo Silva who evaded one defender who slipped on the wet grass and beat another one to put his first goal of the season in the back of the net.

The Cougars had solid possession in the midfield for the next 25 minutes until a foul created a set piece opportunity outside BYU’s box in the 27th minute for the Fuego. Gastavo Cignetti blasted a strike into the upper left part of the net, beyond the diving reach of Cougar goalkeeper, Cory Cosgrave off the free kick to go ahead 2-0.

BYU rebounded with great pace and momentum resulting in its best offensive chance of the half when Scott Heaton made a great cross to BJ Pugmire who missed an open net when he hit the post a minute before the halftime whistle.

Two minutes into the second half, Fresno sub, Tyler Reinhart scored his second goal of the season as he received a pass in the air from Gastavo Cignetti, then controlled it, cut back and ripped a third goal through the net for the Fuego.

BYU exhausted its six subs for fresh legs and had great looks at times but were shutout at home for the first time in five games. The Cougars connected 352 passes in the game. BYU is now 4-3-2 in PDL home openers alltime.

“We played a lot better the (on May 12 versus Fresno),” said Watkins. “We need to believe in ourselves. We have to know that we can go toe to toe with teams otherwise it’s going to be a long season.”

Fresno won both meetings this season, 2-0 on May 12 and 3-0 on May 20. The Cougars now prepare for the Ogden Outlaws on Tuesday, May 24. The game will be live on BYUtv.Tweet

If you want to watch or rewatch the BYUtv broadcasts from 2010 Premier Development League season, go this link on BYUtv’s website.  Only three of the games are up right now but the other four should be up in the coming weeks.

May 12    U21 Mexican National Team
May 21    Los Angeles Legends
May 22    Lancaster Rattlers
June 19   Orange County Blue Star
July 8      Hollywood United Hitmen
July 10    Ventura County Fusion
July 16    Fresno Fuego

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In 2006, BYUtv produced a documentary, following the BYU men’s soccer team on its pre-season trip to Mexico. The documentary shows the team’s highlights from exhibitions against Pachuca and Clube America, firesides in the community, visiting locals, service projects, and the effect the University and team have on their lives.

Watch it below, on BYUtv Saturday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m., or online at this link.

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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)

PROVO, Utah (July 8, 2010) — Hollywood overpowered BYU, Thursday night en route to a 3-1 victory against the Cougars.  Hollywood (8-2-2) extends its winning streak to seven games while BYU (3-8-2) ensures itself of a sub-.500 season.

“I am a little disappointed we gave up three goals,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “We had a decent chance in the second half.  I thought our game plan was pretty good. Giving up that first goal in the first half was pretty tough.  Our only goal in the first half was to keep zero on the board.  We were hoping to win this game, 1-0.  We had to open up the game a little more.  We got one but the game plan didn’t work out perfectly.”

Tyler Christiansen scored his first goal as a Cougar, Thursday night. (BYU Photo)

The Hitmen’s leading scorer, Jaime Chavez scored his eighth goal of the season in the 39th minute on a short cross inside the six-yard box from Oscar Sims to open the scoring.  The Hitmen added a second goal in the 72nd minute via substitute Esaul Mendoza on a pass from Jaime Chavez.  It appeared that Chavez hit the ball with his hand but no call was made.

Down 2-0, the Cougars did make it interesting in the 79th minute off a corner kick from Britton Osborne.  The ball hit Hollywood goalkeeper, Jose Miranda in the hands, bounced free to Kip Critchlow who tapped it at goal, deflected off a Hollywood defender, and Tyler Christiansen put it away for his first career goal as a Cougar to make it 2-1.

Three minutes later in the 82nd, BYU defender, Drew Van Wagenen was called for a foul on Jaime Chavez in the penalty area that Rene Corona scored down the middle on the penalty kick to put it away, 3-1.

“Our guys know we’re playing good teams,” said Watkins.  “They know we’re playing fairly well.  So to their credit they keep their heads up and keep working hard which is really an impressive quality and I hope really provides us with a good finish to our season.”

BYU plays 2009 Premier Development League Champion, Ventura County Fusion on Saturday at 8 p.m. MT in Provo.  The game will be broadcast, tape delayed on BYUtv and www.byutv.org/live at 10 p.m. MT.

Scoring Summary
39′   Hollywood: Jaime Chavez (Oscar Sims)
72′   Hollywood: Esaul Mendoza (Jaime Chavez)
79′   BYU: Tyler Christiansen (Kip Critchlow)
82′   Hollywood: Rene Corona (PK)

Postgame Notes
-Freshman defender, Junior Lartey played his first game as a Cougar
-Tyler Christiansen scored his first career goal
-Kip Critchlow leads the Cougars with four assists
-Brady Marshall was slated to start but hurt his ankle yesterday and Zach De Francis got his first start of the year
-Pedro Vasconcelos suffered a mild MCL sprain and is doubtful for Saturday
-BYU is now 1-7-1 when the opponent scores first and 1-6-1 when trailing at the half
-The Cougars are now mathematically eliminated from the playoffs and guaranteed a losing recordTweet

PROVO, Utah (May 22, 2010) — BYU lost its second straight home game Saturday night to the Lancaster Rattlers, 1-0 at the Stadium at South Field.  The Cougars controlled most of the possession for the game and out shot the Rattlers, 22-7, including 8 corner kicks but were shut out for the weekend.  The Cougars are now 0-2-1 and Lancaster improves to 1-1-3 in the Southwest Division of the Premier Development League.

“I would put this as one of the most disappointing weekends we’ve had at home,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “We played two games we could have won and we lost.  To go 0-2 at home is a major blow for us.  We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

BYU senior defender, Drew Van Wagenen, who played his 5,000th minute as a Cougar tonight was called for  handling in the penalty area, resulting in an Andres Bueno penalty kick that gave Lancaster a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute.  Cougar opponents have scored the first goal in all three PDL games this year.

Senior defender, KC Whitworth says BYU will still have a good season. (BYU Photo)

BYU had multiple quality chances to get an equalizer but didn’t connect.  Lancaster dropped nine players into the defensive half for the final 45 minutes, repelling multiple attempts by Toni Niccoli, BJ Pugmire, and Jantzen Romney.

“It’s incredibly disappointing,” said Watkins.  “With 22 shots you can make an excuse on one but with 22 you need a little more quality.  You’ve got to expect a little more of yourself individually.  Our forwards didn’t take anyone on and beat someone in the offensive third.”

“It’s an interesting game,” said senior defender and co-captain, KC Whitworth.  “It’s whoever gets the ball in the net more.  We didn’t score this weekend so we can’t expect to win.  It’s really hard.”

Lancaster received three bookings on the night with yellow cards going to Hany Helmy (28), Zach Brunner (36), and Tyler Coombs (86).  Whitworth received a yellow in the 64th minute.  BYU was shut out on back-to-back games for the first time since May 30 and June 9 of last season.

“Most of our issues are psychological,” said Watkins.  “One goal would go a long ways but we’ll go and practice hard.  I don’t have a whole lot of drills in my rolodex here to try and boost our psyche to believe they are great players.  They have to earn that on the field.  We’ll try to replicate that in practice.”

“We’re only three games into the season,” said Whitworth.  “Both teams we played this weekend, they were doing dances in the locker room because they know that we were the better team.  We are a great team.  It will be a good season.”

BYU travels next week to play the Los Angeles Legends on Thursday, May 27.  Miss the game?  Watch it for up to two weeks after the airdate on www.byu.tv.

Scoring Summary
LAN 1-0   34′  Andres Bueno (PK)

Final Stats
LAN      BYU
Goals                  1          0
Shots                  7         22
Fouls                  10         9
Offsides               4          5
Yellow Cards       3          1

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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.

Click here for the game notes PDF

PROVO, Utah (May 3, 2010) — The BYU men’s soccer team will begin the 2010 Premier Development League season this Saturday, May 8 on the road against the Orange County Blue Star.  The game begins at 5 p.m. (PT) at Concordia University in Irvine, California.

PREVIEWING THE COUGARS
Eight starters return this season, including goal keeper, Bryan Black, veteran defenders, KC Whitworth and Drew VanWagenen, midfielders Brent Jensen and Britt Osborne, as well as forwards Zach De Francis, Brady Marshall, and BJ Pugmire. The Cougars lost seven players to graduation, including All-PDL western conference honorable mention midfielder, Richie Bindrup. BYU welcomes back five returned missionaries and seven freshman will join the team out of high school in June after their graduations.

2009 REVIEW
BYU finished 7-5-4 overall, in fourth position in the southwest division and just one spot out of the playoffs. Despite some major injuries the Cougars defeated Southwest Division champion, Hollywood Hitmen, 1-0 and tied eventual PDL champ, Ventura County 2-2.

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.

FOLLOW THE COUGARS ONLINE
Check out the Cougars on twitter at www.twitter.com/byusoccer

or on the official website at www.byusoccer.com.

QUICK FACTS
Who: BYU Cougars vs. Orange County Blue Star
When: Saturday, May 8 at 5 p.m. PT
Where:  Concordia University (Irvine, CA)

Senior forward, Zach De Francis and the Cougars open the PDL season this Saturday at Orange County.

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Can you believe the Premier Development League regular season begins next Saturday for BYU?  The Cougars will face the Orange County Blue Star on the road in the first contest of the 16-game regular season.  The Cougars were one spot out of the playoffs last season and are working hard to get back into it.  The playoff format changed from three teams back to two from each division this season so it will be that much more competitive.  BYU has a nice collection of veterans, returned missionaries, newcomers, and incoming freshman.

I’m really excited to see it all gel on the field.  The team feels it has gathered some momentum from the spring exhibition contests against the likes of Mesa St., UNLV, Real Salt Lake, and Weber State to start the season strong.

After the Cougars first PDL game, they’ll play the U-21 Mexican national team the next Wednesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. in Provo.  That game is huge.  Their players are professionals in Mexico, could play in the Olympics in two years, and even the World Cup in four years for Mexico.  They are quite talented.  If you can’t make it to the game ($10 reserved, $6 general admission), watch it on BYUtv or online at www.byu.tv.

It’s always fun to see the great games BYU lines up.  It awesome to play in the PDL but to add teams in the past couple of years to the schedule like Real Salt Lake, Fiji, Coventry City, and the U-21 Mexican national team is impressive.  Don’t miss out!Tweet

Jarom Jordan
jarom.jordan@byu.edu
801-471-4469

PROVO, Utah (April 26, 2010) — The BYU men’s soccer team will host the U-21 Mexican National Team, Wednesday May 12 in Provo.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Stadium at South Field in Provo, Utah.  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.   Those can be purchased at Rancho Markets, Utah Community Credit Union, or www.byutickets.com.  BYU expects a sellout.

“It will be a huge event,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “Obviously it will be a great game for us.  There’s no question about their abilities and talents.  They are all full professional players and have been for several years and are the very best of what Mexico has to offer.  It’s a great challenge, opportunity, and platform for our team to play on.  Hopefully we bring out some of the local Latino population that want to come out and watch them play.  Hopefully we will represent ourselves well and have a good night.”

The Mexican under-21 team is second only to the senior national men’s team, which will compete in this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.  This is the first time a Mexican national team has played against the BYU men’s team.  It is the first international friendly for the Cougars since defeating the Fijian national team, 3-1 in 2007.

Other national teams to visit Provo are the USA (2005) and El Salvador (2009) senior men’s national teams who used BYU’s facilities to practice for games in Salt Lake City.

PDL SEASON APPROACHES
BYU’s Premier Development League season is almost underway. The Cougars will practice Thursday and Friday of this week, scrimmage Weber State on Saturday at Haws Field and begin afternoon practices next week.  BYU opens on the road at the Orange County Blue Star, May 8.  The first home game is May 21 versus the Los Angeles Legends.

2010 SPRING SEASON REVIEW
BYU is 2-1-1 in spring pre-season play. The Cougars defeated the Mesa State Mavericks twice on March 20 in Grand Junction, Colorado in the team’s first pre-season games. The Cougars won the first game 3-0 on goals from BJ Pugmire (‘13), Zach DeFrancis (‘16), and Brady Marshall (‘56). In the second game the Cougars won 2-1. March 27 BYU tied the UNLV Rebels 0-0 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  April 7, MLS Cup Champion, Real Salt Lake won 6-0 in a scrimmage in Lehi.  In the fall, BYU went 1-1-1, defeating Utah State (2-0), tying Weber State (1-1), and losing to Real Salt Lake (4-1).

PREVIEWING THE COUGARS
Eight starters return this season, including goal keeper, Bryan Black, veteran defenders, KC Whitworth and Drew VanWagenen, midfielders Brent Jensen and Britt Osborne, as well as forwards Zach De Francis, Brady Marshall, and BJ Pugmire. The Cougars lost seven players to graduation, including All-PDL western conference honorable mention midfielder, Richie Bindrup.  BYU welcomes back five returned missionaries and seven freshman will join the team out of high school in June after their graduations.

2009 REVIEW
BYU finished 7-5-4 overall, in fourth position in the southwest division and just one spot out of the playoffs. Despite some major injuries the Cougars defeated Southwest Division champion, Hollywood Hitmen, 1-0 and tied eventual PDL champ, Ventura County 2-2.

PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
After winning seven club national championships, Brigham Young University 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.

FOLLOW THE COUGARS ONLINE
Check out the Cougars on twitter at www.twitter.com/byusoccer or on the official website at www.byusoccer.com.

QUICK FACTS
Who: BYU Cougars vs. U-21 Mexican National Team
When: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 7 p.m. MT
Where: The Stadium at South Field in Provo, Utah
Tickets:  $10 reserved, $6 general admission
TV: BYUtv or www.byu.tv

BYU will host the U-21 Mexican National Team on May 12 at 7 p.m.

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