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

FRESNO, California (May 12, 2011) – The BYU men’s soccer team dropped its season opener on the road at Chukchansi Park Thursday night against the Fresno Fuego, 2-0.  It is the first season opening loss for the Cougars since 2004 and just the second season opening loss ever.

“I thought we played very well for the majority of the game,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins. “We had some great chances. Fresno is a great team. We really looked sharp. For much of the game we felt like we had the advantage. Once they scored that first goal we lost the momentum. We gave up the ball right in front of our own goal. It took out our heart. “

BYU (0-1-0) created several quality scoring opportunities but were shutout. Junior midfielder Doug Clark had a shot from distance in the first half that was saved by the finger tips of Fuego goalkeeper, Gilbert Vega. BYU also missed a chance after a great buildup from a Cory Cosgrave goal kick resulting in sophomore forward, Garrett Losee beating the keeper on a header but a defender cleared the ball on the endline.

After a scoreless shutout at halftime, Fresno (1-2-0) got on the board in the 65th minute when Jose Cuevas (1) scored the first goal in three games for Fresno. In the 80th minute the Fuego put the game away with a strike from Andrew Campbell (1).

“I thought we played pretty well for about 60 minutes,” said senior midfielder, BJ Pugmire. “In the first half it was a very even game. We possessed it well. In the second half we played balls a little longer, looking for a goal and weren’t patient in the buildup. We’ve found some places to improve where we can excel.”

The Cougars completed 168 passes on the night and BJ Pugmire, Garrett Losee, and Ethan Meyer received yellow cards. Fresno now leads the series history, 6-3 with a nine goal differential. They’ve won the last four meetings dating back to 2007.

BYU will travel south to Irvine, California to play the Orange County Blue Star on Saturday at 5 p.m. at Concordia University. The Blue Star lead the PDL with nine goals in two games, both wins to lead the Southwest Division with six points. The Cougars look to beat the Blue Star for the first time in program history (0-8-3 all-time).

Follow the Cougars on www.byusoccer.com and Twitter.Tweet

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

Jarom Jordan

Click here for PDF Game Notes

PROVO, Utah (June 21, 2010) — BYU will attempt to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, on the road this week.  The Cougars play at Fresno on Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. PT and at Lancaster on Saturday, June 26 at 5 p.m. PT

Thursday?s game will be be broadcast, tape delayed locally in Fresno on Telemundo at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 26.

“We are anxious to get out and play again,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “We have proven to play well on the road and we will need to play our best to get points in Fresno.  It was a disappointing loss at home to Lancaster and I am sure we will be motivated to see Lancaster.”

The Cougars will meet Fresno for the first time this season while Saturday?s match with Lancaster will be the second meeting of the season.  BYU is 2-5-2 with 8 points and sits in eighth place in the southwest division.

“Every game is a must win situation for us now,” said junior forward, BJ Pugmire.  “If we want to salvage anything from this season we have to start scoring some goals and winning games.  Fresno and Lancaster are both winnable games, and it?s crucial that we get positive results this weekend.”

Kip Critchlow and the Cougars need to nab six points on the road this weekend. (BYU Photo)

BYU is 3-3 all-time against the Fresno Fuego, having won three of the last four meetings.  Fabricio Codeceira and Milton Blanco lead the Fuego with four goals each this year.  Fresno boasts a win over 2009 PDL Champion, Ventura County and ties with Hollywood and Los Angeles.  The Fuego is 3-4-2 with 11 points and in fifth place in the southwest division.

The Cougars look to avenge a 1-0 loss to the Lancaster Rattlers on May 22 at home.  BYU is 1-1-1 all-time versus the Snakes who are 2-5-3 this season with nine points and in seventh place.  Andres Bueno leads Lancaster with six goals, followed by Miguel Barrera with five.

Last weekend BYU beat Southern California 2-1 on Friday and then lost 3-0 to division leading, Orange County on Saturday.  BYU will drive to Fresno Wednesday through the night and return early Sunday.

QUICK FACTS
Who: BYU Cougars vs. Fresno Fuego
When: Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. PT
Where: Chukchansi Park in Fresno, CA
TV: Tape delayed broadcast on Saturday, June 26 at 9:30 a.m. on Telemundo Fresno

Who: BYU Cougars vs. Lancaster Rattlers
When: Saturday, June 26 at 5 p.m. PT
Where: Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, CATweet