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 6, 2010) — BYU plays its toughest pair of home games this season when it hosts the Hollywood United Hitmen Thursday, July 8 and Ventura County Fusion on Saturday, July 10 in Provo.  Both matches kickoff at 8 p.m. MT.  The Hitmen won the Premier Development League’s Southwest Division in 2009 and the Fusion won the PDL Championship last season.  BYUtv will broadcast both matches with Thursday’s live at 8 p.m. MT and Saturday’s tape delayed at 10 p.m. MT.  Catch both online at www.byutv.org/live.

“It’s going to take a humongous effort from us,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “Both teams have tons of great players … We can play with great teams.  We have to play our very best.  We can do it but it takes a massive effort.”

BYU plays last year's Division and National Champions this week. (BYU Photo)

The Cougars snapped a three-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over the Ogden Outlaws on July 3.  BYU scored a single-game season-high three goals, including two from junior forward, Brady Marshall.  The Cougars had scored eight goals in 11 games prior to the outburst versus the Outlaws.  BYU has four games remaining and is 3-7-2 with 11 points and in eighth place in the Southwest Division.  If BYU wins its remaining four games it will finish with a .500 record.  Toni Niccoli, Britton Osborne, and Marshall lead the team with three goals each.

“I think our scoring slump, while it may not be over, we’re getting better and better with our attacking players,” said Watkins.  “I’d be surprised if we get shutout this weekend.”

With some help and two wins, BYU could ascend to fifth place in the division by Saturday night.  The Cougars are not mathematically eliminated from the PDL playoffs (top two teams in the division qualify) but hope hangs by a string with the Cougars need to win its final four and get some major help.  The Cougars earned a win and tie out of this home stand in 2009.

Hollywood is 7-2-2, on a 6-game win streak, and in second place.  The Hitmen can climb to first with a pair of wins this weekend against BYU and Ogden.  The Hitmen are led by forward, Jaime Chavez who has seven goals and five assists this year.  BYU is 1-2 versus the Hitmen all-time with a 1-0 win in Provo in 2009 and a 3-0 loss on June 3 on the road.

The defending national champion, Ventura County Fusion is a point behind the Hitmen with 22 at 7-3-1 in the division.  The Fusion is led by former MLS player, Brent Whitfield who has seven goals in six games but he will not travel to Utah this weekend.  Five other players have scored two this year.  BYU is 0-1-2 with two ties in the last two meetings, including a 0-0 draw on June 5.

“I think we’ve found that confidence again,” said junior defender, Tyler Christiansen.  “That win against Ogden was good for us.  It’s really easy to get into that mode, the ball doesn’t bounce your way, to get real pessimistic real quick.  I think we’ve bounced that back.  We have a great chance to finish with a .500 record and in the middle of the table.  We still have a lot to play for.”

QUICK FACTS
Who: Hollywood United Hitmen vs. BYU Cougars
When: Thursday, July 8 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: Ventura County Fusion vs. BYU Cougars
When: Saturday, July 10 at 8 p.m. MT
Where: The Stadium at South Field in Provo, Utah
TV: Tape delayed on BYUtv or www.byutv.org/live (Jarom Jordan, Hugh Van Wagenen, Aaron Nilsson)

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.

PROVO, Utah (July 3, 2010) — On a night featuring a firework display following the match, the BYU Cougars lit up the scoreboard during the match, with a 3-1 victory over the Ogden Outlaws.  The Cougars are now 3-7-2 while Ogden falls to 1-7-2.

Ogden scored a goal in the first half but junior forward, Brady Marshall scored the Cougars equalizer in the 45th minute with a putback following a header off the crossbar by freshman midfielder, Matt Rider.  The score was tied 1-1 at halftime.

Brady Marshall scored two goals versus Ogden, Saturday night. (BYU Photo)

In the second frame, Marshall received a pass over the top of the defense by Brazillian freshman forward, Pedro Vasconcelos, then scored the go-ahead goal with a chip over the Ogden goalkeeper to score his second goal of the game.  In the closing minutes the Outlaws put everyone in the box on a corner kick to try and tie the score.  The ball hit the post in the penalty area scrum but Cougar midfielder, Kip Critchlow tackled the ball away and assisted Jantzen Romney for a late goal to win, 3-1.  The assist was Critchlow’s team leading, third of the year and Romney’s first career goal as a Cougar.  It is also the first time the Cougars have scored three goals in a game this season.

“The win really meant a lot to us,” said Brady Marshall.  “It’s been a season full of frustration so it was nice to get back on track.  Scoring those goals really felt good since I’ve been in a slump.  Pedro came in and really changed the game.  His assist was beautiful.”

BYU will play games two and three of a four-game homestand this week with 2009 Southwest Division Champion, Hollywood United Hitmen in Provo on Thursday, July 8 followed by last year’s Premier Development League champions, the Ventura County Fusion on Saturday, July 10.  Both games will kickoff at 8 p.m. MT and be broadcast live on BYUtv and www.byutv.org/live.

Scoring Summary
Ogden: 0-1
BYU: 1-1, Brady Marshall (Matt Rider)
BYU: 2-1, Brady Marshall (Pedro Vasconcelos)
BYU: 3-1, Jantzen Romney (Kip Critchlow)

Postgame Notes
-BYU won its first game after trailing this season
-After being shutout two games in a row, BYU has scored the last two games
-The Cougars scored three goals Saturday night after totaling eight in the first 11 games
-Janzten Romney scored his first career goal as a Cougar
-Kip Critchlow added an assist to his team leading total of three
-Brady Marshall now joins Toni Niccoli and Britton Osborn with three goals this season to lead the team
-BYU needs to win its final four games to finish with a .500 record
-All four remaining games are in Utah and the next three are at home

LANCASTER, California (June 26, 2010) — On the same day the United States lost to Ghana 2-1 in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, BYU lost 2-1 to the Lancaster Rattlers.  The Rattlers swept the season series and lowered BYU’s record to 2-7-2 this season, also giving the Cougars a three-game losing streak.

“We’ve had a lot of positives on this trip,” said assistant coach, Chad Sackett.  “We’ve seen leadership and the guys come together.  In a way it’s a hard weekend.  The guys played well.  We have good players.  We had opportunities.  It’s like the USA national team today.  I compare how I felt after watching the USA play today and how we played this weekend.”

Britton Osborne scored in the loss to Lancaster. (BYU Photo)

BYU scored first for the third time this season when Toni Niccoli stole the ball from the Lancaster back line, passed off to Blake Tillotson who took a shot while Brit Osborne took the deflection and finished it in the 10th minute.  It was Osborne’s third goal of the season, which is tied for most on the team with Toni Niccoli and was the second fastest goal of the season.

Lancaster struck back in the 18th minute when Tyler Coombs scored his first goal of the year off a deflection by a Cougar defender to tied the score at one.  Just seven minutes later the Rattlers, Mauricio Harrie scored the game winner on a breakaway to beat BYU goalkeeper, Cory Cosgrave.

“It was just another unlucky game,” said junior defender, Doug Clark.  “We got beat by a team that we could have and should have beaten.  Whether it was the ball bouncing the wrong way or not finishing our chances, that’s just the way it went.”

Just before the half freshman, Pedro Vasconcelos scored a goal off a Britton Osborne cross but the goal was disallowed for an offside call.

The Cougars will bus back to Provo and prepare for their first meeting with in-state rival, Ogden on Saturday, July 3 at the Stadium at South Field.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MT and fans can watch the Stadium of Fire fireworks show in the stands, following the game.

Starters:
GK-Cory Cosgrave
D-Tyler Christiansen (Brady Marshall), Drew Van Wagenen, KC Whitworth, Cameron Lamb (Trevor Henderson)
M-Matt Rider (Doug Clark), Brent Jensen, Pedro Vasconcelos, Britton Osborne
F-Blake Tillotson (Zach De Francis), Toni Niccoli

Postgame Notes:
-The current three-game losing streak is the second three gamer of the season and ties the longest such skid since 2006
-After going 1-0-1 against the Rattlers in 2009, BYU lost both games this season
-BYU lost despite scoring first for the first time this year (2-1-0 when scoring first)
-The Cougars have scored eight goals in 11 games this year.
-BYU lost both games this week by a single goal
-BYU is 2-7-2 with five games remaining, meaning it will need to win its remaining games to salvage a .500 record.
-All five are in Utah, with four in Provo.

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)

Robbie Bullough produced a couple of videos for BYUtv, shown below.  The first is the entire roster in alphabetical order, on camera.  BYUtv edits this to show the starters for each broadcast.  The second video is P.I.G. soccer style with BJ Pugmire and Toni Niccoli.

Jarom Jordan

VENTURA, California (June 5, 2010) — The BYU Cougars tied the 2009 Premier Development League champion, Ventura County Fusion,  0-0 at Buena High School on Saturday night.  It was BYU’s first shutout of the season and first scoreless tie since June 16, 2006.

“We played really well,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “It’s been a season where we’ve been working hard.  Tonight was no different.  Things came together pretty well for us.  To come so close on the road is a little heart breaking but I’m proud of our performance tonight.”

The Cougars took a point on the road from the 09' PDL Champions. (BYU Photo)

“It brought back a little bit of the memories of playing the U21 Mexican national team,” said assistant coach, Chad Sackett.  “Everyone from the bench players to the starters played hard.  We possessed the ball well.  Soccer’s a funny game.  The fact that it ends up 0-0 is a good result for us.”

Despite multiple runs at goal throughout the 90 minutes, BYU’s best scoring chance came on the final play of the game.  Three minutes into stoppage time the Cougars took a corner kick that found the feet of freshman midfielder, Pedro Vasconcelos.  The Brazilian curled the ball into the upper right corner of the goal, only to see Ventura goalkeeper, Bryan Hill get a pinky on the ball, bouncing it off the crossbar and out.  The Cougars were out shot 8-6 and out cornered 4-3 but put continued pressure on the defending champs.

“You look back and it’s a good result for us on the road,” said senior midfielder, Brent Jensen.  “It’s a little unfortunate because we had chances to win it.  It was a fun game to play in.  We look forward to playing them again and getting a win at our place.”

The Fusion’s best opportunity was in the 30th minute when a long throw-in was flicked to the far post where league leading goal scorer and former Chivas USA forward, Brent Whitfield headed the ball on frame.  Bryan Black made the save and ended up securing his first shutout of the season and sixth of his career.

“Hopefully this provides a great stepping stone for us forward,” said Watkins.

BYU will have a week off before preparing for the Southern California Seahorses on Friday, June 18 in Provo.

Starters (Substitutions):
GK: Bryan Black
D: KC Whitworth, Drew Van Wagenen, Tyler Christiansen, Cameron Lamb
M: Brent Jensen, Matt Rider, Pedro Vasconcelos
F: BJ Pugmire (Blake Tillotson), Brady Marshall, Toni Niccoli (Zach De Francis)

Cautions:
Ventura-Armando Guerrero (Y)
Ventura-Arthur Aghasyan (Y)

Notes:
-Regular starters Brit Osborne (injured quad) and James Bindrup (married yesterday) did not start
-Pedro Vasconcelos made his first career start
-The Cougars started two freshman in the midfield (Vasconcelos & Rider) who played together at East High School in Salt Lake City
-BYU gave up four goals at Ventura in 2009 and two goals at home (in a tie) but posted a shutout in the first meeting of 2010

Junior forward, BJ Pugmire drops some of his writing skills on the blog with his weekly look at the different aspects of the BYU soccer program.

Most people who are six-foot-six and can jump have a tendency to play basketball or football. Bryan Black choose to dedicate himself to a different sport entirely: soccer.

Black is currently the starting goalkeeper for the Cougars and has proven essential on a number of different occasions. The most recent occasion coming against the U-21 Mexican national team.  Black made big save after save to keep the Cougars in the game, the first of which came 35 seconds into the match. Many argue that goalkeeper is the most important position on a soccer team, and BYU is fortunate to have Black filling that role.

He started playing at age six because his siblings played.

“It was kind of the family thing to do,” Black said. “I played because my brother and sister played. When I was 13 I realized I loved the sport so I decided to dedicate myself to it.”

At the age of 13 Black started playing goalie as well. With his size and athleticism he has all the qualities necessary to be a top notch keeper.

“I am very confident in Bryan’s abilities,” said Jantzen Romney a sophomore from Sandy. “From the plays he has made in games, in practices I know we can count on him.”

Black said he decided to play keeper because of the excitement that comes with the position.

“You can play the whole game and not see a lot of action but you have to make the play when it counts. There is a lot of pressure involved,” Black said.

Black was recruited to BYU by former assistant coach Brian Jolley who coached him in high school and was also a great goalie for BYU. Black said his experience at BYU as a whole has been wonderful, and he is very grateful to be a Cougar. He is studying communications and hopes to graduate within a year or so.

“Right now I am just enjoying my college experience playing at the Y,” Black said. “But if I had the opportunity I would love to play professionally as well.”

The Cougars are certainly pleased with Blacks progression as a player. Professional coaches have also taken an interest in his abilities. For a number of months throughout the past year, Black has been contacted by coaches at Real Salt Lake to help them in practices and at other times. With the experience Black has gained at BYU and RSL, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see him reach the next level!

Jarom Jordan
jarom.jordan@byu.edu

Click here for a PDF of the complete game notes.

Cameron Lamb and the Cougars look to pick up the first win of the season, this weekend. (BYU Photo)

PROVO, Utah (May 27, 2010) — After losing a pair of games at home last weekend the BYU men’s soccer team looks to get back on track with a tilt against the Los Angeles Legends on Thursday, May 27 and game at the Southern California Seahorses on Saturday, May 29. Both games kickoff at 7 p.m. PT.

“We are excited to play again and our players and staff are anxious to prove ourselves with two road games,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins. “It’s never easy getting points on the road, but we are a good team that works hard, so we will always have a chance.”

The Legends (2-2-2) defeated BYU (0-2-1) last Friday 2-0 in Provo. Jesus Ochoa (12′) and Daniel Martinez (45′) scored for L.A. in the win. BYU is 0-2 all-time against L.A. losing 2-0 in both meetings (2009, 2010).

BYU is 2-5-1 all-time against the Seahorses. The two first met in 2003. The Cougars tied 3-3 on June 25 last season.

“I think our team just needs to look have fun this weekend,” said senior midfielder and co-captain, Britton Osborne. “I find we play our best when we are having fun. That is why we all play this game, because we love it. We have all the talent we could ask for, but we need the pressure of winning to be lifted from us. I look forward to playing with my boys again and proving to ourselves that we are capable of playing and beating anyone.”

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. Los Angeles Legends
When: Thursday, May 27 at 7 p.m. PT
Where: Los Angeles, CA (Bishop Mora HS)

Who: BYU Cougars vs. Southern California Seahorses
When: Saturday, May 29 at 7 p.m. PT
Where: La Mirada, CA (Biola University)