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

“2010 was probably our most difficult season ever,” said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins.  “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.”  It was a frustrating season but one that revealed BYU’s character.  “We were a team of guys that never stopped,” said senior captain, KC Whitworth.  “A relentless team that never stopped coming.  When most people would give up, our team kept on pushing.”

The Cougars peaked at the beginning of the season with two solid results.  First was the Premier Development Leauge season opening 2-2 tie at the Orange County Blue Star on May 8.  Despite trailing, 2-0 in the first eight minutes, BYU rallied to get a point on the road with goals from Brady Marshall and Britton Osborne.  The following Tuesday BYU held an exhibition at the Stadium at South Field in Provo with the U21 Mexican national team in front of 3,500 fans.  The Cougars struck first 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.”  Bryan Black finished with seven saves, allowing two goals in the second half but the crowd and national television audience on BYUtv was treated to a fantastic match.

“I certainly wouldn’t have bet on a tie or a win,” said 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.”

Following a week of rest, BYU hosted home games against Lancaster and Los Angeles on May 21 & 22.  The Cougars came out on the raw end of both, losing 2-0 and 1-0.  BYU would not climb above a .500 record for the rest of the season.   The Cougars finished the month of May with a 3-1 loss at Los Angeles and its first win of the year in a 2-0 victory at Southern California on May 29.

The first week of June featured road contests at 2009 division champion, Hollywood, followed by a visit to the 2009 PDL champions and eventual 2010 division champions, Ventura County Blue Star.  BYU started the road trip by losing 3-0 to the Hollywood Hitmen on June 3 but bounced back June 5.  The Cougars played one of its best games of the season in a 0-0 tie against the champs, nearly winning on the last play of the game.  Freshman midfielder, Pedro Vasconcelos hit the crossbar and BYU settled for a tie to be 1-4-2 on the year.

The Cougars returned to Provo two weeks later for home dates with Southern California on June 18 and division leading Orange County on June 19.   BYU added its second victory in the win column, against the SoCal Seahorses with a 2-0 win.  Brent Jensen scored the goal of the year on a 25-yard volley into the upper netting.  The next night the Blue Star put in three goals to defeat the Cougars.

BYU wrapped up June with a full team bus ride to California (including spouses) to take on Fresno and Lancaster in the final road trip out of Utah during the season.  The Fuego and Rattlers got the best of Brigham Young, winning 1-0 and 2-1 to sweep the weekend.  Goalkeeper, Bryan Black had one of his best games of the season against Fresno, stopping shot after shot, only to concede a single penalty kick in the loss.

July was a welcome month with all games in Utah, four in Provo and one at Ogden.  The Cougars kicked off the month with a July 3 tilt against in-state rival, Ogden.  The Cougars netted three goals on the Outlaws in a 3-1 Independence Day, come from behind victory.  The next three games were all losses to Hollywood, Ventura, and Fresno but the Cougars finished on a high note by defeating Ogden on the road, 3-1 again.

Freshman forward, Toni Niccoli won the golden boot in a year of scoring dearth with four goals.  “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.”  BYU battled injuries to two of its forwards (Zach De Francis and Brady Marshall) throughout the season that was part of BYU’s offensive woes.  “The goal scoring drought this season was depressing to say the least,” said BJ Pugmire.   “We had the quality but lacked the composure to finish.”

Seven of BYU’s nine home games were televised nationally on BYUtv.  To rewatch the games, go to the men’s soccer page on BYUtv’s website.

The Cougars lose four valuable seniors to graduation in KC Whitworth, Britton Osborne, Brent Jensen, and Drew Van Wagenen as well as Matt Rider, Pedro Vasconcelos, and Trevor Henderson to LDS missions.  “We lose a lot of our ball winning ability,” said Watkins.  “KC, Drew, and Brent were our three best ball winners, and all right down the middle of our field, including Brit.  Losing Matt Rider, Pedro, and Trevor will be a major blow too, all three outgoing missionaries were major contributors for us.  On the other side of the ball, we return quite a bit.   There will be a lot expected from our missionaries coming back.”

The team now prepares for a fall schedule featuring games against Utah State, Weber State, Westminster, and Utah Valley with key contributors, Toni Niccoli and BJ Pugmire returning.

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Goalkeeper Bryan Black is still in school but is planning on graduating in April and will not play next season and has finished his BYU playing career.

Drew Van Wagenen finished a 118 year run (or close to it…) for that family of having a member on the team (Hugh, Arthur, Will).

KC Whitworth, Britton Osborne, and Brent Jensen join Van Wagenen as the four graduating seniors from the 2010 PDL team.

The Cougars will also be without Matt Rider and Trevor Henderson who are or will be on missions soon.

Check out the blog later tonight for the fall roster.  See the fall schedule here.Tweet

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

Q. How did you find your way to Denmark?
A. I was looking in to some different places to try and play in Europe and Denmark stood out above the others.  I have cousins who live here and my ancestors are Danish.  Magleby is a Danish last name, pronounced mawlebu here in Denmark.  So this was the place to start.

Q. How was the tryout experience?
A. Finding tryouts was the toughest part.  Right now a lot of clubs don’t have much money and aren’t looking to buy new players.  So I had a trial with one team which went well but they decided not to keep me.  Then I found a trial with Skjold and was with them for a week before their coach offered me to stay with the team.  I had two other teams that I was looking at if things didn’t work out with Skjold.

Q. What’s Denmark like?
A. Denmark is a great place.  The weather has been really nice.  Besides the occasional rain it’s in the 70’s pretty much all the time.  It’s a very green country which reminds me a lot of my hometown in Maryland.  There is a lot of history here.  It’s a very family oriented society, which was a big plus for me and my young family.

Q. Is your hair still rock-star length?
A. Still growing.

Q. What’s the soccer style in Denmark like?
A. The players here are very skilled.  The style is pretty direct.  They like to use their wings and often bypass play through the middle of the field.  It is a very physical game here and you don’t see too much diving.

Q.  What club are you with and when do you play?
A.  The club I am with is located in Copenhagen.  Their name is Skjold and they are in the 2nd Division (which is actually the third division in Denmark.  It goes Superliga, 1st Division, 2nd Division).  We have games once a week and sometimes twice.  Our season just began and so I have to work my way in to the playing roster, but I’m confident I will be able to get some time.

Q.  How long will you be there?
A.  Not sure right now.  It depends on how things go.  Anywhere from a year – 2 or 3 even.  We’ll see how far I can get.Tweet

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Junior cut his hair shortly after this picture in February and played in four games as a defender during the 2010 PDL season.Tweet

“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

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

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.Tweet