We made it to Spring! That means, post-practice on a sunny day you’ll be able to see shirtless Sterling Hancock and Dallin Cutler knocking the ball around (ladies, that’s about 10am, Monday through Friday).

The perfect weather almost makes the team trip to Costa Rica May 4-14 a bit bittersweet… okay, not at all, it’s just sweet. The team trip will take us around the country to visit beaches, eat great food, explore jungles and volcanoes, freshen up on Spanish pick-up lines and, oh yeah, play soccer. On the ten day trip we’ll play some of the top professional teams in Costa Rica, including the powerhouse Saprissa, but our international trips are usually remembered for strengthening team bonding through gypsy curses and trickery(Chile) and Jon Junca’s girlish screams of terror with frog encounters(Fiji AND Puerto Rico). I’m sure there will be some more frogs “hopping” into Jon’s bag in Costa Rica. Pictures will be sure to follow, we’ll even try and post some videos on our Facebook page.

Before we leave, though, we need everyone to send us off by attending our final game before we get back. THIS Saturday, April 28, we’ll be playing Mesa State, from Colorado at South Field at 7pm. Mesa State is a scholarship NCAA program and it should be a good game.

After we get back from Costa Rica, we’re all looking forward to our chance to go head-to-head with the former MLS Champion and CONCACAF Champions League finalist Real Salt Lake on May 19 at South Field. This is an incredible opportunity for players and fans. After a two-year break since the last game between our two clubs, we’ll be looking for some long-awaited revenge for the 3-1 loss Real gave us during their last visit.Tweet

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

It’s been a while since the last entry but expect weekly updates right here with pictures, audio interviews, and videos.

The team is practicing three days a week and preparing for their final fall exhibition game versus Weber State this Friday. Come to the game at the Stadium at South Field at 7:30 p.m. to see the exhibition. Tickets are $10 for a reserved seat, $6 for adults/children, and $5 for students with a valid ID.

BYU has played Utah State (2-0 W) and Real Salt Lake (4-1 L) in exhibition games this fall.

The alumni will play two games next week, Friday Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 12 p.m. in an alumni versus alumni game.

Jarom Jordan

If you haven’t seen this video from the PDL season, check it out right here.

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