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!

Tonight is BYU’s first home game of 2010, an exhibition against NCAA Division II side, Dixie.  Kick off is at 7 p.m. and is $6 for adults and $5 for students (with a valid ID) and children.

Coach Chris Watkins announced today, BYU will play Weber State on Haws Field on April 24 at 6 p.m. BYU and Weber State tied 1-1 in the fall.

The Premier Development League opener is on the road at Orange County on May 8 and the first home game is May 21 against the Los Angeles Legends.

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.