BYU Scrimmages MLS Champion, Real Salt Lake
Jarom Jordan
Media Relations Director
jarom.jordan@byu.edu
Chris Watkins-BYU Head Coach
Toni Niccoli-BYU Forward
Jason Kreis-Real Salt Lake Head coach
BYU will play its first home game in 2010 this Friday against Dixie at 7 p.m.
LEHI, Utah (April 7, 2010) – In a closed scrimmage to the public, the BYU Cougars played Real Salt Lake in a physical game Thursday morning at Xango Field in Lehi. The Cougars played tough but lost 6-0.
“Overall I really liked our ideas going forward,” said head coach, Chris Watkins. “I like the confidence that a lot of our guys had in taking some of them on and releasing some of the pressure. It’s better than we’ve had in the past. The score wasn’t as good as we’d like and we’ve had in the past. The ideas going forward and the potential of this team is great.”
The scoring started early with goals in the third and eight minutes from Fabian Espindola who capitalized on a misplayed ball and connected a strike from the left flank. The Cougars controlled the tempo and possession for a stretch of the first 30 minutes but RSL put away many of their opportunities. BYU’s best chance at goal came in the ninth minute when Toni Niccoli sent a cross that Zach De Francis nearly headed in.
“It’s fun,” said forward, Toni Niccoli. “It’s interesting to see that (Kyle) Beckerman and some of these players that we know are training with the national team, that could play in the World Cup this year and we’re kind of playing side by side. It’s fun and intimidating at the same time. It’s a new experience.”
The game was broken into three 30-minute periods. RSL scored three in the first, two in the second, and one in the third. Despite allowing six goals, goalkeeper’s Bryan Black and Cory Cosgrave made some nice saves to prevent even more goals. Real Salt Lake will play their home opener against the Seattle Sounders Saturday night.
“We have a good relationship with (BYU’s) coaching staff and have for a couple of years,” said Real Salt Lake head coach, Jason Kreis. “They’ve been really accommodating for us and more than willing to play us in these kind of matches. These are important for us because our guys need full side (11 vs 11) experience.”
Scoring Summary:
| Minute | Name | Score |
| 3’ | Fabian Espindola | 1-0 |
| 8’ | Fabian Espindola | 2-0 |
| 25’ | Nelson Gonzalez | 3-0 |
| 38’ | Will Johnson | 4-0 |
| 50’ | Kyle Beckerman | 5-0 |
| 71’ | Jamison Olave | 6-0 |
Postgame Notes
BYU Starters
Forwards: Zach De Francis, BJ Pugmire, Toni Niccoli
Midfielders: Brent Jensen, Pedro Vasconcelos, Matt Rider
Defenders: James Bindrup, Cameron Lamb, KC Whitworth, Drew Van Wagenen
Goalkeeper: Bryan Black
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-This is the first time BYU has played Real Salt Lake since it won the Major League Soccer Championship.
-BYU is now 2-1-1 in spring pre-season play.
| 3/20 | @ Mesa State | 3-0 | W |
| @ Mesa State | 2-1 | W | |
| 3/27 | @ UNLV | 0-0 | T |
| 4/7 | @ Real Salt Lake | 6-0 | L |
-BYU begins the PDL season May 8 at the Orange County Blue Star.
