Cougar Hope to Catch Fire vs. Fuego, Rattlers
Jarom Jordan
jarom.jordan@byu.edu
Kip Critchlow and the Cougars need to nab six points on the road this weekend. (BYU Photo)
CLICK HEREClick here for PDF Game Notes
PROVO, Utah (June 21, 2010) -- The BYU menʻs soccer team will attempt to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, on the road this week. The Cougars play at Fresno on Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. PT and at Lancaster on Saturday, June 26 at 5 p.m. PT
Thursdayʻs game will be be broadcast, tape delayed locally in Fresno on Telemundo at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 26.
"We are anxious to get out and play again," said BYU head coach, Chris Watkins. "We have proven to play well on the road and we will need to play our best to get points in Fresno. It was a disappointing loss at home to Lancaster and I am sure we will be motivated to see Lancaster."
The Cougars will meet Fresno for the first time this season while Saturdayʻs match with Lancaster will be the second meeting of the season. BYU is 2-5-2 with 8 points and sits in eighth place in the southwest division.
"Every game is a must win situation for us now," said junior forward, BJ Pugmire. "If we want to salvage anything from this season we have to start scoring some goals and winning games. Fresno and Lancaster are both winnable games, and itʻs crucial that we get positive results this weekend."
BYU is 3-3 all-time against the Fresno Fuego, having won three of the last four meetings. Fabricio Codeceira and Milton Blanco lead the Fuego with four goals each this year. Fresno boasts a win over 2009 PDL Champion, Ventura County and ties with Hollywood and Los Angeles. The Fuego is 3-4-2 with 11 points and in fifth place in the southwest division.
The Cougars look to avenge a 1-0 loss to the Lancaster Rattlers on May 22 at home. BYU is 1-1-1 all-time versus the Snakes who are 2-5-3 this season with nine points and in seventh place. Andres Bueno leads Lancaster with six goals, followed by Miguel Barrera with five.
Last weekend BYU beat Southern California 2-1 on Friday and then lost 3-0 to division leading, Orange County on Saturday. BYU will drive to Fresno Wednesday through the night and return early Sunday.
QUICK FACTS
Who: BYU Cougars vs. Fresno Fuego
When: Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. PT
Where: Chukchansi Park in Fresno, CA
TV: Tape delayed broadcast on Saturday, June 26 at 9:30 a.m. on Telemundo Fresno
Who: BYU Cougars vs. Lancaster Rattlers
When: Saturday, June 26 at 5 p.m. PT
Where: Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, CA
