BYU Loses on a PK in Stoppage Time
Neal Minson
for byusoccer.com
Caption: BJ Pugmire scored his first goal of the season. (BYU Photo)
PROVO, Utah (July 16, 2010) -- The BYU men’s soccer team had a hard night, Friday as they said farewell to five seniors and lost to the Fresno Fuego, 2-1.
“Well, that’s just kinda the way soccer goes, but our guys played well tonight,” said head coach, Chris Watkins.
Both teams started strong, each finding opportunities in the others defensive weaknesses, but the Fuego got the best of the BYU defense first, scoring in the 18th minute as a Milton Blanco's cross slipped past BYU keeper Bryan Black, finding an open Fabricio Codeceira for the first goal.
The Fuego had another opportunity 10 minutes later on a 1-v-1 situation with Black, but the BYU keeper’s hard effort and long reach knocked the ball just wide, denying the Fresno's, Eddie Gutierrez of another goal.
BYU finally had an offensive close call of their own, as BJ Pugmire dribbled with some quick moves through the Fuego defense. Unfortunately, his would-be tying shot soared just wide of the post.
The Cougars came out with a stronger offensive attack in the second half, finding opportunities on goal. However, Fuego’s keeper, Gilbert Vega continued to stay on top of his game, consistently in front of the Cougar’s shots.
“We defiantly had a stronger second half,” said BYU keeper, Bryan Black. “We had a lot of good chances on goal, but their goalkeeper had some great saves. I give a lot of credit to him for the outcome of this game.”
Fresno’s keeper couldn’t keep it up all night however, as a quick counter attack down the side line by the Cougar’s had Kip Critchlow finding BJ Pugmire open for the tying goal in the 74th minute. It was the first goal for Pugmire since returning this season from being injured the last two.
“I’m thrilled that BJ finally got a goal,” Watkins said. “He’s been deserving of one for a long time.”
“It felt real good,” Pugmire said. “It came at a good time, on a good night, in front of a good crowd. It’s a good feeling.”
The Cougar’s then turned on the offensive pressure with multiple shots on goal but luck would not shine on BYU as a penalty kick was awarded to Fresno with less than a minute left in the game. Fresno did score, but it appeared that Fabricio Codeceira did not have continuous forward movement during his shot. The referee let the goal stand amid an eruption of emotion from the Cougar bench leading to assistant coach Clay Christenson receiving a red card for walking onto the field and a win for the Fresno Fuego.
It’s been a tough season, but this team is like Rocky Balboa,” Watkins said. “They get knocked around, but they just keep coming back. I’ll remember this team for a long time because of that.”
The Cougars saw their departing seniors play hard in the final home game of the season.
The BYU men’s team is unique in the PDL, as it is the only university to be in the league. Because the Cougar’s represent a school, they must release a player when he graduates. Seniors, Brit Osborne, KC Whitworth, Bryan Black, Drew Van Wagenen, and Brent Jensen took the field for their final appearance as BYU Cougars.
“Yeah, I got a degree here at BYU, but I am going to remember the guys on the team, and the nights under the lights on the field,” said departing senior Brent Jensen. “Being a player on this team has helped make me the person I am today.”
Brit Osborne played midfield as one of the team captains this year, and has scored more goals from outside the 18-yard box than any other current BYU player. Graduating with a degree in Geology, Osborne is going to pursue his Master’s in Geology.
KC Whitworth played as a defender and is also a team captain this year. Whitworth has started every game this season and is looking forward to pursuing a career in health care administration.
Bryan Black has been the starting goalie for the Cougars for the past three years, and has been rated among the top goalies in the Southwest division in the PDL including the top five goalies with shut-outs.
Drew Van Wagenen, who also played as a defender, is the last of four brothers who have played on the BYU men’s team for the past 16 years. Van Wagenen has played in more BYU soccer games than any other player on the team, and is the final player to be part of the team when it was still a club. Van Wagenen looks to have a career as a photojournalist.
Brent Jensen played midfield for BYU, and was always recognized by teammates and opponents alike for his constant effort and energy of the field, usually setting the tone of the game for the team. Brent recently earned his degree in Economics.
Scoring Summary:
FRE: Fabricio Codeceira (Milton Blanco) 18
BYU: BJ Pugmire (Kip Critchlow) 74
FRE: Fabricio Codeceira (PK) 91
Post Game Video:
