PROVO — Jake Cavanaugh's goal in the seventh minute turned out to be the decisive goal as BYU defeated Tacoma FC 3-0 Friday night in PDL soccer action.
"We're obviously very happy to win," said BYU coach Chris Watkins of the team's home opener. "And to win in a comfortable way, that's pretty rare for us."
The margin of victory didn't fully reflect the way BYU dominated Tacoma. The Cougars out shot Tacoma 23-3 for the game and didn't give up a shot on goal until mid-way through the second half.
Even though BYU did not convert a higher percentage of shots, Watkins was pleased. The Cougars outshot Cascade last week 15-7 and still ended up losing 2-0.
Cavanaugh's goal came when Ken Ojuka broke away at mid-field with one man to beat and dumped the ball just inside the left side of the box to Cavanaugh who tapped it past the keeper into the right corner of the goal.
BYU made it 2-0 in the 27th minute when Brock Trejo's shot deflected off keeper Jordan Jennings and was kicked through the goal by Steve Magleby.
Trejo capped the scoring for the Cougars in the 58th minute when he punched a penalty kick into the goal after Cavanaugh was fouled in the box.
Magleby led the team with six shots on goal followed by Cavanaugh and David Clark with four and Ojuka and Tyson Miller with three each.
"I think Tyson Miller really played well tonight and our offense is coming along," said Watkins.
BYU improves to 3-1 on the young season, while Tacoma FC drops to 0-2-2. The Cougars play again tonight at 7:30 against Yakima (1-1-1).
Watkins is not concerned about the two games in two nights, which is a little unusual for soccer clubs.
"We actually like that because we feel like we're very fit," said Watkins.
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