BYU
MEN'S SOCCER: At Provo, for the second consecutive night the BYU Cougars squandering multiple scoring chances in route to a home loss against top competition in the Southwest Division. The Cougars lost 3-1 to the Southern California Seahorses on Saturday night dropping their overall record to 6-4-2, 1-4-2 in the PDL.
"You work extremely hard at practice and to come away with two losses this weekend is really disappointing," said BYU assistant coach, Clay Christenson. "We have guys who work hard, want to be here, and sacrifice a lot. Our guys are anxious to be better."
"We have the skills," said forward, Toni Niccoli. "Little mental mistakes are costing us. It feels like a repeat of last year. Everyone on this team is talented. We have to come together."
The Seahorses struck first in the 13th minute when Kennedy Chongo connected with Ryan Shaw in the box for the 1-0 lead. The goal was Shaw's seventh of the season.
BYU answered in the 18th minute when midfielder, Jantzen Romney was fouled in the penalty area. BJ Pugmire scored on the PK for his team leading second goal of the season, both of which have come on penalty kicks.
In the 29th minute BYU's Will Burton was whistled for a foul in the box, giving Seahorse midfielder Blake Leyden a chance at a penalty kick but Cougar keeper, Cory Cosgrave made a spectacular save and dive on the ball to keep the score 1-1 until the half.
The second half featured BYU dominating possession and threatening often but coming up short multiple times. The Seahorses took advantage by scoring in the 59th minute from Ryan Shaw and assisted by Jordan Burt for the go ahead and eventual game-winner and tacked another on in the 77th minute when the BYU's Doug Clark scored an own goal on a corner kick deflection.
Next weekend BYU will travel to play at the LA Blues 23 on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 at Southern California.