By Neal Minson for www.byusoccer.com

Monday, October 5, 2009

PROVO, Utah— The BYU men’s soccer team continued their fall exhibition season with a loss to a physical Real Salt Lake team, 4-1.

“I felt we looked our age,” said head coach Chris Watkins. “Those guys are a lot faster and they have a lot more experience than us, but we were able to keep up with their pace at a decent level.”

The Cougars came out strong, attacking early in the first few minutes of the game making it appear that this could be an even game. However, RSL quickly took charge, and forward Yura Movsisyan blasted the ball into the back of the net during the 11th minute of the game.

A few minutes later, Movsisyan found the net again as his shot deflected off the post, bounced off BYU goalkeeper Bryan Black, and entered the goal. RSL players Robbie Findley and Nelson Gonzalez were also able to add goals of their own.

“They’re at the top of their game right now and in great shape,” said Black. “Every touch on the ball is just awesome, and they work really well together as a team. But we do have some disadvantages of size and speed.”

BYU was able to keep from being shut out as first time player Blake Tillotson headed the ball past the RSL goalie off of a strong cross in the 71st minute.

“It’s really nice that we have this opportunity to come down here to play this game,” said RSL head coach Jason Kreis. “It’s important to us because we have a very long break, and we need competition against an opponent. So for BYU to be here and to present this opportunity is fantastic.”

The next BYU men’s soccer game is Friday, October 16 against Weber State.