BYU Cougars Press Release – www.byusoccer.com
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
PROVO, UTAH – In a game filled with tempers and fouls, the BYU Cougars tied their best in-state rivals Weber State, 1-1 after two overtime periods.
“I’m quite happy with the way we played,” said head coach Chris Watkins. “I’m really proud of what my guys did tonight.”
The game started with an explosion of speed, energy, and emotion from both sides of the field and continued throughout the game.
The Cougars scored in 45th minute as freshman midfielder, Trevor Henderson connected with sophomore forward, Blake Tillotson, who blasted the ball into the net to make it 1-0 at the half.
“My teammates battled and stepped up their game,” Tillotson said. “Trevor put it to my foot and I was able to get a good touch on it.”
Tempers continued to rise when till the 48th minute when Tillotson and Weber State’s Aaron McKinley tangled, resulting in both receiving red cards. In the 55th minute BYU senior defender, Drew Van Wagnen received a red card as well, leaving the Cougars down two players, playing nine on 10.
Two Weber State players also received yellow cards simultaneously in the 66th minute. But ultimately, Weber State took advantage of the extra player as former Chivas USA draft pick, Kyle Christensen blasted the ball past BYU keeper Bryan Black on a free kick 30 yards out during the 83rd minute to tie the game at 1-1.
Another yellow card was given to BYU senior defender, KC Whitworth in extra time and with the game tied, a 10-minute sudden death overtime began. That was not the end of the cards. Weber State’s Scott Whitesides received a yellow card during the 99th minute. This finished the card war with a combined total of three red and five yellow cards.
BYU showed offensive strength despite being a man down in the first overtime. Weber State came out a lot stronger on offense to begin the second overtime, but BYU made sure that strength was not one-sided. However, neither team could get the game deciding goal resulting in a tie.
“I thought it showed a lot about our team and our character to push for it and make plays even when we were a man down,” freshman midfielder, Trevor Henderson said. “We never quit.”
SCORING SUMMARY
Time Team Goal Assist
45’ BYU – Blake Tillotson (Trevor Henderson)
83’ Weber State – (Kyle Christensen) Unassisted
FALL EXHBITION SCHEDULE
Sept. 25 Utah State 2-0 W
Oct. 2 Real Salt Lake 4-1 L
Oct. 16 Weber State 1-1 T
TEAM STATS
Stat Weber State BYU
Shots 14 14
Saves 4 5
Fouls 18 15
Offsides 0 1
Corner Kicks 4 10
Cards 5 3
UP NEXT
The BYU Alumni will play Utah Valley this Friday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Stadium at South Field. Then Saturday, October 24th at 12 p.m. the Alumni will play each other.
PREMIERE DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE Tonight’s game was an exhibition. BYU’s regular season is in the PDL from May-July. The Cougars joined the Premiere Development League in 2003. BYU is the first and only university to sponsor a soccer program in the PDL. The league is considered higher than NCAA soccer in the U.S. soccer pyramid. BYU won the Northwest division championship in 2007. The Cougars currently compete in the Southwest Division.
TWO IN A ROW FOR BLAKE TILLOTSON
BYU Sophomore Forward, Blake Tillotson is taking advantage of injuries to three of BYU’s regular forwards. He scored Friday against Weber State. He also scored BYU’s only goal on October 2 against Real Salt Lake in a 4-1 loss. Soccer in is his blood. Blake’s older sister, Bobbi, played for the BYU women’s team from 2003-2006.
OGDEN OUTLAWS VS. BYU COUGARS
Ogden and BYU are the only two teams from Utah in the PDL and a few players on Weber State play for the Outlaws during the summer. All four games during the PDL season were 1-0 finishes with BYU winning three of four.
CARD DEALING
After a very physical first half, referee, Jeff Young dished out three red cards and eight on the night. After an altercation in the 50th minute BYU’s Blake Tillotson and Weber State’s Aaron McKinley got tossed. Then five minutes later BYU’s Drew VanWagenen received a red card. It was 10 on nine for Weber State for the last 35 minutes of the game.
