California Victory News Release - www.californiavictorysoccer.com

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

PROVO, UT -- The California Victory will face the Minnesota Thunder in the second round of the US Open Cup after knocking aside the BYU Cougars 2-1 in Utah tonight.

The Victory, playing its first-ever game in the 93-year-old tournament, went ahead through Raul Palomares. The midfielder side-footed a volley home in the 23rd minute from a superb Luis Aguilar assist.

Yuri Morales doubled the score midway through the second half, having previously hit the post. Chuck Kim had found Josh Hansen, who then played a square ball across to Morales for the easy tap-in and his 3rd goal in four games.

BYU notched a consolation goal through substitute Daniel McKinley in the 89th, denying the Vics their third consecutive shutout.

"We dominated most of the game," said Victory head coach Glenn Van Straatum. "We could have had four or five. But I’m happy with the win. The defense was solid again and we are creating more and more chances. "

The win puts the once-struggling Victory on a four-game unbeaten streak. But most importantly, Van Straatum noted, was that players such as Cameron Dunn, Hugo Casillas and Mike Muñoz saw playing time as they regain match fitness.

"The team is heading in the right direction," Van Straatum said. "We are starting to play our game."

The win means the Vics next visit Minnesota Thunder in the second round on June 26 -- just two days after they play them in a USL First Division league game, also at Minnesota. The two sides met for the first time last Saturday, and played to a 0-0 tie at Kezar Stadium.