California Gold outshines Cougars

PROVO — BYU men's soccer coach Chris Watkins knew his team would take its share of lumps during its first season in the PDL. After a season-opening win against the Nevada Wonder the Cougars have now lost three straight games (1-3) following their 6-1 loss to the California Gold on Saturday at BYU's South Field.

In Watkins' eight years as coach of the Cougars he has never lost a game 6-1.

The win gives the Gold a split on their road trip through Utah following their 2-0 loss to the Utah Blitzz on Friday.

Despite the three losses, Watkins hopes his team continues to learn from its experiences in the new league.

"The guys are working hard and I'm happy," Watkins said. "We'll be better in the future. It's happening exactly the way I thought it would."

What pleased Watkins about his team's play on Saturday was the way his players controlled possession of the ball. BYU outshot the Gold 12-11. BYU also attempted six more corner kicks.

"I was really happy with our possession," Watkins said. "We gave them good chances. I'm impressed; they finished their opportunities."

BYU scored the first goal of the game in the fifth minute when Matt Affleck followed in a shot taken by Ken Ojuka. The Cougars' lead didn't last long.

The Gold tied the score at one in the ninth minute when Tony Bussard scored off a 35-yard indirect kick. California took a 2-1 lead in minute 29 when Martin Sims scored on a cross pass inside the penalty box from Ryan Daley.

California led 3-1 at halftime following a controversial goal by Jerrus Roxas. While Roxas was on the breakaway the BYU players and coaches felt that he should have been called for a handball.

In the second half, the Gold managed three more goals to give Watkins his worst defeat as a BYU coach.

BYU will be on the road for three games before returning home on June 6 against the Fresno Fugo.