By COREY DAVIS
The BYU men’s soccer team put three goals past UVSC Thursday night, leading to a 3-0 victory for the Cougars at the practice field.
BYU’s first score came deep into the first half when forward Brandon LeRoy received a pass in the middle from midfielder Mao Hernandez. LeRoy controlled the pass and converted it into a BYU goal.
BYU’s second goal came near the end of the first half when midfielder Bryce Jolley crossed the ball and defenseman Nathan Morris jumped high into the air to head it into the goal.
Morris said it was his first time scoring a goal with his head.
BYU entered the second half with a 2-0 lead. Both teams came out strong in the second half, but BYU’s defense kept UVSC from scoring. BYU’s strong defense gave the offense many chances to score. LeRoy scored BYU’s third goal when he received a pass inside from Morris.
“We beat them pretty bad,” coach Chris Watkins said. “Unfortunately we only scored three goals.”
Watkins was pleased with how the Cougars played and said LeRoy continues to be the high scorer for BYU. Watkins is grateful to have LeRoy joining the team this year, saying he adds an offensive spark to the team.
Hernandez also played hard and contributed to the team’s success, Watkins said.
“Today we came together as a team. We’re sitting well for the fall,” said midfielder Jeromy Bailey.
Thursday’s game wrapped up the Cougars’ spring practice. The team will have a summer break before coming back for soccer camps in July. The soccer camps give the players a chance to work together and build team chemistry.
Spring practice was successful this year because the coach and players were able to see the new players on the field. A team goes through many changes when new players join the team.
“The playing was a little bit disorganized because we had new guys,” midfielder Art Van Wagenen said. “It was good to see how they play.”
Freshmen Jeff Jensen and Ben Saville will be leaving the team this season to go on missions.
“We’re going to miss Jensen and Saville,” Morris said.
