By Jeffrey Blackmun
jeffrey@newsroom.byu.edu
The BYU men's soccer team's illustrious reign over the collegiate club soccer world has come to an end.
The Cougars fell prey to the Nittany Lions of Penn State, 3-2, in the semifinals of the Collegiate Club National Championships Saturday, Nov. 17.
'We're thankful we got to represent the school here, but we're disappointed that we didn't win another national championship,' said senior midfielder and co-captain Art Van Wagenen.
The game was a seesaw battle that could not be decided in regulation time.
After regulation and overtime, the game entered a sudden death shootout. Unfortunately for the Cougars, the ball did not bounce their way and the Nittany Lions scored first and dethroned the four-time defending champs.
'Shootouts are a crap shoot, anyone can win,' Van Wagenen said.
Early in the game, Penn State took a 1-0 lead on the Cougars before Daniel Yescas was able to even up the score on a penalty kick before halftime.
Bryce Jolley scored to give BYU a 2-1 second half lead that was short lived as Penn State countered with a score of its own.
BYU had several scoring opportunities thwarted by Penn State and some questionable officiating in the waning minutes of regulation and in overtime. The team's inability to capitalize on those scoring opportunities led to the shootout and a BYU loss.
'It was one of those days when we deserved to win, but anything can happen on any given day, and that's what makes soccer so exciting,' said BYU assistant coach Brian Jolley.
Penn State was crowned national champions later in the day after beating Texas Tech 2-1.
The loss to Penn State put an end to BYU's amazing 28-game winning streak in nationals.
'After winning 28 games in a row we were probably due for some bad luck,' said BYU coach Chris Watkins.
The loss was an obvious disappointment but according to Van Wagenen the team learned a valuable lesson.
'It's a humbling experience,' Van Wagenen said. 'We've shown everyone that we can win and be good winners. Now we have to show everyone that we can be good losers.'
Despite the loss, Van Wagenen said the Cougars can take pride in their tremendous effort after an amazing season.
'Everyone gave it all they had -- we're physically drained,' Van Wagenen said.
Watkins said the team will now shift its focus to next season, where the Cougars will try to reclaim the Collegiate Club National Championship.
'Next year we want to be so dominant that not even bad luck can get in our way of winning,' Watkins said.
BYU ended the season with a final record of 12-3-2.