By Fernando Castro
The BYU men''s soccer team travels to California this weekend to face the Southwest Division Orange County Blue Star and Southern California Seahorses.
The Cougars (0-1) will face undefeated Orange County Blue Star today at the Home Depot Center at 7:30 p.m.
The Cougars hope to rebound after losing the first game of the season at home at the hands of the San Diego Gauchos with a score of 1-0.
'It would be a good test for us,' forward Richard Bindrup said. 'Both teams have very skilled players.'
The Blue Star is expected to start striker Steve Patterson, who was named one the players of the week after scoring two goals on a road win against the Nevada Wonders last Saturday.
'I expect a pretty scrappy game,' Vlade Stevens said. 'I would think that they will have more possessions, but I think that we will have more opportunities. Whether or not we can finish the shots, I think, will determine the game.'
On Saturday, the Cougars will face the Southern California Seahorses at La Mirada High School at 5 p.m.
The Seahorses are sharing last place with the Cougars after losing their first game against the Nevada Wonders.
The Cougars will be back at South Field next weekend for a doubleheader against the Nevada Wonders.
The Cougars joined the Premier Development League last year after dominating the NCAA Club category by winning the national title in 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001.
Last year, in their first year in the PDL, the Cougars posted a 2-15-1 record.