By Fernando Castro
The BYU Cougars couldn”t keep their winning streak alive, losing to the Utah Blitzz Saturday in a game full of controversy due to pre-game comments by BYU head Coach Chris Watkins.
In an article printed in the Salt Lake Tribune Saturday, Watkins was quoted as saying that Utah would probably be in last place if they played in the same league as BYU. The Blitzz play in the United Soccer League”s Pro Soccer League, which is considered to be a step below the Premier Development League where the Cougars” division is. The Blitzz (5-5-3) are 1-3 against teams from the PDL.
To motivate his team, Utah Blitzz coach Chris Agnello said he took about 25-30 copies of the quote and pinned them up around their locker room.
“He”s right,” Agnello said. “What he said is true right now. What are you going to do to change that?”
The first Blitzz goal came on an assist from Blitzz midfielder Alejandro Gutierrez to forward Ariel Bravo who put the ball in the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
In the second half, BYU”s Gil Gaertner had a chance to put the Cougars on the scoreboard, but was unable to finish after breaking through the entire Blitzz defense.
The other Blitzz goal came in the final minutes of the game. Gutierrez threw the ball across the middle, and after several shots Rich Breza scored the goal to seal the 2-0 victory.
Watkins could not be reached after the game for comment on his previous statement or the game.
The Cougars (4-6) are now 1-3 against the Blitzz, and will have a chance to avenge the loss when they host Utah at South Field next month. BYU will travel to California this weekend to play a doubleheader against the California Gold.
