BYU men’s soccer is preparing for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on May 13, playing against Harpo’s FC. This is BYU’s third appearance in the U.S. Open Cup and a first for the Colorado-based Harpo’s FC, a team of former professional and NCAA Division I athletes.
“The players of Harpo’s FC are going to have a lot more experience and probably be as good or better than we are,” said BYU head coach Chris Watkins. “We have them at home, so we’re excited.”
The BYU men’s soccer team qualified for the tournament based on last year’s team and overall record. BYU lost seven of its starters because of graduation or LDS missions this year. Watkins is confident despite this obstacle. “I would like to think that we train a little bit harder and a little bit smarter than other teams, but we’re just trying to become our best, as we always are,” Watkins said.
Every game BYU wins in the U.S. Open Cup brings it one step closer to playing a professional team. If the Cougars can win in the first three rounds they could face professional MLS teams such as Real Salt Lake, D.C. United or the L.A. Galaxy.
The road ahead of them in order to play a professional team might be long and challenging, but they are excited to get out and show other teams what they have to bring to the table.
“This game and all of our opponents are fantastic teams,” Watkins said. “The teams that we play in this tournament are much better, and I think that the fans know it. It costs money to come to games — there are no All Sport Passes, there are no freebies. … We appreciate the fans that come out and support us. We’re a good team with great opponents, and it’s worth the money to come.”
In preparation for the game next week, BYU is practicing with a goal in mind: to be the only college team to get past the first round of the U.S. Open Cup.
“We appreciate the fans that come out and support us,” BYU forward, Ariel Chavez said. “Our fans add another player on the field. When you’re away playing against a team and they have a crowd that is making a lot of noise it definitely gets into your head. Being able to play at home, it motivates us and adds pressure to the other team as well.”
The May 13 match will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 with a BYU ID.
