On a night full of emotions Saturday night, the BYU Cougar men’s soccer team finished their season with another spectacular night on South Field by beating UVU 6-1.
The Cougars celebrated 10 seniors pregame along with their families.
The game was a physical match that the officials let go throughout the evening. The Cougars used the physicality to maintain possession throughout the night. BYU spread the wealth on Saturday night with six different Cougars scoring a goal. UVU managed to score a quick goal in the 22nd minute in a quick response after falling 2-0 in the first 11 minutes of the game. From there on, BYU kept control of the game and finished off the game, scoring four more goals.
“Overall a decent game, not one of our better games but the energy and excitement for the players was awesome," said coach Brandon Gilliam. "Senior Night and they were just excited to be out here and so it was a great sending off for a lot of guys.”
The 10 seniors were honored, along with their families, before the game.
“This is the first time we have had this many seniors all going out at the same time. … They carry this team, they’re leaders both on and off the field,” said Gilliam.
Two of those seniors, Evan Smith and Talmage Woodhouse, scored goals on Saturday night.
Each senior had a moment to be subbed off the field for the last time at home, including subbing out senior goalkeeper Jake Lewis in the final minutes and putting in forward Aaron Jolley in goal.
For the seniors, it was a night they won’t forget.
“We got work to do. They’re in a good spot but we still have a lot of work to do,” said Gilliam.
With the win, BYU finishes its regular season undefeated and will begin postseason play on Nov. 1.