2 Cougars score hat tricks in Utah men’s soccer team’s rout

The BYU men’s soccer team opened its home season in dominant fashion Friday night, defeating Utah 11-1 in a display of dominant offense.

A total of seven Cougars players scored a goal Friday, including Brayden Gonder and rookie sensation Wes Starley, who both scored hat tricks (three goals each) to lead BYU to victory at South Field.

Starley is currently the Cougars’ leading scorer on the season, having scored five goals in his first three games.

BYU wasted no time getting into the scoring column against the Utes, with Kyle Walbruch opening the scoring in the first 10 seconds of the game. From there, the floodgates opened and the Cougars scored their second just six minutes later.

BYU controlled possession throughout the first half with great passing and communication, which led to three more goals added to the stat sheet to make it 5-0 at the half.

The Cougars’ defense held strong throughout the first half, with goalkeeper Chris Jenkensen needing only a few routine saves. However, in the second half, BYU conceded its first goal of the season in the 49th minute.

Utah increased its physicality early in the second half, catching BYU off guard. The Cougars responded quickly and controlled the tempo of the game, and the points kept flowing, leading to six more goals in the second half.

Fans packed South Field for the season opener and were not disappointed. The Cougars improved to 3-0-0 and will play Utah State on Saturday.