BYU Premier Development League (PDL) Team Features UYSA Alumni Players
Men's Soccer Roster Set for 2006

PROVO, Utah (March 15, 2006)-After several days of grueling tryouts, the BYU men's soccer team announced its final roster that returns 15 players from last year's squad and welcomes six freshman.

After losing several talented players after 2005, head coach Chris Watkins will look to his incoming freshman to make an immediate impact.

"It's another nice recruiting class," Watkins said. "It is critical that we bring in the top LDS players available in order to compete in this league. This will be a great group."

Four of this year's freshmen are from Utah. Jacob Bagley of Morgan will join the Cougars' midfield, having already participated in the Olympic Development Program, played on the Premier Club Team for 10 years and competed for Man United Soccer in England.

Joining Bagley in the midfield is Doug Clark of Bountiful. He has played for the Utah Rush and was coached by former BYU player Arthur VanWagenen when he played for the UFC. Clark was also a first-team All-State selection.

Forward Zach Dupaix of Kaysville has gained valuable experience playing for the Utah Rush and UFC club teams over the past several years.

Rounding out the Utahans is goalkeeper Aaron Weymann. Weymann, raised in Sandy, has excelled over the past 14 years, most recently being named to first-team All-State and awarded Gatorade Player of the Year honors.

Also joining BYU are Conner Bassett from Las Vegas and Ben Kirkland from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Bassett, a midfielder, played for the Arsenal FC club team, which recently became club national champions. He was also named to the All-State second team.

Kirkland, another Cougar midfielder, also played for the two-time national champions Arsenal Club, while winning three Surf Cup Championships.

Returning from last year's team are Jake Cavanaugh, Clay Christenson, Gilbert Gaertner, Morgan Gilliam, Jeff Jensen, Mike Lacey, Lehi Mackissack, Mason McMullin, Justin Norton, Ken Ojuka, Brock Trejo, Hugh VanWagenen and Ben Walunas.

The Cougars welcome back four players who have recently returned from missions for the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints: Brandon Gilliam, Curt Graham, Shane Monson, Brit Osborne, Broch DeGraff and Andrew VanWagenen.

Cameron Lamb and Brady Marshall are two sophomores who will be leaving on missions after the 2006 season.

Joining the soccer team for the first time is David Clark, while Travis Winn returns for his first season since 2003.

The soccer team plays its home opener on Friday, May 26 against the Spokane Shadow. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m., and will be played at South Stadium.