The BYU men's soccer team recently returned from a weeklong trip to Chile where they played three professional Chilean teams, participated in a service project and spoke in local firesides.

"It was fantastic," coach Chris Watkins said. "It's an absolute dream come true to play such quality teams and to have such an opportunity with all the members down there."

BYU played against three teams in the top division. The Cougars played Catolica and Universidad de Chile, tying each match 1-1, and then lost to Nublense 3-1. Although BYU did not come away with a win, the team was pleased with the results against professional athletes on their home fields.

"Playing their top professional teams ... on their home fields and tying two of those games were good results for us," BYU midfielder and captain Brock Trejo said. "All the teams that we played were better than we were. We were able to hold our own and put together some good moments, score some goals and come out as a team that could compete. That was a good step for us."

Although BYU was the visiting team they did have some support. Local members attended the games, and although many were torn between rooting for BYU and their home teams, a few posters for BYU did appear.

In addition to playing soccer, the team completed a service project and held several firesides. They helped clean up an orphanage in Mellipilla, repainting the walls and improving the building.

"We were excited to be there, and to just see the way the people received us and the appreciation for the work we did there," BYU forward Tyson Miller said. "It was a lot of fun."

Miller served his mission in Chile and said it was exciting to return, to be able to relate to the members as a soccer player and for the members to see the players as people who like them, share a passion for soccer and are living the gospel.

Under the direction of local Church authorities, the team put on six firesides throughout Santiago. Nearly half of the team speaks Spanish and were excited to be able to speak to the local members. The players spoke on progression in the Church and the benefits of gaining an education, going on a mission and getting married in the temple.

"It's very surprising for these young kids to see soccer players who can be members of the Church and who can have a good education, Watkins said. "It's a good example for the young people to see."

This is not the first international trip the men's soccer team has taken. The team has traveled outside of the country almost every year for the past few years. In the past they have visited Mexico, Costa Rica and Holland.

BYU kicks off a road trip on May 17 against the Cascade Surge in Salem, Ore. This is the first of three road games in five days for the Cougars.

Copyright Brigham Young University 11 May 2007