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PROVO -- The BYU Women's Soccer team recently returned home from a 12-day trip to France and Italy where they competed against four European teams. The international trip allowed the Cougars to face talented competition and to enjoy the historical sites of Paris, Rome and Venice.
"It was an amazing opportunity for us to go over and experience the culture of France and Italy," said BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood. "I thought it was a great opportunity for the parents to be involved with the team and the program. Having them there made it a much better experience. There were a lot of us there and it was fun to see the sights as a team."
When not playing on the field, players, coaches, and administrators enjoyed visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, the Coliseum in Rome and many other famous sites. The trip included stays in Paris, Naples, Rome, Florence and Venice.
"The girls played very well, especially considering the fact that we were sightseeing all day and had to ride buses to games," said Rockwood. "They did a great job getting up for the games and coming ready to play. Some of the highlights of the trip were our ability to score goals and the great job our defense did -- allowing only one goal the whole trip."
The team's dominating offensive attack supported by a strong defense allowed BYU to win all four games.
The Cougars' success on this trip bodes well for the upcoming season. Sophomore goalkeeper Aleena Shelton played very well both during the spring games and on the trip to Europe. Her strong showing in goal this season is one of the reasons the Cougars finished pre-season spring play undefeated for the first time in the program's history.
Forward Alyssa Vander Veur has also returned from a knee injury, and has contributed to the scoring significantly in the spring.
"Overall, I feel like the spring ended on a very positive note for us, and we're excited to compete in the fall," said Rockwood.
The team will now take a break until summer workouts begin Aug. 6th.
Teams are allowed one international trip every four years per NCAA rules. Previously, the women's soccer team traveled to Italy in 2004, and to France and Great Britain in 2000.
2008 Europe Trip Schedule/Results
April 28, 2008 -- BYU vs. Issy les Mouylineaux K/O -- BYU won 1-0
April 30, 2008 -- BYU vs. A.S. Calciosmania K/O -- BYU won 8-1
May 2, 2008 -- BYU vs. G.S. Roman Femminile K/O -- BYU won 2-0
May 5, 2008 -- BYU vs. Regiana Femminile K/O -- BYU won 3-0
Beginning with posts about their recent travels, the BYU Women's soccer team has started a blog that will updated frequently throughout the season with news and information from the team. The blog can be viewed by visiting: http://byuwomenssoccer.blogspot.com.
Pictures from the team's trip can be seen below:
The BYU Women's Soccer Team with their tour bus driver.
The team poses for a picture overlooking Florence, Italy.
The Cougars gather for a picture after the last game of the trip, a 3-0 victory for the team.
The team visited the Coliseum in Rome.
Team members visited many famous sites during their trip.
Gondola rides on the canals of Venice were popular with the team and their family and friends.