The BYU men's soccer team annual international trip kicked off with the team splitting their first two games against some of Fiji's best.

The team's first game came against Ba FC, considered to be the most successful team in Fiji. After a close first half, the game was scoreless at the break.

Midway through the second half, Ba scored the only goal of the game.

The Cougar's best opportunity to tie the game came when Steve Fellows trapped a Garrett Losee pass. Fellows attempted to chip the ball over the Ba goalkeeper's head, but the shot fell just shy of the goalpost.

However, the next game ended with a different result for the men of Provo. The team defeated the Fijian Under-20 Olympic team, 2-0.

The Cougars drew blood early as Curtis Graham's corner kick was knocked in by freshman Derek Taylor.

The Olympic team's best opportunity to cut into the Cougar's lead came in the first half, when Scott Heaton tackled an offensive Fijian player in the middle of the goal box. The Olympic team was awarded a penalty kick, but the shot went wide left.

The second half continued to get more physical, when a Fijian player was given a red card after tackling and elbowing Fellows.

The game continued with more aggressive play. Once again, Fellows was the victim. Shortly prior to a shot attempt by Losee, a Fijian player pushed Fellows. After the yellow card was handed out, Losee placed the ball just left of the keeper's reach. The goal sealed the victory for the Cougars.

After the win, the team also participated in off the field plans. The team attended a feast with the Mayor of Ba, as well as some of the top officials in the Fijian government and Fiji soccer.

The team is using this opportunity to teach soccer to the youth of Fiji. One participant was Adrian Shawn, 10, of Korotogo, Nadroga, Fiji.

"Why can't our people be like these players from BYU because everyone in Fiji is fighting each other?" Shawn said. "I want to live in a Fiji where I can play and enjoy my soccer peacefully."

The next opponent the Cougar's will be facing is Lautoka, one of the top teams in Fiji.

The team's season will begin May 16 at South Field, where the Cougars will take on the Cascade Surge at 7:30 p.m.