Tough life, that Chris Watkins. The BYU soccer coach assisted on an Italian trip with the women's team, then as the head coach of the men's squad went to Fiji.

"There are some challenges, but I think we'll still be good," Watkins said of the opening weekend doubleheader that includes a Saturday night game.

BYU plays at the professional level and last year was outstanding. Watkins' experienced team, as he expected, won the Northwest division last year with a lot of seniors.

Now, the rebuilding starts. Sort of. The Cougars lost seven of the 11 starters.

And the beginning of the season will get tougher: Two of the more known returners, left defense Richie Bindrup (quadriceps) and midfielder Steve Magleby (torn miniscus), are shelved.

"It's almost funny," Watkins deadpanned, "if it wasn't happening to me."

He won't get much sympathy from travel lovers. First there was a trip with games ranging from April 27-May 5 in Italy. Then came the long journey to Fiji. BYU returned earlier this week after an 11-hour direct flight from the island to Los Angeles. It was a cherished trip, despite the constant rain, as the Cougars split four games and a young team had a better chance to get acclimated.

The Cougars hosted a clinic for nearly 200 Fijian children on Saturday. They donated hundreds of cleats which were collected from fans at the game against the Real Salt Lake Reserves in Provo. The team annually takes a trip to somewhere in the world with a prominent LDS culture.

"We've come a long way as a team since we started training together in March," said defender Clay Christenson. "Playing against solid competition in Fiji helped us find our feet and I think we're ready to start a winning season this weekend."

The effects of travel may take time to subside.

"Practice Wednesday night was not pretty," Watkins said.

He believes a key to the season will be the team setting up its forwards well. Steve Fellows and Zack DeFrancis each scored eight goals last year.

Setting up fans, however, will be a tougher chore until the renovated South Stadium opens again in July.

BYU will play at Haws Field, which is west of the Indoor Practice Facility. While the program has 1,200 season ticket holders, about 600 can be seated comfortably in the temporary setting the coach estimated.

Fans are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on. Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for students and children, and can be purchased at the gate.

The team will play Spokane on Saturday, also at 7:30 p.m.

For all of the changes, Watkins believes fans will find this season worth it.

"Expectations were high last year, we played a lot of seniors," he said. "So naturally you'd expect a little drop off. Having said that, we should still be right there for a conference championship."