Holladay, Sept. 30. (League News Agency)--OM will be without the services of Hugh Van Wagenen when the team takes on OremCity on the road this Saturday. The influential midfielder is serving a one-match ban after being booked twice last weekend when the Olympians defeated International FC in the superclassico at the West Jordan Soccer Complex.
Fullback Mike Rogers will also miss the traveling party. He is running the St. George Marathon this weekend.
Without a doubt, OremCity will be inspired and ready for the match. A few weeks ago, City was dealt their worse defeat in history when a newly promoted OM unleashed an unexpected tsunami of goals that left Orem disoriented and embarrassed.
Since then, although City lost its inspirational West African center full back Tom Ogden to FC Utah Mix, the side has signed three Brazilian imports of reputable skills.
Although OM beat International last weekend, the Olympians are still reeling from the sucker punch defeat they suffered in a penalty shoot out against the Mix a fortnight ago.
The Olympians know what is at stake. The team controls its destiny and cannot take one misstep as it is practically running neck and neck with International in Group A, and must again face the mighty super eagles in a couple of weeks, perhaps to settle the group's winner.
“I am taking a strong squad to Orem despite Hugh's suspension and Rogers's absence. With JT Cracroft back from injury, I am moving Jeremy Jones back to left defensive midfield next to Arthur Van Wagenen,” said Coach Bel-Ami de Montreux.
“We intend to rest Jesse Day at least for the first half and give Ivan Morales a start. His knee is doing much better and he appeared in shape in practice sessions. Josh Kimball should get more minutes this week,” added de Montreux who refuses to be called The Professor unless his team qualifies for and wins the Daynes Cup on October 29.
OM PROBABLE STARTING TEAM: Davin Zimmerman, JT Cracroft, Paul Williams, John McQuarrie, Arthur Van Wagenen, Jeremy Jones, Jake Cavanaugh, Nate Murphy, Erick Ivan Morales, Chad Gilbert, Sergio Vasquez.
SaltLake City. Sept. 25, 2005.--Olympique Montreux and storied International FC locked horns last night in an emotionally charged football game that attracted fans from all over the state. They were not deceived as the two teams offered a display of high caliber.
From the starting whistle, International's super eagles left no doubt they are the reigning champions and that the Olympians were not welcome in a West Jordan Soccer Complex where they have known incomparable success.
The game was an emotional homecoming of sort for several Olympique Montreux players who called International home since they were schoolboys, and contributed to the super eagles' glory.
The Olympians had a stuttering start, finding it difficult to settle down and execute Bel-Ami de Montreux's new look offensive formation. Each time they started a good flow, International's overly aggressive midfielders bulldozed them aside.
It took several moments of brilliance by Paul Williams at the center of defense and with the help of Mike Polich, John McQuarrie and Jeremy Jones to tame International's adrenaline-charged runs toward the area. Keeper Davin Zimmerman did not have to worry much, although he remained vigilant.
Though pushed around and bullied, OM's Sergio Vasquez, Jake Cavanaugh, Chad “Goal-bert” Gilbert, Jesse Day and Tracy McGuire kept the pressure on International, firing shots after shots on goal. Inter's influential goalkeeper Larkein Noble had to stay on his toes to avoid the goal deluge that drowned both Pan World and Orem City when they played the Olympians earlier in the season.
At the 20-minute mark, Cavanaugh's shot narrowly missed the spot. Two minutes later, McGuire beat International's great Brock Varoz. His superb cross flashed dangerously in the area, but Day was late arriving and missed a header.
Four minutes later, Vasquez collected a pass from playmaker Nate Murphy with his back on goal. The dangerous forward spun around, and in the same motion let go a hard right footer that crashed inside the right post and rebounded in the net.
Sergoooooooaaaallll!
The crowed rose and roared as Vasquez ran downfield, holding up the team's crest on his number “9” jersey, kissing it.
“Nobody who has ever played for OM other than me has done that in our six years of existence. That spontaneous gesture touched me. I will remember this moment forever,” said de Montreux at half time.
After Vasquez's goal, OM stepped up the attack, looking to floor the wounded super eagles.
Having received the ball in his own half, Murphy pushed forward and sent in a powerful shot that bruised the top of the woodwork. Jesse Day also came close to scoring a second goal at the 39-minute, and Gilbert took his chances as well. The first half closed 1-0.
The second half started much like the first. This time, anticipating a brutal onslaught, OM exercised caution and changed its offensive strategy to a more defensive midfield scheme anchored by brothers Hugh and Arthur Van Wagenen.
The strategy seemed to work immediately as the Olympians' realignment cut down the passing lanes and International, although running hard, could not take a good look at goal while OM was having success going forward.
But for the heroics of Todd Miller, International's superb center full back and MLS Columbus Crew alumnus, and Noble's acrobatic saves, the Olympians would have piled on several goals in the first fifteen minutes.
OM had to play with 10 men with twenty five minutes to go when Hugh Van Wagenen was sent off after collecting his second yellow card. The game's balance then tilted in favor of the experienced super eagles. OM found itself pushed back as International blitzed forward, looking for the equalizer.
To stymie the attacks, de Montreux kept Vasquez as a lone striker, sent Polich in as a third defensive midfielder. The strategy failed immediately as a fast International winger exploited the repositioning, placed a dangerous ground ball in the area that OM's defenders failed to clear. In the ensuing brouhaha in the penalty area, International forward Jason Jentz managed to toe poke the ball into Zimmerman's net.
After International equalized, it appeared that the game was heading to a tie and the dreaded penalty shootout.
The Olympians pulled in deep with seven minutes to go. Left fullback McQuarrie went up field and blasted a searing shot in Noble's net to recapture the lead. OM kept the pressure on and International was lucky to not have surrendered two more goals during regulation.
In added time, as the referee was lifting his whistle to his lips, Gilbert let go a looping volley that left Noble frozen in place as the ball went in the top right corner of the net.
What a finish after last week's disappointment. OM recaptured its spirit when it had to. It followed its Olympic slogan, Citius, Altius, Fortius. In other words, Swifter, Higher, Stronger.
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OLYMPIANS NOTES:
“ I am very pleased with our efforts today, said BEL-AMI DE MONTREUX after the match. “I still find it hard to believe we dropped points to Utah Mix last week. But we had our talks during the week and we put our lessons to practice. We hope to continue on the right track and play in the Daynes Cup on October 29. We want that piece of silverware badly.”
JT CRACROFT did not dress for the game because of his knee injury sustained last week against Utah Mix. “I'll be back in no time,” said the crafty defender who watched the game on television with his bride at his ranch in Vail, Colorado. The jet setting Cracrofts plan to fly directly to Hawaii this week to link up with Nate Murphy and his wife for a long-planned vacation. Management hopes the two Olympians will stay away from fast food, cheap Hawaiian whisky and bad surf.
ERICK IVAN MORALES played a few minutes to test his knee. “I have to improve my fitness. I believe I am almost there. I hope to contribute next week,” he explained.
JOSH KIMBALL did well for OM. It is hoped that the man who scored six goals in last season's playoffs, including two goals against Park City FC to help the team win promotion to the Premiership will get more minutes next week when OM takes its growing popularity on the road to Orem to face an improved Orem City FC.
MATT WOOLLEY is trying hard to join his teammates. OM will need the midfielder's help next week in the absence of playmaker Nate Murphy
JESSE DAY played well on his sore knee. The winger hopes to regain full speed next week.
PAUL WILLIAMS showed calm and cool directing the back line. As he gains wind in his sail, the defender will become more and more invaluable to the team.
MIKE POLICH, the architect who basically recruited most of the new players on the team is pleased that the men are feeling right at home at Olympique Montreux. They refer to the team as the OM family.
It is still not clear why HUGH VAN WAGENEN was red-carded. The team is awaiting the game report before deciding whether to appeal the referee's harsh decision.
ELI DOTTO who practices with team has not been able to get in the line-up for the past two or three games. With the competition intensifying, OM is finding it difficult to deviate from the normal rotation.
JEREMY JONES and ARTHUR VAN WAGEMEN registered solid performances despite International's rough tackles.
TRACY MCGUIRE played a great game and MIKE ROGERS added steel in the midfield.
ARRON BRUDERER might not travel to OREMCITY next Saturday. It is his son's birthday. But his wife has given him a way out if he gets everything ready for the birthday bash on time. DAVIN ZIMMERMAN is on standby to fill his shoes.
Cottonwood, Utah. September 23. Olympique Montreux's credentials as a contender for a place in the Daynes Cup next month will be tested when the team hosts perennial powerhouse International FC on Saturday at the West Jordan Soccer Complex.
(Kick off 3:00 PM)
Inter has practically maintained a monopoly, if not total supremacy, on the league's top flight for more than a decade. In fact, Utah Soccer Association's annals report Inter has won all known titles throughout the late 1980s, the 1990s and is still winning.
Newly promoted OM has made a solid start of the season banging in 25 goals in five games, including a forfeited win. The side is three points behind Inter but has scored seven more goals and conceded only five, two less than Inter.
After last week's surprising loss to nine men Utah Mix, OM must quickly regroup and play smarter if it is to outwit an Inter currently in first place and unbeaten.
Last Saturday against the Mix, OM created many chances, but left plenty go begging, which is why the players will need to fully concentrate and play up to their potentials.
The game is not just a classic pitting many former teammates against each other, but the outcome may determine the group winner and participant in the Daynes Cup on October 29.
“We had a good practice today and I like the players' approach to the game. I know we will be a different team than the one that self-destruct last week,” said Bel-Ami de Montreux, OM's manager. “We have to be ready. You cannot underestimate International's pedigree. They pack a big resume. We are the new kids on the bloc,” the manager conceded.
Top Scorers. -
Going into Saturday's derby, OM features the league's top two marksmen in Sergio Vasquez and last week's hero Chad Gilbert who is better known as Chad Goal-bert. Both men's goal counters are running neck and neck with eight goals apiece.
“Those two are natural born scorers. They will be marked tightly, but we have so many weapons in our arsenal. Tracy McGuire and Jake Cavanaugh are sharpshooters. Do not forget Jesse Day will run you ragged on the left and punish you if you blank. The man is a predator. Our midfielders can score, as well as our defenders occasionally,” de Montreux said.
Indeed, emotions will run high on Saturday. Many soccer fans have been waiting for this game and by the look of things, they will not be disappointed.
“We roasted that arrogant French dude. We French-fried that braggart. Should I say we liberty-fried him?” a derisive and ecstatic Frankie, Utah Mix's boss, said after his team's big upset of Olympique Montreux this evening at the West Jordan Soccer Complex.
“Beating Bel-Ami de Montreux is the highlight of my life. We manhandled his men. We harassed them. We straightjacketed them. We crushed them. We stuffed them. I beat OM finally. What else is there? Tonight, I will eat the maggot in my tequila,” added the pardonably proud Peruvian.
Despite Chad Gilbert's outstanding efforts, OM sustained its first loss of the season to 9 men Utah Mix in a poorly managed game by the coaching staff.
“I am very much responsible for this disaster. It is the most embarrassing moment in my thirty something years of playing and coaching soccer,” lamented de Montreux, OM's manager. “I cannot find any good excuse to mitigate my failure to preserve our advantage with about 25 minutes to go,” added the ostensibly angry manager.
Things started well for OM though. The lads came out on all cylinders. For the first twenty or so minutes, the ball practically stayed in Utah Mix's half of the field. Jesse Day, Tracy McGuire, Nate Murphy and Chad Gilbert ran circles around ineffective Utah Mix players who finally resorted to rough plays to unsettle the Olympians.
It looked like it was going to be another clinic after Chad Gilbert scored on a Jesse Day cross at the 25-minute mark.
OM out shot the Mix 17-0 in the first 30 minutes, earned seven corners and numerous free kicks. In the 37-minute, Gilbert scored perhaps the prettiest goal of the season on a solo run. Even Utah Mix fans applauded the fleet-footed striker for his athleticism and flair for finding the net with such style.
With the score 2-0, Utah Mix turned very physical. After Gilbert's goal, OM strung beads of misses, and Utah Mix capitalized on its lone shot on goal when an OM defender slipped and lost the ball in first half injury time.
At the beginning of the second half, a Utah Mix forward was sent off for repeated butt grabbing, a rather disgusting act. Reduced to 10 men, Utah Mix camped in its own half of the field, and OM strikers mounted assaults after assaults, frustratingly coming up short.
At the 75-minute, another Utah Mix player received his second yellow card and marching orders, this time for cussing at the referee.
Soon after, Utah Mix tied the score on a fast break and another defensive blunder.
Incomprehensibly, OM lost its reputable coolness. Although only facing nine men practically hunkered down in their penalty box to preserve the tie, instead of going forward, four, sometimes five, OM players remained in the back watching the action even on set pieces.
Gilbert came close to winning all three points for the Olympians in the dying minutes, but after wiping off nearly the entire Utah Mix defense, his shot on goal was too weak to do any harm. Having ran so hard all evening, the striker was exhausted and needed a break.
The referee blew full time and OM lost 5-4 in the ensuing penalty shoot out.
Utah Mix and its fans invaded the field in delirium.
Incredibly enough, OM only had three substitute field players ready to play. Several fans wondered aloud where were top strikers Jake Cavanaugh and Sergio Vasquez.
“I do not know,” conceded a disappointed de Montreux. “Big players do not go AWOL for big games. A player has to make sacrifices for his team. Jesse Day did it for us when his sister was getting married. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo stayed with his team last week despite his father's death. I do it every day.
"I try to run a professional institution here despite my busy professional life. I call players to remind them of games. My secretary Gabriela also calls them. We talk about the game at practice. I e-mail players several times a week to remind them again. The game is advertised on the team's web site in bold red letters. What else can I do if a guy does not show up, and does not bother to let me know he is not showing up? Have him arrested the night before to ensure his presence!
“Why did I have to risk Jesse Day for 90 minutes on a sore knee? Why did I have to put my name on the roster as a potential sub when I registered more than 25 healthy players?” This is not a weekday game. Why did so many men miss a Saturday evening game against one of the best teams in the league? Why couldn't they come help out even for one half? Why not make a sacrifice for the team? We are supposed to be a team. Where is the Olympic spirit? The camaraderie we talked about? I could not even substitute an injured Nate Murphy. I even had to play Jeremy Jones out of position.
“I find it hard to believe I did not follow my instinct to defend the 2-1 advantage. After all, I should have known better. As you well know, I have never lost a 2-1 advantage in five years as a player-manager. With Utah Mix reduced to 10 men, I should have put in a defensive midfield wall, and reduce our offensive runs. Being down 2-1, Utah Mix would have had to attack and be exposed to counter attacks. I discussed the strategy with Captain Mike Polich, but he did not agree. We basically played in Frankie's hands. We exposed ourselves. We did a free willy and gave them a freebie.
“We seem to want to win pretty, scoring tons of goals. You have to adjust to the situation. Sometimes you have to win three points no matter how ugly. I went unbeaten last year doing just that, winning when I had to win at the expense of all that sexy football stuff. “
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MAN OF THE MATCH:Chad Gilbert __________________________
LEADING SCORERS:
Chad Gilbert:8 goals Sergio Vasquez:8 goals __________________________
OLYMPIAN NOTES:
J.T. Cracroft sustained a knee injury. The left full back assured us that it is not serious. He most likely will miss the derby against International next Saturday. We wish him a speedy recovery.
Nate Murphy pulled a leg muscle. He expects to be ready to go next Saturday.
Erick Ivan Morales is still out with a work-related knee injury and groins problems.
Bel-Ami de Montreux has tried unsuccessfully to practice. Two knee injuries in one year appear to have grounded the aging forward for a long time, if not for good.
Isaac James attended two practice sessions. He looks nearly fit.
Several players have simply vanished since preseason. We have not seen Greg Pulver, Homero Tafolla, Sean O'Brien and K.C. Jones among others in a long while.
Josh Kimballhas made scant appearances in the past month.
Josue Ferrera is no longer with team. He feels he is not able to play his own game within the team's concept.
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STARTING LINE UP: Mike Polich, Jesse Day, Chad Gilbert, Tracy McGuire, Nate Murphy, Paul Williams, Hugh Van Wagenen, John McQuarrie, J.T. Cracroft, Aaron Bruderer, Mike Rogers.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Jeremy Jones, Arthur Van Wagenen.
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NEXT GAME:
Saturday, September 24, 2005. 3:00 PM
OM vs.. INTERNATIONAL West Jordan Complex, Field M/N
Despite the pundits' prediction and public expectation, Olympique Montreux did not burst out of the gates and crush DLD F.C. this evening at the West Jordan Soccer Complex. It took a while for the Olympians to shake the rust of three long weeks without a competitive fixture or a friendly match.
Some of the early rigidity in execution can also be blamed on the cold 25 mile an hour winds that battered the Complex throughout the first half and most of the second half. It took more than twenty minutes before left full back J.T. Cracroft busted through DLD's rather unconventional defensive layout to assist Striker Jake Cavanaugh for the first goal.
Unfazed, DLD continued the long ball assaults through the middle and managed to get a shot pass OM's keeper Davin Zimmerman to equalize at the 30-minute mark. Many OM players protested that the scorer was offside, but the referee ignored the protest and pointed to the center of the field.
DLD's equalizer provided the wake up call OM needed. This was the first time in five games, including the classic against Real Salt Lake, Utah's professional soccer team, that any team had scored against OM so early.
Sergio Vasquez quickly put OM back on top at the 40th minute. Two minutes later, Jeremy Jones put in the third goal, and Vasquez followed with the fourth in typical elegant fashion.
With the score 4-1 at the half, OM appeared on the way to its fourth straight victory. DLD, however, had other ideas. Playing in no recognized soccer formation and mostly blasting long balls as in the first half and running hard, they seemed to keep the ball in the air for the first seven or so minutes.
They should have stuck to that strategy because OM had a difficult time adjusting. But, as DLD, perhaps tired of running, tried to string together a few passes, OM settled down, and took control of the game.
The clinic was on for a long stretch.
With pivot man Nate Murphy pulling the strings in the middle of the field, OM's engine shifted to a higher gear. The passes were lighting fast and each Olympian seemed to be in the right place.
Twenty minutes into the half, Chad Gilbert scored his seventh goal of the season. A few minutes later, Jesse Day's powerful left foot strike hit the woodwork.
Josh Kimball had many opportunities to increase the score, but lacking in fitness, he squandered his chances, mostly shooting wide.
At the 86 minute, Vasquez completed his second hot tricks of the season to bring his tally to a league leading eight goals.
DLD did not go out quietly though, they scored a second goal when Defender Josue Ferrera held on to a ball that he should have cleared out quicker, but lost [it] in the area.
“We learned important lessons today,” admitted Bel-Ami de Montreux. “We cannot take any team for granted. DLD did not line up in any formal soccer formation today and it was difficult to get our game going.
"We project the image of a very offensive side, but I always say that the most important thing is how we function when we lose the ball.
"To play offensively, we must work hard when we lose the ball. The defense and midfield have to push very hard. Frankly, we did not do that today and we all feel we lost something despite the result.”
_____________________________
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sergio Vasquez ______________________________
LEADING SCORERS:
Sergio Vasquez, 8 goals
Chad Gilbert, 6 goals
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OLYMPIAN NOTES:
Josh Kimball failed to impress his new girlfriend. He squandered a few good chances. The forward has not been seen at practice for a long time. Perhaps he is busy entertaining his new best friend.
JT Cracroft played a very strong game. He was able to foil many of the long ball attacks DLD tried to stage.
Hugh van Wagenan's performance was worthy of high praise. The BYU man was involved in many of OM's best counter attacks.
Paul Williams made a strong debut for OM. He is a valuable member of the squad.
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STARTING LINE UP
David Zimmernan, Mike Polich, JT Cracroft, Jeremy Jones, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Tracy McGuire, Sergio Vasquez, Jake Cavanaugh, Paul Williams, Arthur Van Wagenen.
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SUBSTITUTIONS
Josue Ferrera, Hugh Van Wagenen, Aaron Bruderer, Chad Gilbert, Josh Kimball.
It was a peculiar occurrence this evening at RiversidePark. Utah Mix F.C. and its manager, Franky, arrived at the stadium about 40 minutes late and without one player pass. When the central referee called a forfeit in favor of Olympique Montreux, Franky confronted OM players and management forcefully saying: "What are you guys afraid of? Little old me?"
It was strange indeed.
The referees' decision should not be a surprise to Franky. Just last week, the Utah Soccer Association reiterated an edict that player passes must be checked before each game. The rules were being enforced apparently to control teams who have fielded unregistered players in the past or who would hire football mercenaries to play in a particular game. Utah Mix has played in the league for years and has even won the championship a few times. Its managers should know better.
West Jordan City, Utah. Sergio Vasquez and Chad Gilbert registered double hat tricks, Tracy McGuire showed his class, Mike Polich opened his account and Erick “Ivan The Terrible” Morales found his magic in a goal feast against reputable Pan World F.C. last Saturday at the West Jordan Soccer Complex.
If the casual observer thought Olympique Montreux’s demolition of Orem City F.C. a week ago was a fluke, the side’s total harassment of reputable Pan World F.C. in an incredible fireworks display to the tune of 9-0 has to put all the teams in the Utah Soccer Association, Utah’s statewide amateur league, in red alert.
Magnanimous in victory, Technical Director Bel-Ami de Montreux said: “I would rather be humble about it. I have confidence in our potential, but I know teams will be up each time they play us. This is only the second fixture and the cup is still far away from our lips.”
De Montreux’s tactful warnings aside, what OM accomplished against Pan World F.C. was indeed soccer magic.
Sergio Vasquez authoritatively banged in the opening goal inside the first five minutes. As if caught by surprise, Pan World quickly regrouped, and went on the attack in search of an equalizer to even the scales. Unfortunately for them, Mike Polich, OM’s powerfully build central defender and his colleagues thwarted the blue and gold’s labors. Keeper Aaron Bruderer only had to parry one meek shot on goal.
Not wanting to tolerate Pan World ‘s enthusiasm for long, OM stepped on the pedal in the 15th minute after a hard foul on left midfielder Jesse Day. On the ensuing free kick, Polich blazed a searing header that narrowly missed the net.
Two minutes later, Nate Murphy, OM’s playmaker, took the ball from midfield, misled his markers à la Zinedine Zidane, laid a perfect pass for Striker Chad Gilbert who skipped pass a frozen defender, found his co-conspirator Vasquez who scored his second goal of the afternoon.
The crowed was on its feet, cheering in appreciation.
At the 20-minute mark, Vasquez reciprocated and Gilbert notched in the third goal. Jesse Day scored the fourth goal seven minutes later from a well-crafted cross by Tracy McGuire.
The rout was effectively on.
Pan World was unable to string two passes together thanks for OM’s superb placement and stirring man marking. They appeared disoriented by the Olympians’ dizzying ball movement and collectiveness. Polich was like a field general, vocal and encouraging his men to add luster to an already spotless first half display.
OM did not tinker much with the line up. Ivan the Terrible came in for Day, and the fleet footed left side winger wasted little time to clarify why he was one of the few players OM retained from the spring 2005 roster. Taking the ball from holding midfielder Jeremy Jones, Ivan dribbled past two Pan World men and treaded a perfectly curving ball to Polich’s waiting head for a beautiful goal.
Sergio Vasquez completed his first hat trick of the season at the 50th minute. Not to be outdone, Gilbert chalked up his own hat trick when Ivan repeated his Houdini act on the left wing and found Gilbert for an elegant header.
With the score 8-0 and Pan World completely deflated and out of sync, the game took the look of a clinic. Jake Cavanaugh added the coup de grace after persecuting his opponents with his snaking runs into the area.
With the game safely won at this point, de Montreux advised his men to stop the scoring and maintain possession of the ball. To ensure the shutout, OM made several tactical changes. Greg Pulver, Hugh van Wagenen and Mike Rogers played in their first competitive fixture for the side. Eli Ditto saw some action as well and came close to scoring a 10th goal.
As Referee Yuri Pineda called the game to an end, Pan World’s fans and coaches appeared stunned by the magnitude of the defeat and total collapse of their team’s game plan. But for Pineda’s sympathetic calls in the second half, the score line could have mushroomed well pass a dozen to zero. Pineda failed to sanction at least two clear penalties on Jake Cavanaugh, and did not award OM several strategic free kicks.
Nonetheless, as true champions, Pan World promised to regroup. Their next opponents had better be ready for they want to quickly put Saturday’s pitiful shellacking behind them.
______________________________
Man of the Match: Mike Polich ______________________________
Leading scorers:
Sergio Vasquez, 5 goals
Chad Gilbert 5 goals
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Olympian Notes:
Matt Wolley, Greg Pulver, Hugh van Wagenan and Mike Rogers made their competitive debut in an OM shirt. They distinguished themselves admirably.
Jake Cavanaugh and ERICK” Ivan The Terrible” MORALES came off the bench to wreck havoc on both flanks to the dismay of Pan World F.C. and the admiration of the fans.
Tracy McGuire pulled in a great performance. His darting runs exposed Pan World’s left side.
Mike Polich was dominating. He continued to make Roberto Carlos-type runs up the middle and scored on a beautiful header.
John McQuarrie solidified his hold of the left side of the defense. McQuarrie is a quiet and unshakeable operator. He played a flawless game.
J.T. Cracroft, Jeremy Jones, and Arthur van Wagenen appear to have formed a partnership that will trouble attackers for a generation. Josue Ferrera did solid defending in the middle of the field.
Maestro Nate Murphy lived up to his high billing. He directed the incredible display in his axial position. Murphy has been consistent since preseason. He is enjoying the best season of his career.
Were it not for the happy event of his sister’s wedding, Jesse Day would have registered his own hat trick. The mercurial left winger did not take time off as he could have. Bless Him! He played the first 30 minutes of the first half, did his thing, scored a goal, and went straight to the showers, put on his tuxedo and disappeared in a long black limousine that was on standby to usher the admirable winger to his sister’s big day. West Jordan police officers on motorcycles with sirens blaring escorted the limo to the wedding.
Eli Ditto is getting better and better. He did his patented stepovers.
Bel-Ami de Montreux had nothing to complain about. He just sat there and enjoyed the match, not once looking at the parking lot wondering where his key players were. They were on the field and on the side lines doing the team’s badge proud.
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STARTING LINE UP
Aaron Bruderer, Mike Polich, John McQuarrie, J.T. Cracroft, Jeremy Jones, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Tracy McGuire, Sergio Velasquez, Chad Gilbert.
_______________________________
SUBSTITUTIONS
Greg Pulver, Mike Rogers, Matt Woolley, Erick Ivan Morales, Josue Ferrera, Eli Ditto, Jake Cavanaugh
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THEY SAID IT:
Melinda: “That’s too much goals.”
Mike Polich to J.T. Cracroft: “Come back and I’ll give you the F___ ball.”
Sergio Velasquez on whether he will be shy when OM meets International: “I will take it to them.”
Jesse Day: “Make sure the limo has a television so I can follow the rest of the match.”
Mike Leveille: I lost count, was it 11 zip.”
Greg Pulver: “Bel-Ami, bring your boots next time and get in the joy.”
K.C. Nordfors: “What? We had a game! How did I miss it?”
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NEXT MAN UP
Paul Williams (Hugh has the No. 4, Williams. Take 24.)
