WORKMANLIKE PERFORMANCE TAKES WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

By Pierre d’Estaing

Sports Writer 

The goal:     Nate Murphy (39th minute)                  

University of Utah, March 20.--Olympique Montreux put in another workmanlike performance at the Spence Eccles Field House at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, tonight against Utah Mix to take the 2005 Winter Indoor Championship thanks to a goal in the second half from Nate Murphy.   

The Olympians made light of the potential difficulties facing them and controlled the game throughout, stamping their authority on a game in which they dominated possession from start to finish. Murphy and Todd Miller showed maximum efficiency up front, while Sergio Vasquez, Tracy McGuire, Jesse Day and JT Cracroft showed their ability in the middle and Paul Williams, John McQuarrie, Jeremy Jones and Hugh Van Wagenen marshaled another clean sheet. The only negative point for Coach Bel-Ami de Montreux was that Jesse Day reinjured his ankle.

Early chances.--Utah Mix deployed a defensive formation, sometimes playing as many as seven full time defensive players, to ward off OM’s quick forwards.  Starting keeper Aaron Bruderer was called in action only one serious time, saving an effort from a feisty Utah Mix forward. OM hit back with two quick chances, first from Day, who headed beautifully, only for the Utah Mix’s keeper to be deployed in a full parade to save the goal, then from Vasquez who shot inches wide.

Vasquez limps off.--In one of OM's attacks on Utah Mix’s goal at the 18-minute mark, a Utah Mix player kicked Vasquez’s ankle, and JT Cracroft who gave the opposing defense much to worry about quickly replaced him.  Murphy and Cracroft gave the Olympians more control of the ball in the midfield and soon Utah Mix was chasing shadows as Bel-Ami's men kept possession. Miller could have opened the score soon after Cracroft came on, but the veteran Utah Mix keeper just tipped his effort over the bar.

80% of possession.--OM's dominance soon snuffed out any threats from the Utah Mix though and Murphy was orchestrating a stunning display of controlled football with OM recording 80% possession in the first half.  At the 24th minute, Murphy cheekily took a quick free kick on the edge of the box to set up Arthur van Wagenen, but this time Arthur’s shot was well stopped by the keeper.

Murphy on target.--Having luckily escaped punishment on the score card in the first half, Utah Mix knew they'd have to come out of their shell late in the second half to have a chance to claim the trophy, but their desire to attack left spaces for OM's attacking midfielders such as Josh Kimball and McGuire to carry the ball forward. At the 39th minute, Murphy got a great pass from JT and made no mistake, placing the ball pass the keeper and in the net.

Utah Mix Charging Forward.--With Utah Mix now more than ever obliged to push forward, Bel-Ami made some technical adjustments, placing more defensive players on the field.  Drew van Wagenen was sent out and along with John McQuarrie and Christopher Kirkpatrick, cut out the passing lanes, while second half keeper Devin Zimmerman made sure to protect the clean sheet.

“This tournament was our last chance for a trophy this winter, so we took advantage of the opportunity.  The men played well considering the indoor surface does not allow the game to proceed at the same technical level despite it being full size.   Also, the narrowness of the field made it hard to open the game wide, thus, Utah Mix defenders could sit in the small space and wait.  Otherwise, we are happy to start the year with a piece of silverware, said Bel-Ami in after match interviews.