RICKY JOHNSON, SERGIO VASQUEZ SHINE IN VICTORY OVER BOSNIA USA

Pierre d'Estaing, Sports Writer

Olympique Montreux, 4
Bosnia USA, 0

West Salt Lake, Utah (May 13) - Showing why he is Utah's most lethal striker, Sergio Vasquez scored the first goal to lead Olympique Montreux to victory over Bosnia USA at a crucial moment when the Bosnian team was feeling comfortable, having weathered the Olympians' heavy artillery for the first 12 minutes.

Taking it to them

Number nine Vasquez was dangerous from the opening whistle, and with striking partner Chad Gilbert, wreaked havoc on the Bosnia defense.

But for the heroics of goalkeeper Emil Omanovic, the game could have been put to rest rather early.

The Bosnian team, featuring a number of former professionals from the German Bundesliga tried to make a comeback after Vasquez's 12th minute goal, sent keeper Aaron Bruderer into a full stretch dive to deflect a wicked shot by their playmaker Branislav Romanovic.

In the 18th minute, OM free kick specialist Jeremy Jones placed a beautiful shot over the wall, but the effort resulted in a corner. In the 37th minute, Vasquez and Gilbert were at it again, combining a few fast passes, penetrated into the area where Vasquez let loose a powerful shot. Omanovic was able to push it out. Forward Ricky Johnson tapped in the rebound for the second goal.

Plan B: bulldozer tactics

Down 2-0, the Bosnians tried to regroup in the second half, but OM's solid midfielders won all the battles. The few combinations that seeped past the midfield were quickly derailed by central defender Paul Williams and his comrades.

Growing more and more frustrated, some of the Bosnians, following the example of their central defender, Adis Alagic, all but stopped playing football and began to dish out callous fouls. One of them was ejected in the 55th minute for going for midfielder Kenny Barton's ankles with his cleats up. Barton was lucky to avoid what could have been a career ending injury.

Using their numerical advantage, the Olympians passed the ball around with efficiency. In the 67th minute, Gilbert penetrated the Bosnian defense, and made great service for midfielder Nate Murphy who made the score 3-0.

In the 88th minute, midfielder Tracy McGuire ran past a couple of Bosnia USA defenders, found an open Mike Polich in the penalty area. Polich made sure to score although he was fouled quite violently minutes earlier.

“We never doubted we could get a result against that team. The main concern was at what high injury price. Some of the Bosnian players seem to naturally enjoy inflicting physical pain on their opponents instead of playing the beautiful game,” said Bel-Ami de Montreux in post game comments.

“The sad thing about Bosnia USA is that it has some of the best players in Utah on the roster. Their number 9 was great to watch. If Bosnia USA ever really plays football, it could make it difficult for  opponents,”  Bel-Ami added.