“MAESTRO” NATE MURPHY 2007 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

"MAESTRO" NATE LED OM TO 9 TITLES IN THREE YEARS

BY RALPH LAUREN
SPORTS WRITER

MIDVALE, UTAH (LNS) December 5, 2007-Olympique Montreux players overwhelmingly voted midfielder Nate Murphy the team's Most Valuable Player for the 2007 season. The Olympians' choice was revealed at the team's Annual Dinner Award held this year at the Italian restaurant Bucca di Bepo in Midvale.

As expected, forward DAVID “EL TANQUE' CHEVEZ won the golden boot for scoring 22 goals in all competitions despite missing more than a month with a hand injury.

The Olympians also voted “IRON” MIKE ROGERS, the Defensive Player of the Year, and goalkeeper MARTIN “SPIDERMAN' MARTINEZ was recognized as the league's best for his incredible goaltending exploits this year. In over twenty games, only eight goals got past the Argentine arquero.

All of the players received a champion medal for winning the league's top division for the third time in as many years.  The team also honored last year captain Paul Williams with a plaque for his contributions to the team.

MVP Nate is the son of John and Ranae Murphy, committed soccer parents who followed their son's evolution in Utah soccer over the years as Nate excelled for many teams including his youth teams Sparta and Firebird and the regional Olympic Development Program.

Nate starred for Alta High School and the Utah Salt Rats, a former PDL Premier Development League team, before joining OM. He is a regular on the Utah State Select Team.

He is married to his wife Alecia for five years, works with his father in the family's plumbing and radiant heating business and holds a real estate license. Nate also is a professional snowboarder in the winter but his passion is coaching soccer to youths in the valley. He is currently the assistant coach of the Olympique Montreux U-14 girls team.

The Maestro of the Orchestra

As the principal playmaker for the best team in the league for three years, officially, Nate has led the side to three Premiership titles, two Daynes Challenge Cup championships, one Utah Open Cup championship, two Spence Eccles Winter championships, and the 2007 Park City Tournament championship.

“I see respect coming from our players and from opponents toward Nate,” said OM midfielder Mauricio Borba.  “The man is a born leader, very focused and mentally strong. I wonder how come he did not go pro.”

“He is the keystone of the side. There are not enough words to say what Nate brings to the team.  He leads by example,” added defensive midfielder Kenan Powell.

Leading a team to such high levels in today's soccer is an amazing feat. In this division, winning two consecutives games is quite a difficult task with the high caliber competition.

Unlike the days not long ago when one or two teams reigned supreme and the others served as doormats toward easy and consecutive championships, lately, each team is well staffed because a large pool of talented players is available.

Highlighting the competitive nature of the Premiership is the fact that some teams feature former college players and a number of former professionals while some even employ the services of very skillful "for-hire" Latin American journeymen who naturally ply their trade here, there and everywhere for money.

Yet, in this very competitive environment, Nate and Olympique Montreux, a strictly amateur team, compete despite being constantly targeted as the team to beat in Utah soccer.

“I am honored to work with Nate. He is loyal to his team and to his teammates. He listens to advice and he is always working at bettering his game. Nate is a pure maestro and a gentleman,” said team manager Bel-Ami.

Olympique Montreux plays about 30 league and cup games each season. Because of the caliber of the players on the team, the side's reputation over eight years and more than a dozen major titles, each game it plays is like a cup game for the opponents, a final. Beating OM is a badge of honor in the Mountain West. It takes an athlete of uncommon mental toughness to wear an OM jersey. Average men have quivered under the pressure and the weight of the jersey and bailed out.

“Each one of our players who made it to the finish line this difficult season showed the strength of their character and great discipline. Nate led the way. He played hurt. Nate arranged and rearranged his schedule to answer present each time his team called on him.  He deserves his award of MOST VALUABLE PLAYER," added Bel-Ami.

Could not have said it better myself!

STEELY OM BEATS DIABLOS, CLAIMS THIRD STRAIGHT LEAGUE TITLE

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

By  Scott Cunningham
Sports Writer

WESTMINSTER STADIUM, Salt Lake. Nov. 3, 2007—Justin Braun rose high in the air to head in a fine cross from Louis Staley at the 44th minute and Olympique Montreux held on to defeat a fine Diablos team 1-0 to claim its third straight Utah Premiership championship.

Diablos displayed their stylish one touch game in the first half and caused a lot of problems for the Olympians’ defense although Mike ROGERS and his colleagues did not allow their crafty opponents to really threaten keeper Martin MARTINEZ.

The Olympians started with three forwards on top in a 3-3-4 attacking formation looking for early goals. However, the forwards were not on all cylinders.

In the 8th minute, striker Jake CAVANAUGH missed a golden opportunity.

In the 15th minute, Jimmy CUADROS’s shot sailed wide.

With a lot of room in the middle to roam, Diablos playmaker Alejandro “Guti” Gutierrez showed why he is one of Utah’s best playmakers of all times. He was a constant danger in directing the Red Devils’ offense.

But for his forwards running into OM’s well-aligned backfield, Diablos could have cashed in on Guti’s great performance.

“We had to silence him in the second half. He was having too much of an impact on the game,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.

A complete midfield embargo

With the score still 1-0 at the restart, the Olympians reorganized their midfield in a way to slow down the Red Devils’ progress. Bel-Ami introduced defensive midfield destroyer Kenan POWELL to operate in front of the already strong defense. To support playmaker Nate MURPHY, the manager assigned super tough holding midfielder Jeremy JONES to shadow Guti.

The strategy paid off as Diablos just could not find time to weave their attractive and menacing passing.

The Olympians were executing. There was no room for Diablos to execute.

With corner backs Richard BINDRUP and John MACQUARRIE having an amazing game, Diablos’s usually potent counterattack did not work. The few times that their forwards came close to the box through the middle, Zach BURTON and Mike made sure to swat them away.

Becoming more and more frustrated with the stifling marking, Diablos abandoned its pretty game and started playing rough. John Macquarrie had to be carried off the field in the 85th minute. Three minutes later, Jorge ESTRADA kicked Jeremy in the chest while the later was on the ground.

In the 67th minute, Jake had another good look at goal, but the keeper parried his shot.

In the 80th minute, Diablos had its best chance at scoring when Ephrain Aguilar took a strong shot at Martin. But the RSL-trained keeper made it look easy.

The game ended at 1-0 and the Olympians claimed their third straight league championship.

The “GRINTA” or the will to win 

“This was a difficult year for the organization. We basically lost half the team to direct competitors at various times throughout the year. We lost our starting right and left wingers, and critical midfielders. Players just got up and left a championship team for no reason in the middle of the season,” said Bel-Ami.

“In addition, we inherited an atrocious schedule and we had to deal with serious injuries. Jimmy had hernia surgery. Rick JOHNSON had anterior cruciate ligament surgery. David CHEVES had hand surgery. Sina Alipour’s nose was broken. Josh KIMBALL did not play for six weeks due to a foot injury. Ze MARCO is still injured. Todd MILLER played hurt all year long, a bad calf. Jeremy had a persistent ankle problem. Martin has a bad knee, but he still collected 5 straight shootouts and finishes the season as the league’s top keeper allowing in only nine goals all season.

“But we were blessed with a few new men who appreciated playing for Olympique Montreux because they love the team’s spirit and tradition. They integrated a new system at a difficult time in mid-season and they showed they had the GRINTA, the will to win. And they became champions. Call the roll:

Sina ALIPOUR, 2007 Utah Champion

Mauricio BORBA, 2007 Utah Champion

Richard BINDROP, 2007 Utah Champion

Zach BURTON, 2007 Utah Champion

Garrett LOSEE, 2007 Utah Champion

Ze MARCO, 2007 Utah Champion

Ricardo MARTINEZ, 2007 Utah Champion

Kenan POWELL, 2007 Utah Champion

“I thank them. I think all the players for showing strength of character.”

Indeed, the team went unbeaten the entire second half of the season, outscoring opponents 24 goals to one. The men played the game like true Olympians. They bended but never broke.

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX WINS 3-0 AT PARK CITY NEWPARK

By  Scott Cunningham
Sports Writer

“Quitting is not an option.”

Bel-Ami de Montreux

PARK CITY, UTAH (OM News Service) October 6, 2007—Jake CAVANAUGH regained his fitness just in time to lead Olympique Montreux with two superb goals and Garrett LOSEE added the third as OM maintained its winning streak and first place in the Utah Premiership.

The Olympians have not lost or allowed one goal in five games, a whopping 450 minutes excluding injury time. Keeper Martin MARTINEZ has been in superb form this half of the season. His clean sheets last month earned him the title of Mr. September.

Cavanaugh or “Cavagoal” scored the first goal in the 25th minute after great work by midfielders Nate MURPHY and Todd MILLER. 

Nate again put in a Man of the Match performance. He controlled a one-touch pass from Todd just outside the box, sent a defender the wrong way and laid a clean pass to Cavagoal who had no other choice but to score.

The second goal came in the 39th minute after Jeremy JONES won the ball at midfield and started a quick counter attack, passing long to striker Jimmy CUADROS who unselfishly sent a curving cross into the box. As the keeper started to come out, Cavagoal beat him to the ball and headed in.

In the second half, Sina ALIPOUR came close to scoring a few times, but his efforts fell short.

Park City could not organize their midfield as a peripatetic Jeremy had a game that would make Claude Makelele proud. Playing at holding midfielder, an inspired Jeremy was breaking passes, tackling the ball and making the short or long accurate passes that can help move a team.

In the 75th minute, Garrett received another great pass from Nate and scored the third and final goal.

As Park City sent men forward looking for a consolation goal, Zach BURTON and his partners held firm to make sure OM maintain the best defense in the league.

To date, the Olympians have scored 80 goals in league play and allowed only 14. Westminster college is next with 75 goals, but it has conceded 36 goals. OM has not only the best defense at this point in the season, it has the most performing offense.

This is a huge accomplishment for a team that lost its entire strike force last season and had to rebuilt its midfield midseason because of injury and players transfering to other teams.

“It is good to see us continue to peak after a disastrous run in the cups. Our confidence is high. We still have a chance to win a silverware this season,” said contented manager Bel-Ami.

Elsewhere, Rush Elite defeated Diablos 1-0 to complicate the Red Devils’ position in the standing.

OM will take on Diablos on Saturday, October 13 at 4:00 PM at Cottonwood High School in Holladay. The result of that game may well settle the league’s championship.

Other news: Olympique Montreux U14 girls team was idle this weekend.

OM MEN BEATS RUSH---OM U-14 GIRLS ROLLS OVER SPARTA FC

By  Jessica LAKEWOOD
Sports Writer

“Quitting is not an option.”

Bel-Ami de Montreux

HOLLADAY, UTAH (OM News Service) September 22, 2007—Peruvian striker Jimmy Quadros scored two goals to lead OM over Rush Elite in the Utah Premiership on Saturday.

Jimmy scored his first goal in the 39th minute when he rose above the defense to head in a wonderfully taken Nate MURPHY corner kick and added the second in the 79th minute on a breakaway.

The Olympians played perhaps their best game of the season, with the attacking players pressing on high on turnovers.

“I was very impressed by our defensive display this afternoon. Despite the poor weather, we kept the ball and did not hurry things,” explained OM manager Bel-Ami.

“Our defending was amazing."

Barely back from hernia surgery, the powerfully built Jimmy showed he still had his game, hustling and defending like never before.

His strike partner, Sina ALIPOUR, did fine work with his speed to unsettle Rush Elite’s difficult to penetrate defense.

OM midfielders did a good job pacing the team and playing to the strength of the formation.

Keeper Martin MARTINEZ picked up his third shoot out in just as many games.

Earlier in the day, the U-14 Olympique Montreux girls squad gave a display that should put future adversaries on notice as the side gains in experience.

From the starting whistle, Coach Ben Staples’ team went at it in an organized and skillful fashion.

They dominated their more experienced opponents and by half time, Sparta was lucky to be only trailing by a single goal.

In the second half, the Lady Olympians completely dominated Sparta, scoring three additional goals.

“The U-14 girls team is the smartest thing Olympique Montreux F.C. has done in a long time. The players are enthusiastic and they genuinely are proud of the team’s tradition which they are enriching,” said Bel-Ami.          

MEET THE NEWEST OLYMPIANS. . .

By  Robyn Millerberg
U-14 Team Manager

 

SANDY, Utah. (September 21, 2007) OM News Services.--This season marks the inaugural year of the newest Olympique Montreux team.  The team is a U14 girl’s premier level team that previously competed as the Utah Force.  There are currently eighteen talented 13-year old girls on the roster. Several of these girls live in Draper and Sandy while many come from different areas of Salt Lake.

These girls are hard working and dedicated to soccer.  They love the game and improve each time they step on the field.  On August 10th and 11th they competed in the Sparta Tournament, the largest Utah youth soccer tournament other than State Cup, and their only loss came in the semi-final game (0-1) to the eventual tournament champions.  Against fierce competition, the Olympians allowed only one goal during the tournament.

Currently the team is ranked 4th in the state of Utah on GotSoccer.com’s State Rankings for Girls Under 14 in Utah.  Team points are acquired based on the results of tournament play.  

 State competition fall league play begins on August 25th and concludes on October 13th.  The girls will travel to several out of state tournaments followed by spring league play at the end of March and then State Cup in May.   Needless to say, these girls keep very busy.

History of the team:  In the fall of 2004, Jamie Shock began a Utah Force U11 girl’s team (four of the original members are on the OM team). They played a season in the Premier Division and a season at Division 1. The following season, fall of 2005, seven new players were added and based on new player credentials, the team was moved back to the Premier Division where they continue to compete.  (The Premier Division is the highest level of competition for youth soccer in the state. 

In the State Competition League, teams are placed based on their competitive strength, with the Premier Division being the highest level of competition followed by Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, etc.).  Jamie coached the team until the 2007 spring season when he and Ben Staples co-coached. 

At the end of May, Ben took over as head coach and added Nate Murphy as team trainer and assistant coach.  Kristin Sweet is the strength and conditioning coach and Jack Murhpy is also an assistant coach. 

All but one player returned and several new players add strength to the team.  In June, Nate introduced us to Bel-Ami.  The timing, with the coaching changes, worked out well for becoming Olympians.  The name change and the change of team colors (our former color was light blue) have been an adjustment for the girls, but they are very pleased by the changes and are excited to be part of the OM group.  They hope to be successful as other Olympique Montreux teams are.  Thank you to Bel-Ami for this opportunity and for your support.

Please contact team managers, Bob and Robyn Millerberg, with questions or for more information about the team.

Bob 673-9911 (cell)

Robyn 560-1985 (cell)

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX SLASHES PAST PAN WORLD F.C.

By  Ben Sherwood
Sports Writer

“Quitting is not an option.”

Bel-Ami de Montreux

HOLLADAY, UTAH (LNS) September 15, 2007—Sina Alipour scored two goals as Olympique Montreux ripped past Pan World 6-0 in its battle to retain the Utah Premiership title.

Louis Staley scored the first goal on a free kick just outside the area in the ninth minute. Two minutes later, Nate MURPHY found the net from thirty-five yards out.

Barely five minutes after Nate’s fabulous strike, Todd MILLER headed in the third goal from Garrett LOSSE’s bending cross.

Making a claim for the shirt

With three goals in the bank, the Olympians took their feet off the pedal until the Sina ALIPOUR show began. 

The young striker was menacing from his introduction in the game in the 40th minute.  Right after the break, he rose in the air over everybody to deliver an athletic bicycle kick that missed by half a whisker.

 At the hour mark, Sina left two markers in his wake and put an unstoppable shot in the top shelf to make the score a commanding 4-0.

Ricardo MARTINEZ combined with Rick JOHNSON in the 67th minute and scored the fifth goal.

In the 70th minute, Josh KIMBALL lobbed a free kick behind a wall of men to marksman Sina who made sure to score the sixth and final goal. “I expected a more difficult game from Pan World who beat us 4-2 last June.

They had some injuries and were reduced to eight men at some point in the game for various reasons including dangerous play,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.

“But we played well. Nate ran the middle as he is supposed to, with consistency. Todd was lively and Sina, well, he has been wanting to wear the number 10 jersey.  I think he is making his point clear.”

Elsewhere, Diablos beat Bosnia USA 2-1 to keep the race tight at the top of the table. 

FIGHTING BACK: OM POWERS PAST WESTMINSTER F.C.

By  Jessica LAKEWOOD
Sports Writer

“Quitting is not an option.”

Bel-Ami de Montreux

 HOLLADAY, UTAH (LNS) September 8, 2007—Nearly one week after being kicked out of the Daynes Cup race thanks a loss suffered at the hands of Westminster F.C., the Olympians came roaring back and crushed the same Westminster team 3-0 this evening in Premiership action.

The Olympians’ defense was stellar in their first outing at home at Cottonwood High School.   

Zach BURTON and his central defense partner Mike ROGERS, made sure the speedy Westminster forwards were not going to pass thru the middle to reach keeper Martin MARTINEZ who registered a welcome shoot out.

John McQuarrie on the right side of the field and Richard Bindrup on the left shut down the flanks for 90 solid minutes.

Defensive midfielder Kenan POWELL broke up nearly every Westminster attempt to create something at midfield.

Westminster only had two shots on goal via former Olympian Sergio VASQUEZ who left OM earlier in the week along with Brian Dunseth.

Ricardo MARTINEZ was designated to pull the strings in the middle while Nate MURPHY started out of position at left wing.

The Olympians were dangerous throughout the first half with youngsters Garrett LOSEE and Sina ALIPOUR wrecking havoc trough the opponents’ defensive lines.

In the 18th minute as Sina was sailing goalward after dribbling past two Westminster defenders, one of them pulled him down literally in the area, tearing his number 19 jersey. The central referee did not hesitate to point to the spot kick mark. A confident Josh KIMBALL sent the keeper the wrong way to open the score.

The second coming of Rick Johnson

As Chris Dorich’s men could not defend against the fury of the Olympians, they resorted to violence with Ricardo and Sina their favorite targets for physical abuse.

In the 37th minute Iron Rick Johnson made his official come back after nine months out with a knee injury.

Six minutes after his introduction, the big number 9 took it straight the rack like Shack. Nothing the desperately diving Westminster keeper could do.

In the second half, Westminster reloaded their physical attacks. A frustrated Mauricio BORBA retaliated when a Westminster player assaulted him. Mauricio got a red card while the Westminster player escaped punishment.

In the 67th minute, Rick placed a powerful shot that the Westminster keeper spilled. Jimmy CUADROS pounced on the rebound to score the third goal.

The Olympians controlled the game in the closing minutes while trying to avoid serious injuries.

“We worked as team tonight than in a long time. There were no speculative long balls. We need to still work on turnovers. I am pleased with our physical presence,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.

“We need to hit guys hard.”

OM U-14 GIRLS ON WINNING STREAK—MEN ROLLED PAST OGDEN

By  Scott Cunningham
Sports Writer

“Quitting is not an option.”

Bel-Ami de Montreux

LONE PEAK PARK, UTAH (OM News Service) September 3, 2007—Megan Millerberg scored on a thirty-five yard freekick and Olympique Montreux's U-14 girl squad held on to defeat Sparta on Wednesday night.

The Olympians played a relentless game of soccer in front of a large crowd against a higher ranked Sparta team featuring a number of star players.

The Olympians’ defense was stifling, smothered all attempts by their more experienced opponents to stage counter attacks or organize their midfield.

With speedy Michele Murphy and Michele Staples running through and stretching the Sparta defense, and reliable stopper Emily Dedzjian patrolling in defense, the Olympians owned the night.

Sparta mounted several attacks in the late stages of the game, but keeper Nina Allen parried each attempt to equalize.

“It was a good performance against a very good side. Our overall performance was good. I am proud of the team and I feel we are learning,” said proud U-14 coach Ben StapleS.

“Right on! Right on! This was a team performance.” added assistant coach Nate Murphy.

Last Saturday, the girls traveled to Logan where they defeated CV Soccer Academy 3-2 after trailing 0-2 at halftime. Michele MURPHY scored the first two goals and Michelle STAPLES deflected into the goal Emily BEDZDJIAN’s well-taken freekick to seal the victory.

Olympique Montreux Men Marching on

Also last Saturday at Cottonwood, the men’s team ran riot over Ogden-Lobos, winning 4-0 with David CHEVEZ scoring 2 goals. Sina Alipour and Jake Cavanaugh added one goal each.

David’s two goals bring his tally to 20 for the season followed by Jimmy CuadroS’s 14 goals as they vie for the Golden Boot title.

Keeper Martin Martinez was perfect in the game and stopped a penalty kick.

During the month of September, Martin has been spectacular, having registered clean sheets in four consecutive games or a total of 360 minutes without allowing a goal.

“That’s why Martin is Mr. September,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.

“Let me salute the game of young Sina AlipouR. He is developing into a superb striker for us. Most of all, he kept his word and stuck with us while others had no concerns leaving the side in difficult times,” added Bel-Ami.

“Someone smart at a higher level should take a look at Sina. He is barely 20 and he has a big game.”

Note: U-14 team manager Robyn MILLERGBERG contributed to this story.  

A NIGHTMARISH RUN: OM OUT OF OPEN CUP AND DAYNES CUP

By  Jessica LAKEWOOD
Sports Writer

“When the Great One Scorer comes to write against your name – He marks – not that you won or lost – but how you played the game.”

Grantland Rice (1880-1954)

HOLLADAY, Utah. (LNS). August 31, 2007—Last night, Westminster College routed OM 3-1 and eliminated the two times Daynes Challenge Cup champion from tree-peating.

That disaster occurred only one day after the Olympians were eliminated from the Utah Open Cup race, another title they currently hold, when they allowed Rush Elite to win 2-1 on Tuesday evening at Westpointe Park.

The Olympians only have themselves to blame for the disappointing results although it is difficult to comprehend by what alchemy, voodoo or utter incompetence the idiot in charge of scheduling managed to pair the Olympians with two top Premiership teams only one day apart while the likes of Diablos were playing in the same cups against lower divisions or bottom of the table teams.

The players know that each team comes to play them like it is a World Cup final. The same Westminster team that beat the side was trashed 6-3 by Diablos just last week, but rediscovered their manhood against OM.

Tuesday night was truly disappointing as the team’s self-promoted sworn enemy, Mike Polich, and his Rush Elite went throttle up to eliminate OM from the Utah Open Cup.  A lively Polich was up and down like never before, leading his men to victory.

Adam Acosta had opened the scoring to give the Olympians a 1-0 lead at the 24th minute. In the 37th minute, thanks to poor ball handling in the area, Rush Elite tied the game. Rush Elite put a lot of pressure and played a great first half.

OM’s attack line was unproductive and committed numerous turnovers that resulted in Rush Elite making long ball passes mostly to their supersonic number 10 player at the right wing.

The Olympians played better and dominated in the second half but conceded a goal in the 73rd minute when Jesse Day who recently defected to Polich & Co. scored from point blank range. Nothing Keeper Martin Martinez could do under the circumstances.

A Judas moment

It was a bitter loss for OM manager Bel-Ami who felt utterly betrayed that key players such as Jesse Day and Matt Woolley abandoned the team for no apparent reason in the middle of the season to suit up for a direct rival.

However, the manager who stood by Jesse Day and looked after him through injuries he picked playing in non-OM games and during stretches when his performance and his form were below par, accepted defeat and praised Polich and his men.

“It was ironic, nevertheless, that Jesse came to shake hands with me after the game,” said Bel-Ami.  “It was like Cain to me. A Judas moment.”

Qui vivra verra!

Speculative long balls

Last night, the Daynes Cup semi-final game was another affair altogether, some of the Olympians disobeyed the manager and refused to play their positions or execute game plans.

One player categorically refused to play defensive midfield or in defense, but went up to launch long, speculative passes to nobody in particular. Another refused to step up to his regular striker position and made countless unforced turnovers mostly in the backfield where he took up residence.

The Olympians never threatened the peace of mind of their opponents’ keeper in the second half.

The manager is not without blame for not benching certain players and for failing to send young striker Gareth Losee back for the second half.

In any other context, the manager would be fired today.

 I need a hero

“I accept all the blame for the losses. I am a sick competitor. Call it sour grapes if you wish but the callous and unprovoked defection of Jesse Day and Matt Woolley in the middle of the season in addition to injuries to David Chevez, Jimmy Quadros, Sina Alipour, and Justin Braun forced me to rush new players into action too soon. But the new boys did not make any fatal mistake in the game. The loss rests solely on my shoulders for not standing up immediately to the players who had their own agenda,” said Bel-Ami.

“Still, we just do not have the same fire within us anymore. We need a field leader to step up and lead.”

Now all the Olympians have left to fight for is their honor in the games remaining in the regular season.

As they say in Tecpan, Guerrero: A ver!   

THREE MATCHES, THREE WINS. OLYMPIANS ON RIGHT TRACK TO TITLES

By  Jessica LAKEWOOD
Sports Writer

WESTPOINTE, Utah (LNS) August, 11, 2007--This evening, Olympique Montreux played smart enough to win 8-0 against Utah FC in Premiership league action.

The win came after an important 3-2 league victory against a well-oiled and young Lazio team on August 4 at Westminster College, and a 2-1 victory against a very good Ogden Lobos team on August  9 in Open Cup play.

The Olympians managed to capture a full six points in the two league games [Lazio and Utah FC] and tallied 11 goals against 3.

Westminster FC visits Diablos on August 16 and mighty Lazio on August 20, while OM travels to Bosnia USA next Saturday.

“We are trying to stay calm despite the pressure that comes with being the team to beat in Utah.  We are the reigning treble champions and we are well in the hunt to capture not only the league, but the Utah Open Cup and the Daynes Cup,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.

“It has been a good year so far. We won the Spence Eccles Winter Championship last February, finished third in the prestigious Budweiser Cup in Las Vegas from a field of 43 teams from all over the United States and Canada. We also captured the 2007 Park City Tournament last month. Not too bad for a team everyone wants to better on the pitch.”

With the signing of defenders Zach BURTON and Richie LINDRUP, forwards Sina ALIPOUR and Ricardo MARTINEZ, and the return to action of last year's golden boot Sergio Vasquez, skillful midfielder MAURICIO BORBA who was influential for OM at Lazio, and striker Jakke CAVANAUGH, the team should be able to compete on all three fronts. That is despite the surprise departure of long time member Jesse DAY and midfielder Matt WOOLLEY to Rush Elite.

“We signed a great group of young men. Look, Zach has already won a game for us when he headed home against Ogden in the closing minutes. Ritchie is solid in the back. He has great work ethics and Ricardo's work rate is amazing. Sina has blazing speed and great vision. We should be able to get everybody involved in our rotation, explained Bel-Ami.

______________________________
CANOCANIONERI RACE (All Competitions)

David Chevez, 18 goals
Jimmy Cuadros, 10 goals
Justin Braun, 9 goals

LAZIO STUNS OM. DIABLOS IS MID-SEASON CHAMPION

BY  Hugo FOX
Sports Writer

WESTMINSTER, UTAH (LNS) June 26, 2007--Olympique Montreux lost 1-0 this evening to Lazio in the last game before the summer break. Diablos beat Westminster FC 4-2 to move into first place with 30 points, three more that second place OM.

While Lazio buried one of their three chances and rattled the cross bar with the other two, OM created nothing and, other than one Louis STALEY shot, never came close to disturb the peace of mind of the Lazio keeper.

Despite pleas from the sideline to be patient and open up the field of play by using the wings, the OM players ignored the instructions.

At times, they kept the ball in the team's defensive third, making up to seven short passes, unable clear it out while conversely, Lazio's defense booted all balls up field when they suspected any pressure.

The team made poor pass selections and  maintained its growing reputation for turnovers without any pressure.

Not the DNA of a loser

Although one player complained about too many substitutions, in reality the manager only had three field players on the bench. It was in despair some players were moved around to look for a goal to tie the game.

Teams see OM as the Real Madrid or Barcelona of this league and want to beat the side. OM only picked up six points from a possible 15 in the last five games. Three teams, Ogden Lobos, Westminster and Diablos were created to beat OM. Some men left the team and join others just for the satisfaction to beat OM. Nobody needs a magna cum laude law degree to understand that. The team does not have the DNA of a loser. Losing has never been acceptable to any Olympique Montreux team over the years. But apparently, just wearing the OM shirt will not win games.

The cream of the crop

If it is not clear to some, it is plenty obvious to the manager that the side needs to add some talents and muscles to its ranks if it is to defend its three titles. After the break, Premiership teams will be vying not only for the division title, but also will contend for the Utah Open Cup and the Daynes Cup. OM now holds all three titles.

“I will be inviting some men to try out for the side. I do not care if the new recruits are white, black or blue, French or Indonesians, friends of existing players or not. They just have to be good soccer players and committed to do their best and follow instructions,” claimed Bel-Ami.

Indeed, from July 31 until the end of fall season, the cream of the crop will rise to the top.

For now at least, Jerry and his Diablos are top.
_________________________________
STARTING LINE UP

Martin Martinez, Jeremy Jones, Chris Kirkpatrick, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Matt Wooley, Josh Kimball, Judd Soderborg, Mike Rogers, David Chevez. Justin Braun.
________________________________
OLYMPIAN NOTES:

* Ricky JOHNSON had knee surgery today. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.

* We recognize the sacrifice Judd SODERBORG makes each time he is at practice and in games giving his all in these trying times. We appreciate you and your wife, Judd. 
Thanks

PAN WORLD SHAMED OLYMPIANS IN 4-2 BEATING

Whhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiipped!

BY  HUGO FOX
Sports Writer

RIVERSIDE PARK, UTAH (LNS) June 16, 2007--Keeper Aaron BRUDERER was let down big time by a pathetic defense badly missing the leadership of retired central defender Paul WILLIAMS. Pan World took advantage of the absence of John MCQUARRIE (red card) and Louis STALEY to score four easy goals.

The Olympians' offense is not what it should be since the unfortunate injury to Sergio VASQUEZ.  The side sorely misses the impressive work rate of injured iron Ricky JOHNSON, not to forget the high class of Tiger FITZPATRICK who returned to his native Trinidad, and the smart play of midfielder Ken BARTON who jumped ship earlier this season. 

Fans must now watch the morbid masked dance of a set of slow and unfit strikers who cannot defend on top. When a forward loses the ball, he must track his man back like Sergio used to do and if absolutely necessary gently foul him to stop the counterattack. Defense starts on top.

Striker Jimmy CUADROS is a Pit bull breed at practice but a terrified chihuahua in games.

Combine the forward line with an unpredictable midfield prone to childish unforced turnovers, overcomplicated plays, juvenile speculative passes and aimless crosses, you have the new OM edition.

An incredible arrogance!

The team has no spirit. The side does not celebrate goals and rarely follows advice from the sideline. The players cannot be talked to even at practice. Some of them are very impatient with less skilled players and are darn right overly arrogant.

Most of these men will not even help put up the net, for heaven's sake!

Everybody is a coach here

Almost everyone is a coach at OM and nearly everyone knows better than the next guy. If the manager opens his mouth at practice, four of five guys would just cut in with “a better idea.” Most pitiful, nobody accepts responsibility when they screw up. Never. It is always someone else's fault.

“I have few nice things to say about this team lately. I warned the men that they are not playing like Olympians and that they needed to change their attitude. For the past five or six games, this side has played awful and has only managed providential results over unfit teams often missing their star players,” said an angry Bel-Ami.

"I will not condone mediocrity."

Inabilities to built or finish

The forwards, Jimmy in particular, missed a plateful of scoring opportunities, some of them simple tap-ins. Jimmy thinks that the only way to score a goal is to dribble past everybody and even the keeper although the manager has warned him to kick the ball or pass it sooner.

Philip MENESES, David CHEVEZ and others squandered opportunities that Tiger, Sergio and Ricky would have put away with their eyes closed.

It was not until the 35th minute that captain Todd MILLER, frustrated by the look of things took matters into his own hands, drove up field with the ball to create the first goal when his strike ricocheted off a Pan World defender and into the net.

Thereafter, Bel-Ami made the mistake that would curse the afternoon. He took Todd out, moved Judd SODERBORG inside at central defense and sent in Chris KIRKPATRICK to cover the right side of defense, his putative best position.

A total collapse of the right side of defense

Immediately, the move went very wrong. Chris could not fill the position. He was often too far up field and was beaten repeatedly as Pan World exploited his poor positioning to score three of their four goals to the delight of a pack of ostensibly stewed to the grills Bosnia USA players and fans in attendance.

Pan World's first goal came within two minutes after Todd left the field.

In the 43rd minute, Chris was easily beaten and Aaron found himself face to face with a Pan World striker. The keeper saved the goal.

OM responded as Jimmy was fouled in the area and Josh KIMBALL scored on the ensuing penalty kick. Other than that, Josh was exceedingly ineffective all afternoon and the absence of Justin BRAUN was massively felt on the right wing.

And if Bel-Ami does not have the guts to make the tough decisions, he should step aside before leading the side to shame. He has not been showing much leadership lately after a fine tenure at the helm.

An unseasonably red jerseys

The Olympians complained it was too hot out there and changed into white jerseys for the second half. That did not help as they played even worse. At the 58th minute, Pan World, dressed in heavy blue jerseys, made it 2-2 with a fine header from a corner kick. The defense looked flatfooted and  dumbfounded.

Pan World continued to exploit the right side of defense. In the 60th minute, the right side again failed but Aaron made a save.

In the 63rd minute, again the right back was beaten and Pan World took the lead. 3-2. 

Soon after that, the right side yielded yet another goal. 4-2. But for Judd SODERBORG bringing his support to the right side whenever possible while also helping out on the eft, it could have been much worse.

“It was the worse performance I have ever seen from an Olympique Montreux team in eight years. We have never allowed four goals in a league game since our formation in 1999. Never,” said Bel-Ami.

“Four goals in one game when last season we only allowed 11 in more than 30 games. That's poor! I am sorry I cannot flatter the players after that pitiful performance. You can lose a game, but not on your knees. You can lose, but fighting.”

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STARTING LINE UP

Aaron Bruderer, Judd Soderborg, Nate Murphy, Josh Kimball, David Chevez, Jimmy Cuadros, Philip Meneses, Brian Dunseth, Todd Miller, Jeremy Jones, Matt Woolley.
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SUBSTITUTIONS

Chris Kirkpatrick, Jesse Day

OLYMPIANS BARRELED PAST PARK CITY TO REMAIN TOP OF LEAGUE

BY  HUGO FOX
SPORTS WRITER

RIVERSIDE PARK, UTAH (LNS) June 9, 2007--Olympique Montreux stomped Park City-New Park FC 7-2 in Utah Premiership action this evening to remain top of the table with three games to go before the summer break.    

Before a sizable number of fans supporting both sides, the Olympians started rather poorly, allowing the Snowmen to dictate in midfield. Park City took advantage of the Olympians' poor form to open the score only in the 9th minute.

But the advantage was short-lived

Prince Philip to the rescue

For the past couple of games, OM has not looked good for long stretches in first halves of games. Unforced turnovers and speculative passes have made life miserable for the back line and keeper Martin MARTINEZ.

The gloomy start of things announced yet another struggle knowing the quality of Park City and the finishing skills of Liam Hanafer.

But new Olympian Philip MENESES was determined to show his worth to the side. In the 24th minute, the teenager from Brazil, took the ball from the right side of midfield, ran solo through a pile of Snowmen, losing one marker after another to score the equalizer. It was an enormous goal.

Still to keep the pressure, Park City made it 2-1 five minutes later.

In the 32nd minute, Todd MILLER went on a run of his own only to get whacked inside the penalty area. Unluckily, Brian “DUNNY” DUNSETH'S penalty kick sailed over the bar.

In the 40th minute, Nate MURPHY delivered a great cross to Todd who made it 2-2.

A much better second half

At the break, manager Bel-Ami made it clear to his men that exchanging greetings with Park City was absolutely unacceptable, that they needed to be physical and had to stay calm and play like they practice. The Olympians heeded the advice and ran riot for the next 45 minutes.

In the 52nd minute, Louis STALEY scored on one of his trademark freekicks.  3-2.

La  resurrección del Tanque!

David “EL TANQUE” CHEVEZ has been in slump for a while, having scored only on a penalty kick in 235 minutes. In the 53rd minute, Jimmy CUADROS used his size well to hold the ball, passed to El Tanque who did quality work before burying the ball in the net to make the score 4-2.

The Olympians were now lords and masters of historic Riverside Park. In the 60th minute, El Tanque chipped Dunny's sweet pass around confused Park City defender Antonio SAUCEDO to deliver a powerful shot into the net for the Olympians' fifth goal.

Nate Murphy refreshed and effective

You cannot deny Nate MURPHY's class. When he has his game going, it is a samba feast of quick stepovers, accurate passes, bending crosses and goals. It is important for Nate to be performing because of his influence at the heart of the team. His second half performance was high caliber.

The Olympians needed to atone for the past two weeks and for the miserable first half today by punishing their opponents. They needed a cathartic win. They had to send a message they are the treble winner and a serious defending champion. Their dominating second half put them in good stead for the next three crucial matches at Pan World, Westminster and Lazio.

In the 76th minute, young Justin BRAUN scored the sixth goal after quick work involving Nate, Josh KIMBALL, and Dunny.

In the 80th minute Nate closed the scoring with an unstoppable ground shot.

I need Mauricio Borba back

“7-2 is only fair after the torments of the past two weeks. We are not starting games well. We need to perform for 90 strong minutes. Someday, some team will score first and park a school bus in front goal and it will be miserable,” said Bel-Ami after the match.

“At some point in July I have to bring Mauricio BORBA back from his loan spell at Utah FC. We need four top strikers to successfully defend our three titles. Period. Mauricio needs to fit in as much as Todd, Jeremy and company need to embrace him and make him feel welcome. I do not want to see Mauricio in a F*** Diablos jersey.

“We have not been able to replace Mauricio despite a handful of players trying out. When Antonio SAUCEDO did his incredible U-turn on us and went back to Park City, he definitely hurt our team.”
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MAN OF THE MATCH: Philip Meneses
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CANOCANIONERI RACE

David Chevez, 14 goals
Justin Braun, 10 goals
Jimmy Cuadros,

______________________________
STARTING LINE UP

Martin Martinez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Nate Murphy, Josh Kimball, David Chevez, Louis Staley, Justin Braun, Mike Rogers, Jimmy Cuadros, Philip Meneses, Brian Dunseth
_______________________________
SUBSTITUTIONS

Josh Kimball, Judd Soderborg, Jesse Day, Todd Miller, Matt Woolley
________________________________
OLYMPIAN NOTES:

* Matt WOOLLEY is a dedicated player. He walked away from his honeymoon to come help his mates. Jesse DAY should take good notes from Matt.

*  Everybody is very impressed with Philip Meneses's play. He is a great addition to the side. We hope to have Philip around through the fall before he jets to a college in California.

*  Will Bel-Ami ever play again?

NON-PERFORMING OM MANAGES PK VICTORY OVER DIABLOS FC

BY  R. C. HICKEY-FREEMAN
SPORTS WRITER

RIVERSIDE PARK, UTAH (LNS) June 2, 2007--Playing what was billed a superclassico against Diablos FC, one of the best teams in the Premiership, OM barely managed to name a full roster. Manager Bel-Ami had to pull all the strings to tie the game in the final minutes of regulation and salvage a couple of points from the penalty shoot out phase.

“This was a big game against a big team and too many players were missing. Big players do not miss big games,” said Bel-Ami.

“I only had two reserves and then I lost two starters to ankle injuries early in the match while captain Todd MILLER was forced to play injured. How's that for frustration.”

Diablos was the best team by far

Diablos took control from the start, dominating the Olympians in all aspects of the game. With Alejandro “GUTI” Gutierez, Orlando “PONY EXPRESS” Matunara, El MARAN and Ivan “EL TERIBLE” Zarate showing their class in midfield for the Red Devils, the Olympians looked much too impressed with the quality of their opponents to develop their own game. The midfield committed unforced turnovers an amazing 80 percent of the time in the first half.

A moribund front line

Either it was too hot out there, a mere 90 degrees with zero humidity, or the forwards thought this was going to be another easy goalfest against a bottom of the table team.

Other than Justin BRAUN, the attacking players looked intimidated perhaps by the Red Devils spanking new red jerseys with black sleeves. The forwards created nothing and kept getting swatted away by an alert Diablos defense spearheaded by the impressive KALUCHA.

Since the lanes to goal were toll free, Red Devils' midfielders and forwards ran almost unimpeded toward goal. OM's defense, getting little effectiveness from the middle, stretched out and pushed back, managed to hold under scary circumstances, with left back Jeremy JONES doing an admirable job containing speedy winger Jorge ESTRADA and the versatile PONY EXPRESS.

In the 38th minute, PONY buried a free kick from the edge of the penalty area. Nothing keeper Aaron BRUDERER could do.

Reduced to ten men after right back John MCQUARRIE got red-carded, OM did not respond until late in the 85th minute, when it looked like Diablos manager Jerry and his talented crew were mere moments from bringing out the celebratory beer with their fans dancing in the stands.

The game then went to the dreaded penalty shots. Bruderer saved one to win points for the side.

“This display was far from OM's usual work ethics,” said unhappy OM alum Marcos Melendez.

______________________________
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jeremy JONES
______________________________
CANOCANIONERY RACE

David Chevez, 12 goals
Jimmy Cuadros, 9
Justin Braun, 9 goals

TEN MEN OM ELIMINATES RUSH ELITE IN DAYNES CUP ACTION

By  R. C. HICKEY-FREEMAN
Sports Writer

WESTPOINTE PARK, UTAH (LNS) May 24, 2007——Olympique Montreux rallied with goals from Jimmy CUADROS, Justin BRAUN and Louis STALEY to defeat Rush Elite 3-1 in the first round of the Daynes Challenge Cup, an English style single elimination tournament contested by Utah Soccer Association Premiership teams.

Mike Polich’s Rush Elite FC started the game aggressively, giving the Olympians little space to execute.

With a side featuring Mike Nielsen, the most promising young player in his age bracket in Utah, and other speedy wingers, Polich had his men playing effective counter attack football and serving long balls behind the defense.

The strategy paid off in the 17th minute when midfielder Kenny BARTON, a former OM star, looped a long ball behind left back Jeremy JONES for a Rush sprinter to run into and open the score, beating an advancing Martin MARTINEZ.

It was not until the 35th minute that the Olympians, with the introduction of Josh KIMBALL, Dunny DUNSETH and Judd SODERBORG, finally took control of midfield and began to open the Elitists’ well-organized defense marshaled by none other that Tracy McGuire, another former OM star.

In the 40th minute, Jimmy CUADROS who had just entered the game, collected a pass from Josh, dribbled past the left back and placed a powerful shot into the roof of the net to tie the game.  Keeper Noble Larkin had no chance.

In the second half, the Olympians kept up the pressure with an omnipresent Dunny DUNSETH showing the way. In the 58th minute, Justin rose high in the air to head in a well-taken corner by Nate MURPHY.

Ten minutes later, Louis STALEY scored the goal of the season so far.  Taking the ball up field, the number 6 Olympian let rip a powerful strike from some 30 yards out. Larkin’s desperate dive was to naught as the cracking shot found the net.

Reduced to 10 men after keeper Martin got a red card for handling the ball outside the area and still with about 15 minutes left in regulation time, Bel-Ami withdrew his strikers for defensive midfielders to form an impressive barrier to the Elitists’ young runners and to impede Barton’s creativity.

“We came back after falling behind. That shows our competitive character.  These games against Rush Elite are quickly becoming classicos with so many former OM stars lining up for Polich. They definitely want to beat us, but we want them to beat everybody else but us,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.

“How about that Louis Staley strike? Louis’s son must be very proud of his dad.”

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MAN of the Match: Louis STALEY

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CANO CANONIERY race

David Chevez, 11 goals

Jimmy Cuadros, 8

Justin Braun, 8 goals

_______________________________

STARTING LINE UP

Martin Martinez, John McQuarrie, Chris Kirkpatrick, Nate Murphy, Jeremy Jones, David Chevez, Louis Staley, Justin Braun, Mike Rogers, Jimmy Cuadros, Jesse Day

_______________________________

SUBSTITUTIONS

Aaron Bruderer, Brian Dunseth, Josh Kimball, Judd Soderborg

________________________________

Olympian Notes: 

*Just when Aaron “Air” Bruderer was thinking he was in retirement, he was quickly called into action when Martin got his red card with some 5 minutes to play. Now, Aaron must face in one week mighty Diablos, a team seeking revenge for the 3-0 loss to the Olympians last March at the Spence Eccles Field House.

BRIAN DUNSETH GUIDES OM TO LATE 3-0 WIN OVER RUSH ELITE

By  R. C. HICKEY-FREEMAN
Sports Writer

SALT LAKE CITY, UT. May 16, 2007 [LNS].--Olympique Montreux beat Rush Elite 3-0 on Tuesday at Riverside Park in Utah Premiership Round VI action.

The Olympians tried in vain in the first half to unlock Rush Elite’s compact defense but could not find any combination despite the strikers’ frustrated attempts.  Rush Elite’s keeper Eric Landon did an amazing job stopping the few shots OM strikers could place on target.

Brian Dunseth at the controls

It was not until after the restart that midfielder Brian “Dunny” Dunseth finally turned into pacesetter, guiding the side to an effective game of patient football while creating scoring opportunities.

Striker David “El Tanque” CHEVEZ, took advantage of a confusion in front of goal by some Rush Elite defenders in the 65th minute to blast the ball into the net from about seven yards out.

In the 82nd minute, Nate MURPHY placed the ball on Justin BRAUN’s head to score the second goal. Three minutes later, Nate received a fine pass from an unselfish Justin Braun who could have shot on goal although keeper Landon had closed the angle. 

Showing experience beyond his years, Justin crossed the ball to Nate who then crossed it to a waiting Jesse DAY to score on a header.

All three goals had Dunny’s prints on them. The quick passing and mobility of the former U.S. Olympic soccer team captain helped create space and his verbal instructions showed his pedigree.

“It is good to see we have an air game this season. Just imagine if we had Ricky and Sergio available to bang in goals and young Justin, El Tanque and Jimmy CUADROS operating in the air, we’d be awesome,” said OM manager Bel-Ami after the game.

“Dunny was just awesome for us this evening. We need him to bring this level to each game. That’s what leaders do.”

_________________________________

MAN of the Match: Brian DUNSETH

______________________________

GOAL COUNTER

David Chevez, 11 goals

Jimmy Cuadros, 7

Justin Braun, 7 goals

_______________________________

STARTING LINE UP

Aaron Bruderer, John McQuarrie, Judd Soderborg, Nate Murphy, Matt Woolley, Jeremy Jones, David Chevez. Louis Staley, Justin Braun, Mike Rogers, Jimmy Cuadros.

_______________________________

SUBSTITUTIONS

Brian Dunseth, Martin Martinez, Jesse Day, Josh Kimball,

________________________________

Olympian Notes:

*Yesterday’s game was a family reunion of sort. Many Rush Elite players previously played for OM. It was good to see Arthur van Wagenen and  General JT CRACROFT, both tenacious midfielders.  JT and his wife. Jessica Murphy, the sister of OM midfielder Nate Murphy, recently welcomed their new son into the family. 

*It was equally good to see MIKE POLICH who helped built the new OM before leaving to form Rush Elite. Mike and his wife Tori also just had a baby girl.  While we wish our good friends good luck with their new team, we are resentful not to have the new babies in OM blue.

*The Olympians will not play again until May 24 when they once more face Rush Elite in a Daynes Challenge Cup game. The Olympians have won the Daynes Challlenge Cup the past two years and look forward to make it a threepeat with a bit of luck.

*Olympian Aaron “Air” Bruderer will be taking it easy the next few months, but remains available to back up in case of injury or necessity. 

TOREADOR JUDD SODERBORG LEADS OM OVER OGDEN LOBOS

 By  R. C. HICKEY-FREEMAN
Sports Writer

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (LNS) May 12, 2007——Justin BRAUN and Jimmy CUADROS scored one goal each in the second half to keep Olympique Montreux undefeated and alone in first place after a “Sixth Round” Utah Premiership action today at Riverside Park.

Ogden Lobos controlled the game in the first half, with their speedy midfielders causing much trouble for the Olympians’ defense. Bel-Ami’s lads just were not executing their game plan that called for double-teaming the skillful playmakers from northern Utah and to use the wings to open up Ogden’s disciplined defense.

El Tanque firing blanks

Despite their opponents’ better ball possession, the Olympians looked dangerous in the box with leading scorer David “El Tanque” CHEVEZ coming close to opening the score a few times.

In the 10th minute, matador Tanque’s overhead kick looked promising but narrowly missed.

In the 24th minute, wide out man Josh KIMBALL passed to El Tanque who dummied to let the ball for Nate MURPHY who shot wide. In the 40th minute, Chris KIRKPATRICK’s powerful long distance kick hit the bar before bouncing out of bounds.

A few Martin outstanding moments

The men from Ogden looked to do harm down field as well. In the 15th minute, keeper Martin Martinez saved a sure goal with his right foot while diving in the wrong direction. In the 39th minute, Martin was again called into a full dive to punch out a Lobos freekick. 

No ping pong please!

The Olympians went on the field at the restart heeding experienced midfielder Brian DUNSETH’s advice that they were not going to be effective copying Ogden’s long lateral balls. They began to play simple soccer with the industrious Judd SODERBORG showing the way.

The change in attitude and tactics confused Ogden. The Olympians’ back line was able to control the deep, long passes while the midfielders upped their act. In the 55th minute, El Tanque danced through the defense, but fired wide.

Three minutes later, a very mobile Jimmy attempted a diving header from a Nate Murphy corner, but the attractive effort sailed over the bar.

Justin Braun on target

With super strikers Rick Johnson and Sergio Vasquez in attendance, young Justin Braun who had not scored in the last two fixtures exploded on the right side, outpacing his markers and firing a powerful ground shot. The keeper managed to put a hand on the ball but it crossed the white line anyway. 1-0.

Ogden Lobos further panicked after the goal and just could not bring the ball up with Judd showing why he should start as a holding midfielder against Rush Elite next Tuesday.

In the 70th minute, an unmarked Jimmy beat the offside trap, curling the ball home to assure the Olympians sole first place in the standing.

The match finished with Ogden quite angry with the refs for not judging Jimmy offside when he scored the second goal.

Diablos manager, Jerry Balazalatin, and a cohort of Diablos players left the park, looking rather depressed.

“This was a tale of two halves,” said OM manager Bel-Ami. Ogden Lobos is a very good team and we welcome the competition. If they manage to stay together, they will be successful. Sadly though, with “El Diablo” Jerry lurking around, it should not surprise anyone if he lures half of the Ogden Lobos team to his side soon with money offers and other perks…”

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MEn of the Match: Judd SODERBORG

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GOAL COUNTER

David Chevez, 10 goals

Jimmy Cuadros, 7

Justin Braun, 6 goals

_______________________________

STARTING LINE UP

Martin Martinez, Brian Dunseth, Judd Soderborg, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Matt Woolley, Josh Kimball, Jeremy Jones, Todd Miller, David Chevez. Justin Braun.

_______________________________

SUBSTITUTIONS

John McQuarrie, Chris Kirkpatrick, Mike Rogers, Louis Staley, Aaron Bruderer

________________________________

Olympian Notes: It was good to have Sergio and Ricky with us this evening. Both Olympians are injured and facing serious knee surgeries soon. How can we forget that both men combined for more than 40 goals last season when the side won the treble.