OM AND WESTMINSTER SHARE POINTS IN DRAW

By  Jessica LAKEWOOD
Sports Writer

WESTMINSTER COLLEGE, UTAH (LNS) April 23, 2007-- David “EL TANQUE” Chevez and left back Jeremy JONES scored vital goals to bring OM back from behind to salvage a point from a hotly contested game.

Despite the more than 100 degree heat on an artificial turf, the Olympians started the game well and created many chances early on but could not convert.

In the 9th minute, an animated Josh KIMBALL took a good shot to force the keeper into a full dive.

Barely two minutes later, Josh came close again but the keeper parried his shot.

In the 14th minute, Jimmy CUADROS again tested the keeper who deflected the ball out for a corner.

Westminster had a chance to take the lead when the referee awarded a penalty kick in the 17th minute, but the shot hit the bar and rebounded onto the field for the defense to clear out.

Out to show them somethin'

After the missed penalty kick, Westminster became more and more threatening. With right back John MCQUARRIE slowed down by injury, Chad GILBERT, a former OM player, started to create trouble for the defense with his speed.

He scored the first goal in the 30th minute after beating a couple of defenders and dribbling past keeper Martin MARTINEZ.

In the 34th minute, Gilbert took a point blank shot inside the penalty area after outpacing the defense and dribbling past Martin. Central defender Mike ROGERS recovered on time to clear the sure shot from the goal line.

In the 37th minute, Westminster doubled its lead on a Dave ROGERS' strike.

In the 41st minute, OM midfielder Nate MURPHY went to work and found El Tanque who right-footed the Olympians' first goal.

Rallying and controlling the game

The Olympians fought back in the second half and took control of the game from Westminster. With the defense more settled, Westminster's talismanic player Dave ROGERS found it difficult to run or create while OM defender Chris KIRKPATRICK gave a stellar performance in silencing Gilbert on the right flank.

Left back Jeremy scored the Olympians' tying goal in the 57th minute from a free kick that bounced off another player.

OM needs a few good men

Westminster won the ensuing penalty kicks to claim two points from the contest while OM settled for one point to keep first place [27 points] in the standings on goal difference since Bosnia USA was all but sure to lose to the Red Devils of Diablos.

Next Tuesday, Westminster will play Diablos for the chance to overtake the Red Devils while OM plays Lazio who tied Rush Elite this evening.

“We just have to finish our chances and everything will be all right. We need to start putting away the goals early on.”

“This side needs four new reliable players. We are decimated by injuries and hurting because of players not showing up to games. Many of our men are playing hurt. We barely managed to finish the game with only one functioning substitute. We were forced to play keeper Martin on the field to finish the game,” said concerned OM manager Bel-Ami de Montreux after the match.
_____________________________

MEN OF THE MATCH:  ALL THE MEN ON THE FIELD ON BOTH SIDES FOR THEIR SACRIFICE AND PERFORMANCE IN SUCH HORRID WEATHER ON THE ARTIFICIAL TURF.
______________________________
LEADING SCORERS:

David Chevez, 15 goals
Justin Braun, 10 goals
Jimmy Cuadros, 9

________________________________
STARTING LINE UP

Martin Martinez, Jeremy Jones, John McQuarrie, Mike Rogers, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Matt Wooley, Judd Soderberg, Jimmy Cuadros, Todd Miller, Josh Kimball.

_________________________________

SUBSTITUTIONS

Chris Kirkpatrick, David Chevez, Aaron Bruderer, Justin Braun