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.
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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.
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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