Olympique Montreux F.C. Articles

PARK CITY DEFEATS OM IN UTAH OPEN CUP FINAL AND PARTIES HARD

2011-10-30T16:07:00.000-06:00

Park City, UT. Oct. 29. —Upon winning the Utah Open Cup in penalty kicks after double overtime and a 2-2 score, A few Park City players emptied their closets and drawers, dressed in their favorite gay parade attires and let it all hang out.

Beating OM, even in PKs, is a big accomplishment worth memorializing. Park City players captured photos of themselves in blonde wigs, bare butt prosthetics with battery operated tails, strapped on toys with springs, cute boy sunglasses and lipsticks. They texted them to OM manager Bel-Ami de Montreux to show how champions should party.

Sodom and Gomorrah resurrected in Summit County!

A blonde-wigged mustachioed Park City player dressed in a Blue Boutique dress looked eerily occupied as a muscular guy, another Park City player, dropped his pants below his knees to expose a spectacularly anatomically vulgar underwear while thrusting on and keeping-on-thrusting-on to the beat of some techno music indigenous only to liberated and upwardly hip Park City.

Pointing to the stocky guy’s thrusting crotch, the he/she blonde stuttered: “These are my trophies!”

“That’s team spirit!” gushed one defiant OM defender. “We can learn from Park City about positive reinforcement.”

While that OM defender would rather learn team spirit from the players of Park City, for Olympique Montreux, it was a game to forget.

“In my 12 years at OM, I have never seen an OM team play that badly, complained team manager Bel-Ami. “It was awful.”

The game started badly for Bel-Ami’s team, with players arriving late for an important final. The midfield was very poor. Extremely intimidated, the midfielders were unable to hold the ball, gifting it to their opponents at an alarming rate.

In the 12^th minute, the defense let a man through to point blank shoot down keeper Jaddon Rogers for Park City’s opening goal.

OM forward Isaac Saavedra quickly tied the game four minutes later.

However, with the midfield unable to hold on to the ball. The defense was busy indeed.

Forward Esteban Lecuona put the Olympians ahead in the 60th minute. It looked like things were getting back on tract and that the side could hold on to win the game.

Two events doomed the game for OM.

In the 77^th minute, the Olympians’ suffered a serious blow when midfielder Colton Spencer came out injured. His muscled work in the center of the midfield quickly was missed as Park City was able to resume pressuring the under performing midfielders.

To crown up the awful display, team Captain and designated playmaker Marcos Teba Morales who was rather ineffective in the game chose to vent his frustration in head-butting a Park City player and collecting an unnecessary yellow card. The ref was generous in nor ejecting Ivan.

Fearing the player’s legendary temper would soon merit a second yellow card if provoked in any manner by a Park City player; the manager had no choice but to pull him off the field.

“No way we could hold on with 10 men against an inspired Park City,” explained Bel-Ami.

The defense was holding fairly well until normally sure-handed keeper Jaddon Rogers, one of the best shot blockers in the state, made an uncharacteristic mistake that resulted in a goal to allow Park City to tie the game and send it into overtime and then penalty kicks.

Park City’s keeper was big in goal and won the PKs shootout for the snowmen. Park City scored their first three kicks. OM incredibly missed their first three.

“If anything was gained in that game, it is the revelation that defender Yuwei Nagato is a talent to promote. He was clearly Olympique Montreux’s best player and Super Olympian of the match, said Bel-Ami.

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX: “VENI, VIDI, VICI”

2011-10-22T22:09:00.000-06:00

West Jordan, UT, Oct 22nd, 2011 - We Came, We Saw, We Conquered!

Olympique Montreux defeated a talented Mutiny FC 4-1 last Saturday to qualify for the final game of the Utah Open Cup after a 4-1 win last Saturday at OM Oquirrh Field.

Mutiny FC opened the score in the 12th minute on a defensive mistake that left keeper Jaddon Rogers at the mercy of a charging opponent.

The Pirates of Mutiny were relentless and kept attacking the Olympians whose midfield was showing signs of early fatigue with Josh Kimball, Marcos Tiva Olmedo and Owen Washington looking a bit out of sort in the early minutes.

Manager Bel-Ami changed tactics immediately after the Mutiny goal. Defender Parker Haycock and midfielder Colton Spencer were sent in to replace Igor Ivakovic and Pedro Torres.

Owen moved up to partner Esteban Lecuoma. Defender Yuhei Nagato moved to right back, Parker took left back while Colton was assigned to play holding midfielder. Winger Steve McMurdie replaced Phil Meneses at right wing.

The tactician’s moves paid off right away.

With Colton patrolling midfield like a destroyer supported by the omni present Wade Nielsen, Tiva had more room to operate and feed passes to Owen and Esteban.

Steve’s nonstop attacking on the right flank caused problems for the Pirates’ defense.

Forward Esteban tied the game in the 22nd minute. He recidivated three minutes later. That second goal completely took the air out of the Pirates’ sail.

Winger Tim Ballantyne’s hard work was certainly noticed once he was put into the game as a substitute. The star forward was instrumental in the first 2 goals that O.M. scored assisting in one of them. “Tim has been a rock for our team all year long and always works hard. It’s no wonder how he’s won the Golden Boot Race by a landslide this year,” said captain Colton Spencer.

After a bit of rest and a pep talk, Pedro reentered the game and scored within seconds on his first touch, placing a grounded shot into the far right corner of goal despite the keeper’s brave dive to try to divert the shot.

The score was 3-1 at half time.

In the second half, the Olympians monopolized the ball, stringing passes all over the big field.

In the 68th minute Esteban got too cute on a penalty kick that could have put the game out of reach.

The star striker tried to be cheeky and the spot shot ended up weakly into the arms of Mutiny’s keeper.

Owen took the second penalty the Olympians earned and converted it in the 78^th minute to make the score 4-1.

But for a few selfish decisions by Esteban, the outcome could have been much worse for the visitors.

“It was only a fortnight that Mutiny FC narrowly defeated our first division team 1-0 to take the Challenge Cup from us,” said Bel-Ami.

“It was obvious they had confidence today and played very well in the first half. They have improved greatly since the start of the season. I welcome them in the Premiership and think they will be successful. They proved that today.”

In the other seminal game, Park City Newpark rolled over a short-ended Meatus FC 6-3.

The snowmen will try to dethrone Olympique Montreux, the winner of the Utah Open Cup the past two years this weekend. The game will kick off at Westminster College next Saturday (Oct. 29th) at 11:00 AM.

The Olympians already qualify to defend the Utah Super Cup trophy that they have also won the past two years by winning the Daynes Champions League Cup two weeks ago and finishing ahead of Park City in points. That game will take place on November 5 at Westminster College against Westminster College (Lazio).

Olympique Montreux’s first division team went undefeated to win its division again making it three years in a row.

“We stand to win 5 out of 6 trophies. Two are already on our shelves. While I rue the loss of the fifth one, I am somewhat satisfied,” said Bel-Ami. “We are always expected to win everything. It’s our pedigree.”

MUTINY FC BEATS OM FIRST DIVISION—WINNING STREAK OVER

2011-10-02T22:07:00.000-06:00

West Jordan, UT. Oct. 2nd, 2011 - Mutiny FC put all they had into the Challenge Cup final and defeated Olympique Montreux’s first division team 1-0 yesterday at Majestic Elementary Field.

With the win, the pirates of Mutiny took home the Challenge Cup trophy that the Olympians had won the past two seasons.

It was the Olympians’ first loss in 24 games since the middle of last season.

Mutiny FC’s goal came in the 82nd minute when its long ball strategy paid off as OM’s defense was showing serious signs of fatigue on the flanks where the goal came from.

“It’s frustrating when some players don’t come to practice and expect to play 90 minutes and stay match fit. It’s nearly impossible,” said an injured team captain Colton Spencer.

Credit must be given to Mutiny FC for playing hard and sticking to its game plan.

The Olympians could not get their game going as the forward line was ineffective and the absence of a true playmaker was all too obvious.

The introduction of veteran winger Jamall Adams to replace Tim Ballantyne who suffered a head injury hurt the team’s balance.

If it wasn’t for the heroics of defenders Yuhei Nagato and Spencer Whipple, Mutiny FC could have ran away with the game.

“From an attacking perspective, this is the worse display I have seen from us all season. I assume the blame for not starting the players I should have started at the appropriate positions and deciding on a strategy the men could not execute. I take the blame,” said an obviously upset Bel-Ami.

Interestingly however, Mutiny FC manager John Nguyen led his men and fans to believe they had won the division title. Apparently, Mr. Nguyen did not understand that he had just won a cup final, a situation comparable to winning the English FA Cup and not the league title.

“Winning any trophy is a major accomplishment and all Olympique Montreux players and I salute the players of Mutiny FC for a job well done,” said Bel-Ami.

The Olympians remain unbeaten in division play and have clinched the division title with a perfect 48 points in 16 games with one game left to play.

Mutiny FC is in second place, 16 lengths behind, with 32 points, followed by Sandy FC with 29 points.

ESTEBAN AND ISAI ON TARGET AS OLYMPIANS STAY UNBEATEN

2011-09-24T23:45:00.000-06:00

Saturday Sept. 24, 2011. OM Oquirrh Field.---Olympique Montreux First Division defeated Meatus FC 3-1 to stay unbeaten in 17 games.

Overall leading scorer Esteban Lecuona had a brace and forward Isai Tapia also scored.

The visitors did not have much influence on the field as manager Bel-Ami’s protégées controlled the grounds and the air in its entirety.

OM’s first goal came in the seventh minute when Esteban skipped past two defenders and played a neat pass to Isai who fired a right-footed strike into Shaun Fhurriman’s net.

OM could have piled on the goals but too much timidity in front of goal allowed the Meatus FC defenders and GK Shaun to push away attempt after attempt.

Esteban got his two goals in the 18th and 23rd minutes.

In the second half, the Olympians were content to keep possession as the manager directed them and to play happy and deny Meatus FC the ball.

The Olympians did not score again although an active Leo Oliveira had a few good shots on goal that forced Shaun to live up to his billing as one of the best keepers in the league.

The side now prepares for the Challenge Cup Final game on Saturday at FC Mutiny!

THE CLYNE IDENTITY

2011-09-19T10:43:00.001-06:00

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2011 - * First Division Extends Winning Streak to 24 games.

Salt Lake City, UT.--Olympique Montreux winger Brian Clyne shifted into higher gear, filled the right lane, rubbed off his marker, breached into the 18 yard box, and brush-kicked the ball with the outside of his right foot into the top left corner like a veteran goal scorer. Goalaso!

Just like that, Olympique Montreux’s First Division team scored the go ahead goal and stayed unbeaten in 16 games this season to bring their winning streak to 24 games since last season.

That’s is the Olympique Montreux Principle! That is the Clyne Identity!

Facing a very strong and skillful FC Mutiny team led by the talented Paulo Romualdo, the Olympians looked out of sort as coach John Nguyen directed his well-prepared Pirates to increase their performance on this cool Saturday morning.

The Olympians left open many questions about the team’s midfield strength with a shaky display that opened the door for Mutiny to take the lead in the 17th minute at Majestic Field.

The sides defensive woes also were all too painful as keeper Jaddon Rogers, filling in for Hugo Aguas, had to use his immense skills for most of the game.

The score was tied 1-1 at half time. OM’s goal came from an own goal by befuddled Mutiny defender Paulo Romualdo who attempted to clear a powerful Adam Harris strike.

El matador Pedro Torres gave the Olympians the lead in the 68th minute on a fast break after Jaddon stopped a penalty, outlet to forward Leo Oliveira who sprung the speedy Torres. “It was a clinical counter attack,” said coach Montreux.

The Pirates equalized in the 73rd when OM’s defense failed to clear the ball from a free kick.

With the 100% unbeaten streak at risk, Clyne sprung into action to win the game in the 88th minute with that magical top shelf goal.

''I think we played very well. It wasn't a perfect game, but we created a lot of scoring chances,'' Mutiny midfielder PJ Jensen said. “It was a good game.”

“In two weeks time people will enjoy another good game,” added Paulo, as the two sides will clash again on October first in the Challenge Cup Final, a trophy the Olympians have captured the past two seasons.

The Olympians better be ready. Olympique Montreux has never lost in a final game in 11 years.

“But for Jaddon’s heroics and a friendly woodwork, we would be left ruing our below par display today,” conceded Bel-Ami.

And then there is always the Clyne identity!

*Ruthless Premiership gunned down Refugee Allstars.

In today’s second game. Olympique Montreux Premiership ran riot over Refugee Allstars in a division game at OM Oquirrh Field.

The outcome was never in doubt despite the enthusiasm and industry of the Allstars.

Sharpshooters Esteban Lecuona and Josh Kimball each scored a brace. Isai Tapia and Pedro Torres scored as well.

The performance of Igor Ivakovic was noteworthy for his first Premiership start of the season.

The Premiership is next in action against USU in the Daynes Cup final on October first at 3:00 PM at Oquirrh Field.

O.M. FIRST DIVISION UNBEATEN AFTER 16 GAMES

2011-09-10T22:13:00.001-06:00

Salt Lake City, UT – Sept. 10th, 2011 - Esteban Lecuona scored two goals to help Olympique Montreux’s First Division team rout Berlin FC 7-1 on its way to a perfect season.

The Olympians started well as Pedro Torres netted the opener after 12 minutes. However, a good and speedy Berlin team was determined to put a dent in the side’s unstoppable streak. They equalized just three minutes later.

Thereafter, the Olympians became rather slow with the forwards unable to maintain possession and not challenging on top.

Bel-Ami de Montreux is not a very patient manager when the team is not performing well and did not want to grind out an ugly close game, as his forwards and midfield were not connecting.

In the 20th minute, he sent in star winger Josh Kimball for Leo Oliveira, moved Adam Harris inside to hold midfield while Esteban and Torres partnered on top.

The move bore fruit five minutes later when Kimball positioned himself to place a 30 yards curling strike into the upper left corner of Berlin’s goals for the second goal. QUE GOLASO!

Now the machine was humming and Stephanie Ballantyne, the team’s most faithful fan, was all smiles!

Igor Ivakovic caused a Berlin own goal in the 35th minute when he sent a well-placed free kick into Berlin’s six-yard box. In the ensuing confusion, a Berlin defender put the ball into his own net.

At the restart, the Olympians were determined to stamp their supremacy and add to their 3-1 advantage.

Veteran striker Juventino Cubano Silva partnering with young Daaren Tapia scored in the 47th minute. A refreshed Leo Oliveira also found his scoring touch in the 53rd when Alan Ruelas served him a perfect pass.

The hosts did not surrender easily though. They kept running and running at the defense and O.M. keeper Hugo Aguas had to be vigilant as the Berliners forced him to make a few acrobatic saves.

But it was too little too late as the Olympians stepped up on the mushroom with Esteban scoring his two goals in the 80th and 85th minutes to seal the unbeaten streak.

The First Division travels to second place Mutiny FC next Saturday to visit old friends PJ Jensen, Zack Van Wagenen and Monty Bergener.

The Premiership was idle today. It returns to Utah Cup action on Tuesday evening.

ISAI TAPIA FIRES O.M. TO DAYNES CUP SEMIFINAL VICTORY

2011-08-22T22:41:00.001-06:00

SUNCREST, UT. (August 19, 2011).—Newly signed Olympian Owen Gayle scored on his debut for Olympique Montreux as the side ran riot on this hot Saturday afternoon in West Jordan to the bewilderment of Pan World FC.

An in-form Isai Tapia opened the score in only the 5th minute and hit again in the 12th in this Second Round Daynes Challenge Cup Semifinal match.

The Daynes Challenge Cup is Utah most prestigious and oldest tournament. Instituted in 1906, Olympique Montreux won the 100th edition of the cup in 2006 in the club’s second best season when the Olympians also won the Premiership title and the Utah Open Cup; The Treble. Before 2006, the 2002 Olympique Montreux team went undefeated in 38 games to win the Preseason Tournament in the Liga LatinoAmericana, the Premiership title, and the Post Season Playoffs.

Playing an excellent soccer game, several players added beautiful goals in the 9-1 defeat of Pan World FC. Steve McMurdie, Josh Kimball, Hugo Fox Bracamontes, Alen Mehic, Esteban Lecuona and Pedro Torres scored a goal each.

The Martinez Rule.

OM’s first division team came from behind to dash the upset ambitions and Utah Challenge Cup dreams of a very good Sandy FC team that tested the nerves of Bel-Ami’s men for 90 fast paced minutes.

After squandering many chances to take control of the match in the early minutes, the Olympians seem affected by the heat and showing a total lack of fitness.

Sandy took the lead in the second half when the Olympians defense failed to clear a ball. Keeper Martin Martinez’s desperately dove but the ball was well placed in the upper left corner.

Bel-Ami had to go to his bag of tricks to find an equalizer. Winger Tim Ballantyne was moved to the point of the attack to replace Leo Oliveira and the experienced Samir Delilbasic replaced Cubano.

In the 80th minute, the strategy paid dividends as Tim scored to tie the game to save the Olympians frustrating blushes.

The game went into overtime where Martin made himself very big in stopping Sandy’s first two penalty kicks. The third penalty hit the post. The Olympians converted all of the PKs to stay in the run for the Challenge Cup, a trophy they have won the past two years.

“We felt the absence of defensive midfielder Adam Harris today. We needed his cool head,” said Bel-Ami.

“New man Yuhei Nagato stood us up. He did not show up or excused himself despite being on the roster. That is a bad sign from a new player who has so far missed three out of four games.”

CROWNING A” FORFEIT” CHAMPION AGAIN

In other developments, it appears that the league may yet be ready to crown Lazio of Westminster its Premiership champions by forfeit again since Clearlink FC failed to show up to play against that side last Tuesday.

“The problem with this “forfeit” champion syndrome is that the league keeps scheduling Westminster’s games during weekdays when the rest of the Premiership teams composed of weekend athletes cannot assemble a competent roster to face that college team. As a result, teams usually play Westminster short-handed, or without their best players or with lower division players,” explained Bel-Ami.

“We are weekend athletes. I cannot make a player who works painting houses or in construction all day drive from about 60 miles away right after work to come play at his best against a bunch of college guys who sit around all day waiting to play. This has to stop. It weakens the image of the Premiership. No other team in the division requires this kind of special treatment.”

UPDATES.--

Premiership Results since June 25, 2011:

Olympique Montreux, 5 – Pan World FC, 2 Scorers: Esteban 2 Goals, David, Fox, Steve.

Olympique Montreux, 2 – Park City, 3 Scorers: Esteban 2 goals.

Olympique Montreux, 10 – Clearlink FC, 1 Scorers: Isaac 3 goals, Isai 2 goals, Esteban 2 goals, Kimball 2 goals, Ivan.

Olympique Montreux, 4 – Park City, 2 Scorers: Kimball3 goals, Ivan.

Olympique Montreux, 0 – Westminster,2

Olympique Montreux, 3 – Refugee Allstars, 0 Forfeit

Olympique Montreux, 1 – Lazio, 1 (OM wins in PKs) Scorer: Kimball

Olympique Montreux, 9 -- Pan World, 1 Scorers: Isai 2 goals, Steve, Kimball, Fox, Owen, Alen Mehic, Esteban, Torres.

First Division Results since June 25, 2011:

Olympique Montreux, 3 – Pan World, 2. Scorers: Jamall, Sandoval, Pan world Own Goal.

Olympique Montreux, 3 – Competent Cadavers, 2 Scorers: Ivan 3 goals.

Olympique Montreux, 5 – Meatus FC, 2 Scorers: Cubano 2 goals, Darelli, Pedro, Alan

Olympique Montreux, 3 – Sandy FC, 1 Scorers: Tim, Jamall, Sandoval

Olympique Montreux, 5 – Mutiny FC, 1 Scorers: Sandoval, Whipple, Cubano, Tim 2 goals,

Olympique Montreux, 6– SC Berlin, 0 Scorers: Leo 2 goals, Jamall, Pedro, Cubano, Sandoval.

Olympique Montreux, 1 – Sandy FC, 1 (OM wins in PKs) Scorer: Tim Ballantyne.

O.M. DIVISION 1 KEEPS FLYING HIGH

2011-06-20T09:37:00.001-06:00

OM Oquirrh Field. Sunday June 18. -- Juventino “Cubano” Silva scored his first two goals of the season Saturday afternoon. The leader of the Golden Boot Race thus far Tim Ballantyne (8 goals) and Jamall Adams each added a goal to lead Olympique Montreux’s First Division to a dominating 4-0 victory over Berlin FC on Saturday afternoon.

Olympique Montreux D1 (8-0-0) maintained nearly complete possession of the ball and denied the Berliners any good look at keeper Martin Martinez who had another shutout.

''Although we won, I feel we can play better,'' captain Colton Spencer said. ''There is this feeling that we are not moving the ball fast enough as Bel-Ami wants us to.”

It was good to see Cubano score. Last year’s leading scorer had seemed tired in his previous two games and by all indication, he needs to get fit quick if he is to retain his scoring title.

Cubano’s first goal came after good work by Tim Ballantyne who served him a can’t-miss opportunity in the 11^th minute.

Jamall’s work rate was also good. The winger looked sharp on the ball, creating Tim’s goal in the 54^th minute and in scoring his own gem in the 63^rd minute.

“It was good to see a goal on a header today,” said Bel-Ami about Cubano’s second goal from a well-taken corner by midfielder Haroldo Darelli who has been pumping up his game’s volume the past few weeks.

The Olympians are back in action this Saturday June 25th against Pan World FC. Premiership kickoff at 12:30 p.m. and the Division 1 kickoff at 2:30 p.m. for a complete schedule and more information Click Here!

To see all of the photos from the game and previous games visit our Photo Gallery.

IVAN AND ALAN LEAD OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX TO DIVISION WINS

2011-06-12T22:28:00.001-06:00

OM Oquirrh Field. June 12, 2011 - Olympique Montreux’s Premiership team stayed undefeated after a hotly contested match against an in-form Westminster College team, also known as Lazio, that came to OM Oquirrh Field with upset on [their] mind.

The match was played after a turbulent week at the club that saw manager Bel-Ami de Montreux suspend or release many players who repeatedly failed to show up for practice and even scheduled games.

“You either lead, follow or get out of the way,” asserted the manager.

“Rules are rules, the fact we are an amateur team does not mean players can simply thumb their noses at our project. There are many teams in Utah that do not practice. If a guy is not comfortable with our mission or if we interfere with his work schedule, he should freely transfer elsewhere.”

The P1 (Premiership) Olympians had a fast start when in 5^th minute, left back Parker Haycock penetrated into the area to score on crossed kick.

Westminster marched on to tie the score in the 20^th minute.

Playmaker Ivan Marcos Olmedo, who is having an MVP season so far, delivered one of his classic free kicks from twenty yards out to put the Olympians back in charge in the 35^th.

With the outside of his left foot Captain Ivan “Tiva” Olmedo scores a beauty regaining the lead for O.M.

Forward Esteban Lecuona, the side’s leading scorer after five games, scored in the 40^th minute.

The first half was not without its hair raising moments however, as newly signed keeper Oscar Sanchez made one bad mistake after another to keep the match full of suspense.

It was in the second half that Oscar’s performance quickly came to shreds.

On a pass back from fullback Spencer Whipple, the keeper carelessly kicked the ball right into traffic only to have a Lazio forward intercept and put the ball right into the Olympians net to make the score 3-2.

That was the second time Oscar had made the same mistake.

After a glaring miss by forward Isai Tapia on a one on one with the keeper, the Olympians, behind the leadership of Ivan, pushed forward to make the score 4-2 on Esteban’s second goal.

Just when it seemed like business was settled, a bewildered and overwhelmed Oscar, lacking in confidence, let in a third Westminster goal on his mistakes filled debut.

“Perhaps the keeper was nervous. He is a good guy though. Unfortunately, our P1 games are high level and our D1 games are not easy either. Oscar has a lot of work to do to earn another start with OM,” explained Bel-Ami.

ALAN RUELAS COMING INTO HIS OWN, SCORING FOR D1

Olympique Montreux’s First Division team extended its winning streak to seven games with a 3-1 victory against Meatus FC to maintain its lead at the top of the table.

Meatus F.C. opened the scoring eight minutes into the second half putting O.M. down 1-0. Not the kind of start anticipated.

Alan Ruelas tied the game two minutes later with a beautiful strike that found the side netting.

Tim Ballantyne (67th minute) and Leo Oliveria (84th) ensured the Olympians took all three points from the match.

Also, keeper Martin Martinez was good in goal, stopping several point blank shots that the defense allowed while playing rather badly on this evening.

“If it wasn’t for the inability of the Meatus F.C. forwards to finish and Keeper Martin’s big presence in goal, we could have lost that game,” said Bel-Ami.

Although the Olympians showed some shining moments when they, at various times, held possession of the ball for extended minutes by passing it quickly.

NOTES: The D1 Olympians return to practice on Tuesday. Thursday’s practice for the Premiership will not be held because of the match against Park City on Friday evening.

TIM BALLANTYNE AND THE FIRST DIVISION GUNNED DOWN FC BERLIN 7-0

2011-06-08T10:34:00.001-06:00

OM Oquirrh Field, West Jordan. May 8.--An overwhelming Olympique Montreux First Division team showed last night why it is the uncontested champion of the division each of the past three years.

The team lived up to the hype last night at OM Oquirrh Field, powering past FC Berlin ‘59 in elegant fashion, chalking up its sixth straight win of the season and cementing the prognostic as the team to win it all.

Led by a blitzing Tim Ballantyne who is finally playing like the winger everyone believes he can be, OM quickly went to work, dominating a good Berlin side that had difficulties getting possession of the ball.

Tim Ballantyne’s revival is due in part to his giving up the playboy lifestyle he was famous for and his upcoming marriage to beauty queen Stephanie Mongkolsomba.

The majesty of Ivan Marcos Olmedo in the center of the field and the holding job of a rejuvenated Jimmy Cuadros in the holding position assured the Olympians’ supremacy in the middle. The ruthless and serene partnership ship, assisted by the irrepressible Colton Spencer playing defensive mid pitilessly tore apart the opposition.

Is OM-D1 a good team! Nephi or Alma’s team! An overwhelming team! The team that survived Gold Gym’s 6’10” Giants, Ninjas, Judokas, Karatekas, Wrestlers, Boxers, Cage Fighters, Snipers and Kung Fu Panda attacks!

Hyperbole? Try facts!

Berlin was out-run, out-thought and outplayed in clinical fashion, made all the more startling by the fact that this team had showed real fire and grit against their opponents due to their size and speed. But two goals from Tim and a goal from Leo Oliveira within the first 22 minutes disrupted Berlin’s good intentions.

As if things were not bad enough, an harrying Esteban Lecuona took over in the second half, bobbing, weaving and scorching past Berlin midfielders and leaving Berlin’s defenders in a muddle to score two sublime goals in typical dummy-the-keeper fashion.

The performance of an in-shape Isai Tapia and his burning speed unsettled Berlin defense time and time again.

By the 60^th minute, with the score already 5-0, OM manager Bel-Ami was urging his men to maintain possession with quick passing and to halt the scoring.

Yet, the quick passing proved unhealthy for Berlin when midfielder Patrick Fairchild who substituted for Jimmy let loose a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty in the 72^nd minute to make the score 6-0.

Leo closed the scoring in the 85^th minute.

A vocal keeper Jaddon Rogers registered the shutout.

"We played a great match," Bel-Ami told the club’s official website. "We are delighted with the way we played, but the competition will get harder as the season gets older."

“We were able to get into our rhythm early,” added the Boss.

To Berlin's credit, their stars came out to play, and nearly took advantage of defensive errors and tiredness twice. But Jaddon who has promised to let in no goals from now until his long-awaited marriage to OM great fan and the team’s part-time website photographer Haley Peterson was keen on keeping his promise.

NOTES: OM Premiership plays undefeated Lazio on Saturday June 11. The D1 will also take on Meatus FC.

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX DEFEATS REFUGEE ALLSTARS 4-0

2011-05-28T01:41:00.001-06:00

OM OQUIRRH FIELD (May 26, 2011) —The Olympians spoiled the return of former teammate Henry Komona in a match that was physical and played at a high level.

Despite a good first half, the Olympians missed on many opportunities to score and only managed to draw a penalty that forward Esteban Celis Lecuona converted after he was cut down in the area.

The Olympians dominated the second half and played some exciting one-touch soccer. Hit man Isai Tapia scored in the 50^th minute.

Refugees had trouble assembling much offense in the match. Despite some good midfield performance and blazing speed on the wings, they still could not break through the OM's defense.

Still they had a few good chances. However, with a high level keeper like Jaddon Rogers in goal, good chances can quickly become average chances.

Winger Hugo Fox Bracamontes found the net in the 63^rd minute and David “El Tanke” Chevez closed the scoring in the 87^th minute.

Playmaker Ivan Marcos Olmedo dominated the match, setting up Fox’s goal and missing twice by inches in the 78th and 92^nd minutes after dribbling past Refugees’ entire defense.

The team is at Park City on Wednesday June 1, 2010, for a stern test against the highly competitive and motivated Snowmen.

PREMIERSHIP COLLECTS A SINGLE POINT AGAINST CLEARKLINK F.C.

2011-05-22T21:01:00.000-06:00

SALT LAKE CITY, UT. (May 22, 2011) - Olympique Montreux’s top gun Esteban Celis Lecuona scored two beautiful second half goals but Clearlink FC, formerly Rush FC, managed to draw the game and the Olympians could only earn a single point draw from an important match that revealed an ill prepared Premiership team with not less that seven players missing the game.

“I am happy with my individual performance but we need the men to show up so we can bond as a team and have some continuity,” said Esteban.

Manager Bel-Ami de Montreux did not have the services of Hugo Fox Bracamontes, Nathan Braun, Jimmy Cuadros, Leo Oliveira, Reynold Campbell, Louis Staley and Josh Kimball.

Winger TJ Reynolds is still in therapy for a bad knee and not expected until mid June. Star defender Adis Alagic may return in July from an off season injury .

“If there is one game Clearlink FC wants to win all season, it is the game against OM. When so many players do not show up, my hands are tied. I have had to call up first division players into the Premiership basically each week. Some of them have had to play 180 minutes, two games back to back” explained Bel-Ami.

Five games into the season, the Premiership has yet to show up for a full practice despite a decision to drop Tuesday practices and only meet on Thursdays.

“This goes without saying I have fielded five different starting line ups in five games and I am sure I will have to create a new starting line up on Thursday when we face Refugee Allstars, another side looking for recognition,” Bel-Ami added.

Thus, there is no game preparation, no specific strategy, leaving the manager in the weird position to be screaming directions from the sidelines for over 90 frustrating minutes.

“Each team we face comes ready to play. It is a championship game for them. Winning or even tying us in a game is a prestigious result for them. With this knowledge, you would expect our players to take this more seriously. Some of our guys do not see it that way,” lamented the manager.

Olympique Montreux’s issues notwithstanding, Clearlink and their star midfielder Owen delivered an impressive game and easily could have won in regulation time if it wasn’t for the heroics of goalkeeper Jaddon Rogers.

In Saturday’s other game, OM D1 defeated Kettrels FC 3-2 in an up tempo game.

Tim Ballantyne shone brightly with a brace of goals and now leads the Golden Boot Race thus far. Young Daaren Tapia displayed some creativity in midfield while Brian Cline showed he is getting used to the Olympians’ fast ball movement. His work created the penalty that Javier Calvillo scored in the second half.

Defender Colton Spencer is still nursing his injuries from last week’s violent encounter with Mutiny FC.

Click here to see pictures from both of the games

Click here for the 2011 Golden Boot Race and Season Statistics

JAMALL ADAMS LEADS OM TO VICTORY OVER OUT OF CONTROL MUTINY FC

2011-05-15T00:21:00.003-06:00

OM Oquirrh Field. West Jordan, UT, May 14, 2011---Jamall Adams was sore in the ribs, the victim of an elbow courtesy Zach Van Wagenen. Colton Spencer limped off the field, his ankles swollen after being body slammed and knocked down flat out by Zach Van Wagenen. Igor was holding his bruised ankle kicked repeatedly by Zack Van Wagenen. Isai Tapia was manhandled, punched and beaten by Zack Van Wagenen. Alan Ruelas had to be carried off the field. You guessed it. Kung Fu Panda Zack Van Wagenen!

Finally, but much too late into the game, the referee finally showed the red card to Van Wagenen.
By then the Kung Fu Panda and his Ninja partner PJ Jensen had already mauled, mangled, pawed, clawed, scraped, scratched, tear-gassed, battered, groped, crushed, head-locked, head-butted, strangled, karate-kicked, smashed in, assaulted, held up, ambushed and mugged just about every OM player including keeper Martin Martinez.

That basically sums up the much-anticipated Olympique Montreux versus Mutiny FC fixture. The match was built up to be entertaining after what was thought to be some fun exchanges on social media.
Sadly, many of the visiting players just weren’t interested in playing soccer against the Olympians. They just flat out wanted to injure people.
Jamall’s goal, Martin’s goal tending, and the Olympians’ cool head ensured the club’s first division team claiming its fourth victory in as many games.
The speedy midfielder got the all-important goal in the 38th minute after Mutiny’s keeper spilled the ball in the area.
Jamall told the team’s official web site: "It takes more than rough plays to throw us off of our game. Our team has a pedigree of winning. We are trying to maintain that culture.”
Manager Bel-Ami de Montreux, whose Premiership side earlier defeated Utah State University 5-3, was delighted with the First Division team’s victory and wants the men to remain focused and sharp.
"I was expecting a good game of soccer and instead, we ended up trying to keep men from getting injured,” said the team’s boss.
"Now we have many men in the infirmary. We will assess the damages by Tuesday.”
In the Premiership game, the Olympians worked hard to put away a well organized and talented Utah State University in a 5-3 victory with two goals from Isai Tapia and additional goals from David Chevez, Ivan Marcos Olmedo and Esteban Celis.

ALAN RUELAS LEADS OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX TO 4-1 VICTORY

2011-05-11T14:20:00.000-06:00

OM Oquirrh Field, South Jordan (May 11, 2011) - Olympique Montreux’s Division One team (D1) maintained its unbeaten streak to three matches on Wednesday evening when it defeated a very good FC Competent Cadavers at OM Oquirrh Field in West Jordan.

The score was 4-1 with marksman Alan Ruelas scoring twice

"Our D1 team is in rebuilding mode," team coach Bel-Ami de Montreux told the team’s official website. "It is a work in progress and we are still evaluating some of the players who are struggling to fit into the team."

Bel-Ami's team plays next Saturday against a fired up Mutiny FC, led by the brash and distinguish PJ Jensen who has fired the first verbal shots in social media:

Jensen posted this on his Facebook status:

"OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX CAN KISS MY ASS AND THEY ARE GOING DOWN ON SATURDAY."

Well said, Jensen!

OM D1 has won its three first games by a combined 13-3 score.

"We are playing a lot of back to back games," defender Colton Spencer said, "but each game is an opportunity to take three points, so I hope we do not go kissing PJ’s ass this weekend. I heard PJ does not shower very often, so it must be rather smelly down there."

In Tuesday’s game, Winger Alan put the Olympians ahead after just 4 minutes and it looked to be an easy evening. But the Cadavers team quickly composed themselves and started putting up a fight.

They controlled possession.

It was apparent that OM midfielder Robert Engelbretch and his mates weren’t playing well, prompting Bel-Ami to rethink the formation to slow down the speedy Cadavers.

In the 12^th minute, central defenders Igor Ivakovic and Colton miscommunicated to gift a one on one opportunity to the opposition that made sure to score on keeper Martin Martinez.

In the second half, the Olympians, playing rather poorly, but still managed to strike two more times with penalty goal by Alan (53^rd), Adam Sandoval (68^th). Alan completed the scoring in the 79^th minute.

“It was not a pretty sight from here. Me missed so many opportunities to silence the Cadavers but fired blank too many times. I think our superior fitness saved us. The Cadavers just could not maintain the same rhythm for 90 minutes,” said Bel-Ami.

Saturday will be a battle! See you there!

MONTY “VOLCANO” BERGENER ERUPTS WITH HAT TRICK

2011-05-07T22:24:00.000-06:00

O.M. OQUIRRH FIELD, May 7, 2011.--- Everybody knows Monty Bergener was a dormant volcano that could erupt without warning and cause high scales devastation to defenses in the Utah soccer landscape. The ambitious 18-year old forward did just that in leading Olympique Montreux to a devastating performance against one of the most seasoned teams in the Utah Soccer Association’s First Division.

The Olympians’ 7-1 win over Sandy FC’s competent side this Saturday lifted OM to the top of the Division One (D1) standings with a stunning 10 goals scored to 2 conceded after two games in the young season.

Winger Jamall Adams hit the opener at the 12th minute followed by machine gun rapid scoring by attacking midfielder Patrick Fairchild (25^th), forward Alan Ruelas (30^th) and winger Tim Ballantyne (39^th).

Colton Spencer and his defensive mates, marshaled by a commanding Igor Ivakovic, easily repelled all of Sandy FC’s attempts to reach keeper Martin Martinez’s nets.

It was after the pause that the Monty erupted. The teenager was everywhere, sharp and powerful. His cheeky shots in the 55^th minute sent the keeper the wrong way.

In the 67^th minute, He latched onto a Patrick pass, outraced his marker and dispatched a powerful kick into the upper top right of the goal, leaving the keeper no chance despite a brave dive.

Ten minutes later, Mounty delivered the Olympians’ first hat trick of the season with a header following a pinpoint cross by Robert Engelbretch, a powerful midfielder with something to prove.

Sandy FC scored a consolation goal in the waning minutes.

On April 30th2011, The Olympians D1 defeated Pan World FC 2-1 in the season opener with goals by Jamall and Leo Oliveira.

PREMIERSHIP DEFEATS VERY GOOD F.C. GUNNERS TEAM

2011-05-07T22:17:00.000-06:00

OM OQUIRRH FIELD, May 7, 2011 - Olympique Montreux Premiership team maintained an undefeated record by beating F.C. Gunners 1-0 on Saturday.

Captain David Chevez scored on a well-taken penalty kick in the 20th minute after forward Leo Oliveira was sent tumbling by the keeper inside the six-yard box.

"We will now get ready for Utah Refugee All-stars on Wednesday, " Midfielder Ivan Marcos Olmedo said. "The important thing is that we keep winning.”

Olympian coach Bel-Ami de Montreux was missing several players due to nagging injuries and absence. Ace forward Estaban Lecueno was nursing a thigh injury while defenseman Mike Smith and Parker Haycock were rested.

Without shining, the Olympians controlled possession throughout and defended well as the Gunners used their speed to penetrate several times in the danger zone.

OM goalkeeper Jaddon Rogers, also know as JR-1, was tested and had to deploy his full size to parry a dangerous shot in the 35^th minute and was forced again to dive to deflect a dipping strike at the 67th minute.

No. 9 David Chevez and forward Isai Tapia had good shots but the Gunners keeper was up to the task.

"We tried our best to augment the score but we kept coming short,” said Bel-Ami, whose team defeated Pan World last Saturday 6-1 with a brace by Estaban and goals by Leo Oliveira, Alan Ruelas, Spencer Whipple and Steve McMurdie.

The side will be in action against the Utah Refugees Allstars on Wednesday and will face Utah State University a.k.a RuckUSU on Saturday.

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX PUMMELLED MUNDO UTAH TO 6-1 WIN IN OPEN CUP.

2010-10-25T09:45:00.000-06:00

WESTMINSTER COLLEGE, SALT LAKE CITY. (October 25, 2010). Olympique Montreux manager Bel-Ami has a footballing philosophy that is unshakeable.

It involves playing the game the right way. Bel-Ami’s way.

The ball stays on the turf. It moves rapidly between players. Unnecessary touches are frowned upon and when it is humming smoothly, it can rightfully be considered as art.

Over the last eleven years there have been enough beautiful moments to fill a gallery many times over, and fortunately for Bel-Ami, the Olympians and the supporters, those beautiful moments have resulted in numerous championships and overflowing trophy cabinets.

At Westminster College last Saturday against Mundo Utah, the Olympians displayed their surgical passing game to the delight of the spectators and the misery of Samir Delilbasic and his Mundo Utah mates. Bel-Ami’s men were physical and gave back as good as they got. There was no sign of fear and it looked as though everyone had each others' back.

It felt like the good old days of Paul Williams, Todd Miller, Nate Murphy, JT Cracroft and Josh Kimball when the Olympians used to mix the beautiful game with muscle. All-for-one and one-for-all.

The result of all that electrifying passing game and steel started producing results early and often.

David Chevez was cheeky in clipping Samir Delilbasic while Sina Alipour clearly was inspired by his teammate’s aggression when he went through the back of Admir Softic. Adis Alagic was a one man land mine. Mundo Utah players just did not dare go where he was for fear of running into steel.

All this happened in the first 24 minutes of a fiery first half that saw Mundo Utah’s giants rather intimidated and frustrated as the round thing rolled and rolled from the dizzying passing of the men in the red jerseys featuring the “Think Haiti” tribute to the victim of Haiti’s devastating earthquake last January.

The Olympians were intelligent, kept possession superbly and wore Mundo Utah down with their non-stop aggression and willingness to mix it up.

By the end of the 90 minutes Samir and Mundo Utah were exhausted thanks to those two components. Not to mention the three or four dizzying spells when Bel-Ami’s men put together 30-plus successful passes.

“I didn’t think that we had the character or mentality to dish it back. I have been wanting that in long time. After the bullying we have been receiving all season long, it was good to be physical and yet impose our brand on the game,” said Bel-Ami.

If there really has been a change in the attitude of the club, if they are willing to go nose-to-nose when the situation demands it, perhaps Lazio better beware in the Utah Super Cup game a fortnight from now.

Bel-Ami is a proud artist with a strong stubborn streak but maybe he’s thinking that getting his hands a little dirty may just be the key to creating his finest masterpiece.

The Olympians won the Utah Open Cup “avec de la manière” (with style). Armin Sedarevic scored a brace and Steve McMurdie, David Chevez, Nathan Braun and TJ Waters, scored beautiful goals. Mundo Utah put in a consolation goal in the closing minutes on a defensive mistake to make the score 6-1.

“You just cannot fake the funk in front of greatness,” mused Mundo Utah’s coach Mike Brown who had planned a victory celebration at Café on Main should his men upset Olympique Montreux.

The Olympians had other ideas.

YOU WILL NOT TAKE THIS FROM ME!

DAVID CHEVEZ TOO HOT TO TROT

2010-09-11T18:33:00.000-06:00

Provo, UT. --David Chevez has found the fountain of youth. Again.

The former Alianza Lima marksman scored his third hot trick of the season in a 3-1 win over Utah Valley Soccer Club on Saturday.

“El Tanque,” as the striker was known in his glorious days in Peru, brought his goal counter to 14 in all competitions in what appears to be a solo race to the golden boot of the Premiership team.

"Let me say this to all of you, I am in the best shape I have been in a long time. I felt fresh even before coming into the game today," Chevez said. "I am a lean, fit machine. Bel-Ami has dared me to get in shape. Look at the results."

The peripatetic forward, who won the golden boot in 2007 has rededicated himself to his football to the delight of the fans and his teammates who are in awe of his skills.

"David is by far the best center forward in Utah, pro and amateur players included. If he was only playing soccer and pro soccer at that, he could start for any team in MLS," Olympique Montreux’s coach Bel-Ami said.

Although the team won comfortably against an inspired Utah Valley side motivated to upset the defending champions, the absence of many starters meant the manager had to draft several First Division players to play a second game in the same day, something the team hates to do.

“I do not like playing a man in two games on the same day. This can result in injury to the player. I am just glad we managed to win and that I brought all the guys home safely,” said Bel-Ami.

OM, second to Lazio in the Premiership standings appears to be closing in on the Premiership title after a difficult start of the season. Lazio, however, might be given the title by forfeit since its last opponents appear to have dropped of the competition.

“It is very strange that we have played all of our games, nobody never forfeits against us, and have faced stiff competition from all the teams and that the league might crown a champion by forfeit. If that happens, it will be almost laughable,” joked Bel-Ami.

The league’s Premiership labyrinth notwithstanding, OM already qualifies for the final of the Utah Open Cup, having eliminated mighty Westminster College along the way, and hopes to be featured in the Utah Super Cup game end of October.

While the Premiership is trying to sort out its title aspirations, Olympique Montreux’s First Division team, led by hardworking captain and defender Colton Spencer, is cruising with open sails to the division title, out-distancing its nearest competitor by more than 10 points with four games remaining

The D1 team has been on a tear since the restart , out scoring opponents 23 goals to 7. Marksman, Juventino "Cubano" Silva is the team’s leading scorer with 17 goals.

STATE CUP FINAL HERE WE COME

2010-05-28T10:19:00.001-06:00

Orem, UT – The O.M. Girls U-16 team advances to the State Cup Final with impressive wins against Arsenal Strikers, Avalanche 94 White, and Sparta 94 Premier.

The O.M. Girls U-16 squad has played exceptionally well during the 2010 State Cup! Last Saturday the girls alongside Head Coach Nate Murphy squared off against a difficult Arsenal Strikers team. The Strikers worked hard in the first half and held the score at 2 - 1 in favor of Olympique Montreux. Following the half, OM showed who has the stamina and shut the Strikers down scoring 4 more goals and allowing none!

With the 6 – 1 win the girls advanced onto the the Quarterfinals where they would face the Avalanche!

Due to rain the Quarterfinal game was pushed back until Wednesday evening. The girls came out and played hard right from the beginning. It was a tough game on both sides of the field but Olympique Montreux came out ahead with a 2 – 1 win over the Avalanche! “It was a great game to watch”, said Founder Bel Ami Montreux! The girls fought hard and played with passion. With the win the girls advanced on to play Sparta Premier in the Semi-Final game. They had previously played Sparta Premier earlier in bracket play and beat them 4 – 2. You can be sure that they were looking to take O.M. down this time around.

The stage was set Thursday evening for the State Cup Semi-Final! Only 4 teams remained and the girls are now playing back to back games after their win the previous night over the Avalanche. The game began and Sparta scored early in the game to go up 1 – 0 over Olympique Montreux. It would remain that way until half. The second half the girls came out and fought hard but couldn’t find the equalizer and still were a goal down with time diminishing quickly. It would remain that way until the final 5 minutes when O.M. would strike back and tie the game up at 1 a piece. The game went into overtime and the score remained the same. It stayed tied all the way through the double 10 minute over time and so we were headed to a PK shoot out. The Penalty Kicks didn't take long and the O.M. girls shut Sparta down 4-0 for the win and the chance to play in the final for the 2010 Youth State Cup! What a game!

The Girls have played extremely well the entire tournament and now look to take the title as State Cup Champions as they face a very tough and very good La Roca Premier team. The game will take place this STAURDAY May 29th at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakeside Soccer Complex ***Field 2 (1850 West 400 South, Orem UT). We need your support this weekend. ****The first 100 O.M. fans at the game will receive an official O.M. lanyard for your keys***** So get out there and cheer on you Olympique Montreux Girls!

PREMIERSHIP WEEK IN REVIEW

2010-05-28T09:27:00.001-06:00

Salt Lake City, UT - The O.M. Premiership excels with back to back wins against Bosnia FC and a scrimmage against Utah Valley University.

Saturday evening at Westpointe Park the O.M. Premiership faced off against a winless Bosnia FC team looking to take down the Red Warriors. O.M. took an early lead with a great goal from, this years new addition, forward Luis de Lucas. By Halftime It was only 2 – 0 in favor of the Red Warriors. But sloppy play and failure to control the ball in the middle led to a heated talk from Coach Bel Ami de Montreux. “We need to be more aggressive and fight for the ball the moment we lose it. They have no business touching our ball”, added Montreux.

The Red Warriors came out into the second half with a renewed spirit and it began to show quickly. O.M. began to take advantage of mistakes from Bosnia FC. 3 more goals were scored by Cesar Duran, David Chevez, and Luis de Lucas. That’s the way it would finish. O.M. wins in traditional fashion with yet another clean sheet. “Even though we won 5 – 0 we still have a lot to work on as a team”, said coach Montreux afterwards.

The Utah Soccer Association didn’t schedule any games Memorial Day weekend so Olympique Montreux headed down South Thursday evening to Utah Valley University for a friendly scrimmage against the Wolverines. “It’s tough to stay match fit if you’re not practicing and playing constantly”, said coach Bel Ami de Montreux.

The first half was full of sloppy play from the Red Warriors and everybody knew it. “We just need to finish up top”, said forward Steve McMurdie. The second half coach Montruex made some key substitutions and O.M. began to take control of the game. In the second half left winger Chamale aka”Homie” curved in a beautiful free kick from 40 yards out right over the keepers head. Zach VanWagenen moved up top and helped increase O.M.’s lead scoring 2 more goals. The defense played well and, all except for an unfortunate slip by goal keeper Brandon Rogers, held off the Wolverines. The final whistle blew and O.M. walked away with a 6 – 3 win.

The Wolverines were gracious enough to host O.M. at their field and the game provided a great opportunity for both squads to improve. We are very thankful for that. The game left much to be desired from the Red Warriors side. “Nobody seems to have the desire to play and defend this teams title as reigning Champions”, said coach Montreux, “We need leaders out there and we need to be more aggressive”!

Olympique Montreux’s Premiership squad kicks off next Tuesday evening after Memorial Day weekend against Lazio at Riverside Park. Come out and support your Red Warriors! We need you!

YOU GO GIRLS!

2010-05-19T08:50:00.000-06:00

Orem, UT - The Olympique Montreux Girls U-16 Team opens State Cup play with a dominating performance over Sparta Premier and OCFC Lightning.

The girls are off to a good start towards their quest for the Utah U-16 State Cup this year after an opening win over Sparta Premier by a score of 4 – 2. “The girls played well,” said coach Murphy. Head coach Nate Murphy has led the girls this season and together they are looking for that elusive State Cup title. “We are playing good soccer right now,” he added. Michelle Murphy has been the top scorer for the girls so far this season and is really playing well right now. Goalkeeper Nina Allen has been very consistent and made some key saves in the win over Sparta last Saturday.

Last night the girls continued their dominating performance with a 9 – 0 win over OCFC Lightning U-16 Girls. Almost every girl from O.M. got a shot on goal. It was quite a riot playing with all of that rain, “but the girls were troopers and seemed to have fun with it” said coach Murphy.

The State Cup Tournament is being held at the Lakeside Soccer Complex in Orem Utah. Click here for a map. Also to see a map of the field layout click here. We need all the support we can get so make the trip down South to support them in the 2010 State Cup competition.

The girls kickoff against a very difficult Arsenal Strikers team this Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

Here is a link to a complete Schedule, Brackets, and Standings of the Tournament.

Check out the Photo Gallery for more photos!

Let’s go Olympique Montreux! Way to go Girls!

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX TO PLAY U21 MEXICAN NATIONAL TEAM

2010-05-06T21:47:00.001-06:00

Salt Lake City, UT – Coach Bel Ami de Montreux works with his players as Olympique Montreux prepares to travel to Idaho to play the U21 Mexican National Team this Mother’s Day weekend.

This weekend Olympique Montreux will be making the trip this weekend to play the U21 Mexican National Team in Idaho. Yes this is the real U21 Mexican National Team and O.M. has been invited to face the young team. The 1st time event is being hosted by Magic United SC and Chapalas Restaurant. Coach Montreux and the Red Warriors are very excited for the opportunity and have been preparing for the task of playing a team of such caliber. If you can make the trip up to Idaho this Mother’s Day then come and support us. The event details are listed below:

Sunday May 8th, 2010

Meridian Speedway – 335 South Main Street – Meridian, ID

Kickoff at 5:00pm MST

For those of you that can’t make the trip up to Idaho but still want to feel like you’re at the game then Twitter is the way to go. If you would like to follow us on twitter and get up to the minute information on the game then follow the instructions below:

With Twitter you will be able to find out how the game is going, when our next game is, when practice is, and other important information all throughout the season. If you have a smartphone then you probably have a Twitter app already and all you need to do is follow “OMFC”. But just in case here is some instructions on how to get started using twitter.

Here is what you need to do:

1 - Go to this link http://twitter.com/OMFC and you will see our twitter page. (You can follow us by simply going to this page. But to get mobile updates see steps 2-4)

2 – Click the yellow button above our name that says “JOIN TODAY”

(click to enlarge)

3 - After you have created your account you should be “following” OMFC already. To enable mobile notifications just click “Settings” in the top right of your twitter page then to “Mobile”

(click to enlarge)

Now you can stay in touch with O.M. and have access to up to the minute news, scores, and other information!

If you need help see: http://help.twitter.com/forums/59008-using-twitter-with-your-phone

LET’S GO OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX!

FRIDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS

2010-04-30T11:17:00.000-06:00

Lone Peak Park, Sandy, UT – Olympique Montreux Division 1 is handed their 1st loss of the year while the Premiership soars past Pan World FC in stunning fashion.

Friday evening the First Division looked to continue where they left off last week with a win against Pan World FC. Much to their surprise things wouldn’t quite turn out the way they hoped.

The game started a bit late due to the delay from Pan World FC. They were playing a man down for the first few minutes so early on in the game OM tried to capitalize but just couldn’t convert. Right before halftime Pan World took advantage of a poor clearance by defender Jacob Christensen and scored to take the 1 – 0 lead over the Red Warriors. Once again OM found themselves in the same predicament as last week where they went down a goal to begin the game. At half coach Bel Ami made a few key substitutions in order to battle back. Isai Tapia entered the game and helped in the midfield giving OM a few more chances at goal. But it wasn’t before Pan World would capitalize again on another OM error to go up 2 – 0. The 2 goal deficit was very defeating. Still the Red Warriors would battle back a few minutes later and score off a free kick that was headed in by forward Khalid Alnajjar to narrow the deficit back to 1. With time winding down the Red Warriors needed to score quickly to even up the score. But those hopes were soon diminished as Pan World crossed a ball in to the box that took an unfortunate curve into the upper 90 and gave them a 2 goal cushion with just 6 minutes left to play. OM would eventually score another goal in the 88th minute but it was too little too late giving the 1st division their 1st loss of the year by a score of 3 - 2.

“I’m disgusted with our level of play,” said captain Colton Spencer, “We need to score early and keep the same intensity throughout the game”. Afterwards coach Bel Ami Montreux responded “What can you do? It was a couple of really critical errors that lost the game for us. We need to play mistake free soccer.”

Looking to rebound from the 1st Division loss the premiership quickly got ready to take the field against the Premiership team from Pan World FC. The lights were now on and the stage was set. The cold was settling in but that didn’t stop Olympique Montreux from catching fire. From the very first minute OM would dominate possession of the ball and never looked back. Early in the game captain Tiva Zarate was kicked in the mouth away from the play and went down hard. Blood was rushing out of his mouth. “You could just sense it was bad” said a fan. Later that night Tiva would receive a total of 19 stitches to seal up the cuts he suffered both inside and outside of his mouth. OM fought on and in the 20th minute was awarded a Penalty Kick from a hard foul committed inside the box. Midfielder Jimmy Cuadros converted spot on to give the Red Warriors a 1-0 lead. Isai Tapia, who was now playing in his second game, increased the lead OM had over Pan World FC with another great shot on goal. His 3rd of the season. The second half was much of the same. Great defense, great ball movement, and great soccer. The icing on the cake came when once again midfielder Isai Tapia raced past the Pan World defense in the 70th minute and fired a bullet with the right foot to the bottom left corner of the goal. A true “shake and bake” said coach Montreux. The score would stay that way until the final whistle blew. OM wins it with yet another clean sheet over Pan World FC 3 – 0.

“I am very proud of the guys. They played like professionals out there”, said coach Bel Ami Montreux. It was a very satisfying win for the Red Warriors who will be traveling to Idaho next weekend to take on the U21 Mexican National Team. Go OM!

MY PLAYERS!!!!

OFF TO A GOOD START

2010-04-24T21:17:00.000-06:00

Storm Mountain Park Sandy, UT – Olympique Montreux opens up the season just as it left with wins from both teams over Meatus FC and Gunners FC.

The Outdoor season has finally arrived and expectations are high for the defending Utah Champions. Last year the squad saw great success and was looking to replicate that heading into the 2010 season. Many changes were made during the offseason in order to benefit the team but as it is with every new season questions always arise. Will OM continue to be dominant as in years past? How will the chemistry of the team affect the play on the field? Will players be able to stay healthy? Will OM have a home field? With questions like these the Red Warriors led by coach Bel Ami Montreux set out to open regular season play for the 2010 season.

Division 1 was matched with Meatus FC, a very big and physical team, to start things off Saturday afternoon. The Red Warriors went down 0 – 1 early in the game but not before Tomas Colindres scored the equalizer to bring OM back. A few minutes later Alan Ruelas was taken down in the box and eventually converted the PK to put OM up 2 – 1. Then right before half Midfielder Isai Tapia put a great shot in from about 30 yards out to give OM the 3 – 1 lead. In the second half Meatus FC quickly scored putting thenselves only down by a goal. Coach Bel Ami Montreux made key substitutions and OM quickly extinguished Meatus FC’s hopes of coming back when Isai Tapia scored his second goal extending the lead to 4 – 2. That’s the way it would finish. “It was about as good as I expected for our first game. We did some things well but we have a lot to work on” said coach Montreux.

The Premeirship would kick off next against a very fast FC Gunners team. The previous year FC Gunners was in the first division and made the move up to the premiership this year. The Red Warriors knew that they were a very good team and would have to pass the ball really well in order to beat them. The game started off well for OM with many close opportunities being created towards goal. Finally about 30 minutes in forward Steve McMurdie would connect on a great assist from Fox to go up 1 – 0 on the Gunners. That’s where we would stand at half. In the second half, after a great pep talk from the coach, OM would control the ball a lot better and wear down the defense of the gunners. About 70 min. in David Chevez made a great drive towards goal scoring with the left foot just past the Gunners goalkeeper. To put the icing on the game Steve McMurdie was clipped from behind in the box and David Chevez hit the PK bottom left corner to give OM the 3 – 0 win.

The nerves were finally settled and OM has begun it’s road to success on a great note. Two great games and two great wins. Both teams will play Pan World FC Friday night night under the lights at Lone Peak Park. So come out and support Olympique Montreux. You never want to miss some good soccer.

OM Tryouts

2010-03-29T14:54:00.001-06:00

UPDATE: PRACTICE CANCELLED THURSDAY due to weather.

This year we are looking to make the teams stronger and more competitive here at OM. In order for this to happen tryouts were necessary. We have looked at all of the players and evaluated how many new players we could take on as well as how many returning players will remain on the team. Below is the list for players that are welcome to come to the next practice. Because of weather this week it has been difficult to practice. Keep watching the schedule to see when we will be practicing next. There are a total of about 24 on this list. Note: this is NOT the final roster. We will be cutting the Division 1 roster to 20 people. That will be the final roster for the team and from there we will have forms to sign and instructions to get signed up. Please arrive on time to practice and bring water. Thanks.

Remember no practice tonight (Thurs. 4-01-10)

List of people after 1st cut of tryouts:
Armando
Colton Spencer
Antonio Cassillas
Adam Harris
Igor Ivakovic
Haroldo Darelli
Jamal
Henry Koroma
Alan Ruelas
Pelon
Jaddon Rogers
Tim Ballentyne
Cubano
Andres Pena
Victor Aguire
Zack VanWagenen
Cameron Pettey
Oliver Loua
Caleb Debenham
Passi Bayingana
Isai Tapia
P.J. Jensen
Alonzo
Fabriscio
Francesco Martinelli

Also all past O.M. players must turn in their shorts at practice. Thanks

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX 2010 TRYOUTS

2010-03-05T14:43:00.003-07:00

*****Please read very carefully*****

Outdoor season is coming and expectations are high for the defending champions. THE OTHER TEAMS ARE BUSY GETTING BETTER. It is rumored that Real Salt Lake is putting a team in the league composed of its former players and others. Everybody's objective is to beat O.M. whether it is the Premiership or the D1. Our teams struggled last year and Las Vegas was a total failure. We have to get better !!!

Because of increased interest and demand from good players who want to be on the team, we will be holding a 2-day tryout. ALL PLAYERS ARE REQUIRED TO TRYOUT! Whether you’ve played for years with O.M. or it’s just your first time. This is necessary to make our two teams more competitive. O.M. gets a lot of attention and we need to keep cultivating the competitive nature that we hold as a soccer club. There are a few changes to how we will be doing things this year so please read carefully:

1 – ALL PLAYERS MUST BRING O.M. SHORTS TO TRYOUTS! This year we will be washing the jerseys and shorts together and only giving them to the players before games and collecting them afterwards. Players will not be allowed to take the shorts or jerseys home with them. The uniforms (Jerseys and Shorts) will remain in our care before and after every game. No exceptions! We cannot afford to lose any more jerseys and shorts. It is very costly. However if you already have the O.M. warmups, jackets, practice jerseys…etc. those are to remain with you. Players can wear their warmups to the game then change at the field. ****NOTE: If a player does not bring all O.M. Shorts (Red, White, Black…..) and Jerseys, then he will not be eligible to tryout!

2 – BE READY! We will be trying to narrow the squad down to 20 players for Premiership and 18 for Division 1. We have to control the expenses of running the team in this difficult economy.

3 – TRYOUT DETAILS: We will be holding 2 days of tryouts. After that the squad will be posted. Dates and Times are:

Tuesday March 23rd @ 6:00 p.m. 1300 East 4300 South (subject to change)

Thursday March 25th @ 6:00 p.m. West Jordan Soccer Complex Field O (SouthWest Field)

Players must come to both sessions! And remember we will be checking in shorts before the tryout. If you don’t bring them then you don’t tryout. Sorry, no exceptions.

We appreciate your understanding and we look forward to seeing you and preparing for another successful season as Utah’s Premier Soccer Club.

Technorati Tags: OMFC,Olympique Montreux,Soccer,Tryouts

LAS VEGAS SYNOPSIS

2010-02-17T09:27:00.002-07:00

SILVER MUG SOCCER INVITATIONAL RECAP

Las Vegas, Nevada - Olympique Montreux arrived in Las Vegas with high hopes of a very successful weekend but were soon let down with sloppy play and mistakes that would cost them advancing out of pool play..

The annual Silver Mug Soccer Invitational “Bud Cup” attracts only the best soccer clubs from around the nation to compete at a very high level. Currently it is the #3 tournament in the nation. O.M. took down both a women men squad to compete at this prestigious tournament. The men were in a very tough group scheduled to play teams from TX, CA, NM, and NV.

It was early Saturday morning and at the Kellogg-Zaher Soccer Complex and the competition looked very good.

The mens’ 1st opponent was SD Pumitas out of California. The rain began to come down and along with the rain the Olympians began to struggle. Off of a close offsides call SD Pumitas took an early lead on a 1 on 1 break away against experienced goal keeper Andre Domingos. Despite a red card in the second half SD Pumitas eventually held off the attack and finished the game with a 1 – 0 victory over O.M.

“That was a crushing loss. We really needed to win that first game and get 1 under our belt early” said coach Bel-Ami de Montreux. The pressure was on and wouldn’t get any lighter.

The OM men faced Stroke City a few hours later that afternoon. The rain began to let up a bit but the Olympians still couldn’t find a way spark the offense. Stroke City took an early lead off of an unfortunate defensive turnover and scored an easy goal against goalkeeper Jeff Rogers. “That was a stupid mistake” uttered coach Bel Ami referring to the turnover, “Each mistake can be severely detrimental.” Stroke City scored again and OM found themselves down at the half by a score of 2 – 0. In the second half various substitutions were made and OM tried to rally but still couldn’t put a single shot on goal. Loss number 2 was up on the charts and with those 2 early losses, things were looking pretty grim.

Playing now back to back OM rushed over to field 1 to face Escuela FC. Early in the game the Olympians had a great opportunity to score when a shot ricocheted off the post but failed to enter the net. It was half now and OM was still gridlocked at 0 – 0 with Escuela. Goal keeper Andre Domingos was coming up with some huge saves throughout the game including blocking a PK in the 2nd half. Escuela eventually capitalized and scored to make it 1 – 0. Then off of a missed call on a clear offside they put one in again to go on and win the game 2 – 0. They couldn’t believe it. Loss number 3!

It was a very disappointing start to a much anticipated Saturday. The Olympians failed to score a single goal throughout their first 3 games of the tournament and were now sitting on the outside looking in. At various scoring opportunities inside the area, experienced players like David Chevez preferred to try to nutmeg defenders or dive for penalties instead of shooting the ball.

“On Saturday evening, after a totally disappointing performance, I saw Hector Kalucha Rendon packing a 24-pack beer on his shoulders in the hotel lobby. That fellow called Cholo who came highly recommended by Joe Menino basically sat in the hotel room that I provided and drank himself to a coma along with other key players.,” said Bel-Ami.

“Basically, I took a number of drunks to an important tournament. We even had players arrested for various criminal conduct. Wasn’t right! Just plain deceiving.”

With a good chunk of the team under the influences of drugs and alcohol, OM had to find a way to regroup after that horrible showing on Saturday. There was no chance of advancing on to the playoffs but the team still had their pride to play for. Their next opponent was El Alamo Crew Select.

Early in the first half the defense was caught off guard when backing up for a free kick, the ball was played before the whistle and El Alamo scored the first goal of the game. This controversial call helped fuel the Olympians to not have a repeat of Saturday’s performance. OM controlled the ball very well and was making good attempts on goal. Just before the half midfielder Antonio ripped in a goal from distance, top shelf over the El Alamo keeper to tie the score at1-1.

Bel Ami de Montreux prepared the troops for the second half and you could see the effect immediately. Steve McMurdie played exceptionally well and quickly put in a goal just minutes into the second half. Forward Philip Menezes was put in and was immediately awarded a yellow card. Seconds later off of a breakaway he was pushed from behind into the red rocks and given a red card ejecting him from the game. This was probably due to mouthing off to the referee before he even got onto the field. Various substitutions occurred and the Olympians extended their lead as Garcia put in a great goal 1 v 1 against the El Alamo goal keeper. OM went on to win by a score of 3 – 1. Finally the OM players had played like they should have!

The final game for the men was against a team from El Paso, TX. OM began to move the ball really well controlling the midfield but couldn’t get a single shot to go in when attacking. Just before half forward Tim Ballantyne went up for a header and landed a nasty cut just above the left eye. It was quite a war wound. That’s Tim for ya though. In the second half OM kept putting shots on goal and attacking the El Paso defense but despite the OM attack the game ended in a 0 – 0 tie.

The men finished with a record of 1 – 3 – 1 for a total of 12 points. Nowhere close to where they needed to be in order to advance out of pool play to the playoffs.

The women didn’t do too well either. They managed to win 1 out of their 5 games as well but what can you expect with not much practice going into the tournament. “Many girls bailed out at the last minute and the team had to be thrown together in order to make it work”, said team captain Alexis McMurdie.

It was a very disappointing ending to a very disappointing weekend in Las Vegas for both OM squads. “I felt there wasn’t a single team we played that we couldn’t have beaten” said forward Steve McMurdie. It was a very humbling experience after such a dominating year for OM.

“I need to gather myself and rethink the personnel on the team” said Bel Ami. “Every year the lure of the Las Vegas tournament makes us want to come down here. When we had our last big game it was October of 2009 and it is awfully hard to compete with teams who are match fit and in the prime of their soccer season right now.”

“This was not a complete sporting collapse of Utah’s champions though. Other factors interfered. It definitely did not help that players like Kalucha and Cholo were so drunk that they could not stay on their feet and continuously made bad passes to the opponents. Those two did not even show up to play on Sunday along with those that were in jail in some Vegas police precinct. Go figure.

“Make me miss the days of Nate Murphy, Aaron Bruderer, Mike Rogers and Sergio Vasquez,” said a disgusted Bel-Ami.

VIVA LAS VEGAS

2010-02-04T10:31:00.002-07:00

SILVER MUG SOCCER INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Salt Lake City, Utah.— Olympique Montreux trains at the University of Utah field house for upcoming trip to the prestigious Las Vegas Tournament "Bud Cup".

Olympique Montreux will be heading to Las Vegas to participate in the prestigious Silver Mug Soccer Invitational Tournament. Often referred to as the "Bud Cup". The 2009 Tournament will be played on February 7 - 9, 2009 at the Kellogg-Zaher Soccer Complex in Las Vegas.

This is one of the top three National Tournaments in the United States and recognized for its highest level of Competition. Often referred to as the "Unofficial Open National Cup Event". To win this event, a team must play nine (9) games in a three-day period. Started in 1978 this is a national affiliated soccer event for both adult men's and women's teams from all over the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

This is an Invitational Tournament. Teams are invited based upon one or more of the following: National Champion, Regional Champion, State Champion, or League Champion. Evidence is required to be submitted at the time of application for verification.

Competition is of the highest level. Teams are generally "professional" level and higher. Past teams include those from the Major Soccer League (MSL), Women's Professional Soccer League (WPSL); Men's Professional Soccer League (MPSL); Professional Indoor teams etc. Many USA National Team players have participated in this prestigious event.

Olympique Montreux will be taking both a men's and women's squad. In order to get match fit they have been practicing periodically the past couple weeks at the Field House of the University of Utah. We are very excited to participate in this event.

You can participate with us too. Whether you're in Las Vegas or at home. You can download a copy of our scheduled group play here: OMFC Las Vegas Group Play Schedule Right Click and "Save As". Also you can Follow us on Twitter for up to the minute news including: Game Info, Scores, Highlights, etc. We will be posting articles up on the blog and site after each day of play. Here we go now. Viva Las Vegas baby!

TIM BALLANTYNE IS THE DRAGON SLAYER

2009-11-07T12:11:00.001-07:00

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX WINS FIRST STATE SUPER CUP

Westminster College, Utah.—Tim Ballantyne scored five minutes after coming on as a substitute to lead Olympique Montreux to a 1-0 victory over Westminster FC in the State first Super Cup.

It was an intense game featuring the state’s two best teams.

Westminster recently defeated Pan World FC to win the league’s Champions League tournament (Daynes Cup), and claimed the Utah Open Cup trophy by crushing First Division runner up FC Gunners.

This year, the Red Warriors of Olympique Montreux recaptured the Premiership title they had lost last year. The club’s First Division team repeated as champion.

Playing at home under the direction of its long time coach, Chris Dorich, Westminster took a conservative approach, compacting players in its defensive third and relied on a counterattack strategy featuring former OM great Chad Gilbert.

Chad scored almost 50 goals in all competitions in two seasons as an Olympian, and formed a legendary and lethal partnership with Sergio Vasquez who himself tallied over 30 goals during his time with Olympique Montreux.

With Mike Smith, Nathan Braun, Clayton Alexander and Hector “Kalu18” Rendon manning the defense, Chad never had a good look at goal throughout the match. Keeper Andre Dominguez skillfully handled the few Westminster shots that made it past the league’s best defense.

Midfielders Marcos “Tiva” Zarate and Jimmy “El Toro” Cuadros combined well with forwards Luis Garcia and Eduardo “Lalo” Romero who had the Red Warriors’ best chance in the 17^th minute, but the team’s leading marksman was denied by Westminster’s elite goalkeeper Travis Rogers who stuck a leg out to push the ball out for a corner.

In the 22^nd minute, Jimmy fired over the top after bulldozing his way past two Westminster’s defenders.

The Red Warriors continued to attack Westminster, firing shots after shots at the excellent Travis Rogers who basically kept Westminster in the game.

In the 34^th minute, Travis Rogers stopped Luis Garcia’s shot that seemed to be heading for the back of the net.

In the 40^th minute, Fernando Fox rattled Westminster’s left post.

OM’s domination continued but the Red Warriors could not find the target.

In the 80^th minute, Tim Ballantyne replaced Fox. The left-footed winger’s pace soon turned into a nightmare for the backpedaling Westminster midfielders and defenders who appeared tired.

In the 85^th minute, Tim ran into a well-served pass by midfielder Steve McMurdie, and first-timed a perfect shot beneath an onrushing Travis Rogers for the game’s winner.

With time running out, The Olympians made sure to swat away all Westminster attempts to lob the ball to a well-guarded Chad.

With this goal, Tim leaped into Olympique Montreux lore along side current manager Bel-Ami de Montreux, Alex Pogman and Justin Braun as players who have scored clutch goals in finals to earn the team important trophies.

It was on October 21, 2001 that, losing 2-1 to Aguas Calientes in the Spanish league, that Bel-Ami scored on a diving header to tie the game and send it into overtime. Three minutes into extra time, the late Alex Pogman scored the golden goal to win Olympique Montreux its first trophy.

On November 4, 2007, Justin Braun who now plays professionally for Chivas USA, rose high in the air to score the sole goal in the Championship game against Diablos FC.

“Tim is now an OM legend. I sent him into the game at the right time, knowing he had the skills to overtake Westminster’s defense. He distinguished himself,” said an elated Bel-Ami.

“The hard work paid off this year. I had coachable and devoted players who executed well. It makes a big difference when players are coachable and humble. The guys made sacrifices to get us here. We came out this year with the promise to work hard and play with respect. We did just that and won things along the way.”

OTHER NEWS…

***FIRST DIVISION DID THE DANCE.

As expected, the First Division completed its championship season and won the trophy for the second consecutive time. The only blemish came when the side allowed Bosnia USA to win 4-2 in the last game of the season in a game that did not count for much since the side had already clinched the title with two games to go.

That meaningless loss, however, did not deter the Red Warriors from chanting their now famous “My Players” fight song.

***OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX CRUSHED UTAH UNITED 10-1

October 24, 2009, at the Brad Pino Stadium, the Olympians welcomed the enterprising Carlos Nieto and his Utah United semipro team for a friendly end of season game. Soon after the starting bell, the Red Warriors milled Utah United by beating the semipro team 10-1, despite the presence in goal of former OM keeper Martin Martinez and former Mexican pro player Roberto Islas.

With this destruction of Utah United, it is becoming clearer that “The Brad Pino” grounds at Cottonwood High School are a daunting place for visitors to come play soccer against Bel-Ami’s protégés.

***OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX BEAT AFRICAN RED STARS

On October 31, 2009, the Red Warriors hosted the African Lone Stars at The Brad Pino. With several players missing the game, Bel-Ami was forced to feature in the starting eleven. Defender Colton Spencer played in goal because regular goalkeeper Andre Dominguez was observing a Muslim Holiday.

The Lone starts drew first blood when they opened the score. The Lone stars continued to dominate the Olympians until Marcos “Tiva” Zarate entered the game to take over midfield.

In the 34^th minute, Tiva opened the Lone Stars defense, found Bel-Ami who outraced his markers, rubbed off another defender before sending the keeper diving in the wrong direction to tie the score.

Forward Alan Ruelas looked surprised at the way the manager made it look easy to score.

Bel-Ami limped off the field at the half.

Jimmy “El Toro” Cuadros scored the winner in the 82^nd minute.

“Bel-Ami should take cortisone shots in his knees and everywhere else and play in the games, said Tiva.

“He rarely plays in a game and not score.”

Wishful thinking!

THE CREAM OF THE CROP!!!

2009-10-17T21:21:00.000-06:00

OM THUMPS PARK CITY TO COMPLETE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON

OM web news services

Brad Pino Stadium.- Cottonwood, Utah (Oct. 17, 2009).--Bosnian midfielder Admir Softic delivered a spectacular goal in the 85^th minute to close the scoring as Olympique Montreux clinically defeated Park City Newpark to set the tone for the championship dance that took place after the game.

Admiradona, as Admir is called nowadays for his dribbling and passing skills, was only making his comeback to the Premiership team after weeks out with a calf injury.

Right corner back Kalu18 (12^th), midfielder Jimmy Cuadros (29^th), full back Luis Garcia (49^th), and forward David Chevez (PK, 67^th) also scored goals.

“All of the pieces are working just as planned,” said manager Bel-Ami. “We are riding on a wave of success the past few weeks.”

With Jimmy delivering yet another strong performance, and captain Ivan “Tiva” Morales on top of his game, it was only a matter of time before the Olympians took total control of the game despite the workmanlike effort of the men from Summit County.

The only blemish for OM came when Park City scored in the 54th minute as OM keeper Joe Mennino failed to parry a stoppable shot from the right side of the field. The ball sailed over the keeper into the net.

Central defender Michael Smith and Luis Garcia did a good job containing Park City’s early enthusiasm. Park City’s talisman player Antonio Salcedo rarely threatened Bel-Ami’s well-organized men, except for one well-placed pass to a winger. However, OM right back Parker Haycock stepped in and defused the play.

“When a team plays like this, it’s nearly impossible to stop,” said Park City manager Dennis Hogglin. “We’ve got to learn from this, roll up our sleeves and prepare for next season.”

The victory today effectively seals the Premiership title that eluded Olympique Montreux’s Red Devils last year after the side won the trophy the previous three years. The Premiership team finished the season four points ahead of second place Westminster College.

“The difference this year is that most of my players are coachable and follow game plans. The players trust in me and in my abilities. The results speak for themselves,” said Bel-Ami. “Both OM teams are champions in their respective division. I am happy with our achievements.”

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX DEFEATS WESTMINSTER COLLEGE FC 3-1

2009-10-15T10:56:00.005-06:00

Olympique Montreux News

October 10, 2009

Brad Pino Soccer Field ---Cottonwood, UTAH.---Midfielder Jimmy Cuadros scored at the seventh minute to give Olympique Montreux a good start over Westminster College FC in a classico that could potentially decide the league’s Premiership title.

The powerfully built Jimmy scored on a header from a corner kick taken by captain Tiva Olmedo.

Against a side as explosive as Westminster featuring former OM forward Chad “Goal-bert” Gilbert, it was important to start strong.

In the 15th minute, to the home fans’ dismay, forward Luis Orozco drew a red card for elbowing an opponent who was marking him closely. It is rumored that Orozco spat at the player.

“I felt a cold chill as I saw Orozco being ejected,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.

“Westminster is too physical a team to face short-handed. Orozco needs therapy to control his anger issues.”

With Eduardo “Lalo” Romero remaining the sole striker, OM switched to a 4-4-1 formation with Tiva acting as both attacking midfielder and supporting forward for Lalo. Jimmy received instructions to strictly do the holding job in the middle.

In the 25th, Westminster’s long ball strategy paid off as Gilbert latched onto one and leveled the score with a sharp angle shot from seven yards out.

Undaunted, OM maintained its composure, playing its trademark quick one touch soccer and dominating possession. Frustrated, several Westminster players started to play rough.

In the 35th minute, Tiva collected a short pass from midfielder Steve McMurdie from the right side of midfield, drove past a charging Westminster midfielder, and pushed trough the middle. From about 35 yards out, he unleashed an unstoppable left foot shot that found the upper left corner of the net despite the keeper’s desperate dive.

The score remained 2-1 at the break.

If the first half produced some good soccer, the second was full of drama.

As play became rougher and Westminster’s golden boy spewing unsanctioned-in-your-face obscenities at the central referee, the officiating crew appeared to be losing control.

In the 66th minute, OM winger Juan Carlos Chamale was graphically hit from behind while inside the area. The ref had no choice but to point to the penalty spot.

Lalo converted the spot kick. OM, 3 --- Westminster, 1.

In the 70th minute, the referee showed winger Jantzen Romney a second yellow card when a Westminster player took an obvious dive upon contact with the speedy Jantzen.

With eight minutes left in regulation time, the referee ejected OM defender Jacob after a Westminster player was grossly retaliated against the defender by following a tackle. Jacob’s straight red car was unexplainable.

Reduced to eight men total, and Westminster players seeking to draw foul to disqualify OM in a game that they were clearly beaten, the Olympians kept their composure and defended well until the final whistle.

With this win, Olympique Montreux has clinched the 2009 Premiership title, leading Westminster by four points in the standings one game left to play for each team.

Next Saturday, Park City Newpark visits the daunting “Brad Pino” Soccer Field at Cottonwood for the last game of the season. OM will not take its feet of the pedal. .

“:we weren’t supposed to contend for anything this year. We lost many players last season. But we worked hard every week. Teams come at us with all they have. It has been a hard season with ups and downs. OM might bend sometimes. But we never break,” said proud captain Tiva,

“Bel-Ami always says failure is not an option in this jersey.”

Spoken like a true Olympians.

Premiership Goal Leaders:

Eduardo “Lalo” Romero, 15 goals.

Ivan Tiva, 9 goals

David Chevez, 7 goals

FIRST DIVISION POWERS PAST ST. PATRICKS IN 3-1 VICTORY

2009-10-15T10:47:00.006-06:00

Olympique Montreux News

October 10, 2009

Brad Pino Soccer Field (Cottonwood, UTAH).--- Led by the defensive prowess of Colton Spencer, Antonio Casillas and Adam Harris, Olympique Montreux D1 team sped past St.- Patrick’s FC with goals from Cubano, Joe Mannino and Peter Frost.

The Olympians dominated play, denying the ball to their opponents who grew more and more frustrated as Haroldo Darelli and Peter Frost piloted the ship to victory.

Juventino "Cubano" Silva, the team’s leading scorer with 11 goals coming into the match scores in typical predatory fashion in the 12^th minute.

Joe Mannino, normally an excellent second goalkeeper for the Premiership, came off the bench to score a spectacular goal with a diving header in the 39^th minute on a "Cubano" cross.

The third goal was signed by playmaker Peter Frost on a solo effort that saw him motor past the entire St.-Patrick’s defense.

St.-Patrick’s scored a consolation goal in the waning minutes.

The D1 team is in first place with two games left and can clinch the title with a victory at Westminster-Lazio next Saturday.

“I want this bloody trophy,” screamed an usually clean-mouthed captain Adam Harris, while looking over his shoulder to make sure his bishop did not hear the bloody expletive.

Division One goal leaders:

Juventino Cubano Silva, 12 goals

Tim Ballantyne, 7 goals

Pelon Saavedra, 7 goals.

O.M. UPDATE. IN THE “REVIEW” MIRROR…

2009-10-14T11:13:00.000-06:00

The making of a championship campaign.

OM News Service

October 15, 2009

Until the July break this year, the Premiership and the first division team of Olympique Montreux Football Club were on top of their respective table and cruising. The organization had just won the Park City Tournament for the third time in a row (2007, 2008 and 2009).

For the Premiership, it was an unexpected dream start for a squad that was rebuilding after many veteran players opted to leave the organization throughout last season.

Right after winning the prestigious Park City Tournament, however, things began to sour. A rash of injuries in the Premiership followed by a dip in form to some key players set up a poor skid in the standings and in all competitions.

Within weeks, OM lost the chance to contend for all the cups it aspired to win. Even the usually dependable D1 team failed to defend the Utah Challenge Cup it won last season.

The Premiership was eliminated from the Utah Champions League (Daynes Cup), and also from the Utah Open Cup in rapid succession. All thoughts of the Premiership equaling the organization’s 2002 and 2006 successes quickly vanished.

The 2002 and 2006 teams remain Olympique Montreux’s best ever.

In 2002, led by center forward Bel-Ami de Montreux with his predatory goal scoring skills (43 goals in all competitions) and the playmaking talents of the late Alex Pogman, OM went undefeated in all competitions in the Liga LatinoAmericana, winning the Preseason Copa de Utah, the Primera Division Cup and the Interleague Playoffs Cup.

The 2006 side, under the direction of playmaker Nate Murphy and talented forward Sergio Vasquez and Chad Gilbert, won not only the state’s Premiership title, but also the Utah Open Cup and the Daynes Cup at its centennial commemoration.

The spring success of the team this year may have been misleading as to where OM was in the rebuilding process. After all, the side was rebuilding following yet another exodus of the remaining 2006 heroes. John MacQuarrie, Mike Rogers, Chris Kirkpatrick, Josh Kimball and Nate Murphy transferred to Rush Elite at season’s end. The departure of fleet-footed winger Garrett Losee to an LDS Church mission, and the “announced” LDS mission of young defender Kip also affected the manager’s plans.

A dip in form of last year’s MVP Steve McMurdie and influential midfielder Jantzen Romney, last season’s undisputed star forward and reigning Golden Boot, did not help the team’s position.

Also, concededly, the team’s early successes negatively affected the simple game and the humility the manager was promoting since season’s start. Somehow, young players began to feel invincible and started to play selfish soccer.

While Steve and Jantzen worked hard to rediscover their best form, several important players repeatedly failed to show up for important fixtures despite being on game day sheets. A few more also have failed to maintain their fitness and thus have been unable to contribute.

The bitter mid-season return of a former forward from a poor PDL experience contributed to spoil the script.

The manager sometimes had to improvise starting line ups seconds before games. Often, D1 players had to fill in for absent Premiership stars.

With the situation nearly uncontrollable, the team was forced to sign new players to make it to season’s end.

In July and August, the side went on to drop important points to unlikely opponents, Bosnia USA and Utah Valley University, and experienced a shameful loss to Rush Elite where, as luck would have it, Kip is serving his mission. Funny indeed!

The team experienced a new low at the Telemundo Cup in August in Ogden, Utah. After finishing top seed in pool play and winning the playoff game 5-0 against Idaho United, the following morning, several star players simply did not show up for the semifinal game. OM was beaten 4-0 by Weber State. The team left the tournament in disgrace with its reputation severely dented.

Despite all the adversities and injuries making it difficult for fullbacks Nathan Braun, Clayton Alexander and keeper André Dominguez to play back to back games, the Premiership fought back and clinched the State Premiership Title with one game to play.

The D1 team is in first place by two points with two games left and can clinch the title with a victory at Westminster-Lazio next Saturday.

When analyzing the league’s overall performance, it is quickly evident that this year, as before, other Premiership teams continue to see Olympique Montreux as the team to get ready for.

We definitely welcome that respect and the competition. We are Olympians!

However, when a distinguished soccer organization like Park City Newpark managed to field only 8 or 9 players at home against Westminster just to be pounded 8-0, and a week later brought in a full plate against OM and fight for 90 plus minutes, eyebrows are raised. Same for Rush Elite that lined up a weak team and no goalkeeper against the same Westminster (score: 0-4). Same for Diablos FC for completely failing to show up to face Westminster (forfeit).

It is expected that Bosnia USA will offer inadequate resistance on October 17 when they face Westminster in their season’s finale.

The failure of OM’s opponents to be consistent ruins the competition. Teams cannot call a tied game or a hard fought win against Olympique Montreux the crown achievement of their season. Showing up to play with seven, eight or nine players, showing up drunk or already tired or not showing up at all is very poor sportsmanship.

“Some teams gave the unethical impression that they were losing to Westminster on purpose just to keep Olympique Montreux from winning the title,” opines Bel-Ami.

But at OM, the fight is to the last breath.

IN MEMORIAM - ALEX POGMAN

2009-01-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

IN MEMORIAM

ALEX POGMAN
1972-2009

POSITION: MIDFIELDER FOR OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX 2001, 2002, 2003
JERSEY NUMBER 18
PREMIERSHIP CHAMPION: 2001 (Scored winning goal in 3-2 win in championship game, Oct. 20, 2001)
PREMIERSHIP CHAMPION: 2002 (Scored in 3-1 championship game against Alemania, Oct. 21, 2002

STEVE McMURDIE IS OLYMPIAN OF THE YEAR

2008-12-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

STEVE IS 2008 MVP

JANTZEN ROMNEY-LUIS GARCIA-VICTHOR SOARES HONORED

By R. M. Danish

Sports Writer

SALT LAKE CITY, UT. Dec. 10, 2008.--- Midfielder Steve McMurdie is Olympique Montreux Football Club’s Most Valuable Player for 2008. It is a fitting tribute to a player who was solid all year and led, not only the premiership team, but contributed valuable minutes to the first division team during an uneasy year at OM.

The team’s banquet and awards ceremony was held this year at Rodizzio Grill, a chic Brazilian Barbeque restaurant at upscale Trolley Square.

2001 MVP Jorge Conde honored

The event provided an opportunity to introduce to the players the man who collaborated with Bel-Ami to create the club back in 1999.

Indeed, former defensive stalwart Jorge Conde and his wife Elizabeth were present to be honored for Conde’s services to the club. He was awarded the MVP trophy for 2001.

Also, Ivan Marcos Olmedo Zarate received his 2002 MVP award, along with Josh Kimball who was the team’s MVP in spring 2005.

In those days the team did not award individual honors.

“We take this occasion to recognize Jorge Conde who worked hard to get this team started,” said Bel-Ami de Montreux, OM’s manager.

“In the beginning, we were just a new team with a strange French name. We needed players and the talented ones did not trust us. Conde worked hard to staff the team, brought on players like Marcos Melendrez and others, and we found success at the end. He was our first captain and a true OM legend.

“Ivan, in 2002, was the best player in all of Utah. Although he is still a great player, he was exceptional that year. He won the Liga LatinoAmericana best player award. He created my huge goal tally that year with his timely and creative assists.

“In spring 2005, Josh Kimball was leading scorer and all around best player for OM. We are thankful for his contribution to the side and wish him well in his new career at Rush ootball Club next season.”

At this year’s well attended banquet, more than 70 players and family applauded Steve McMurdie who received his Most Valuable Player award. Jantzen Romney took the Offensive Player of the Year award. Luis Garcia was named Defensive Player of the Year and Victhor Soares won the award for being this year’s Iron Man.

Steve’s work rate this season was outstanding. He was a consistent performer who earned the respect of the manager and his teammates. Steve who is also on Real Salt Lake’s short list when they need help for reserve games came to OM only last year from Park City New Park and he is already the MVP. He is also the head soccer coach for Lehi High School in Utah County.

Several times each week, Steve travels from Provo to Salt Lake for practices and games. He scores amazing goals and is a true leader. He is the prototype of players OM loves to have.

“Steve is an accomplished and mature soccer player and yet he is coachable and humble. What else can you ask for in a player,” said Bel-Ami. “We are lucky he wears an OM jersey.”

Steve is married to his wife Alexis who is a great youth girl coach in her own right. They are parents to three young boys.

Jantzen was fabulous this year. The left winger, a product of youth club Inter FC and Brighton High School, quickly settled into the historic club and made himself a ‘can’t do without’ selection in any formation the manager put on the field. He starred for the Premiership team and the first division and practiced hard. He has incredibly good work ethics.

Luis Garcia was always present in central defense and at midfield, doing a superb job at times when the Premiership team could not count on many of its regular starters. He saved us often, keeping us in game we could have lost.

Iron Man Victhor Soares was the indispensable player. The 22 year old can do it all. You need a defensive player, line him up. You need a midfielder or a forward, call on Victhor. But it is his ability to play in front of the defense that is amazing for a former forward.

In the Park City Tournament, Victhor basically cancelled out speedsters Chad Gilbert and Sergio Vasquez.

The organization also gave awards to Ben Staples, the coach of the Olympique Montreux U-15 girl’s team, and to manager, Robyn Millerberg. The U-15 girls team finished first last season in the U-14 division and is now ranked second in the state in its age bracket.

Olympique Montreux also honored Justin Braun, our former teammate who now plays professionally for MLS team Chivas USA where he is showing to the world on a big stage that there is good soccer in Utah and great players at Olympique Montreux.

Justin scored the goal against Diablos last year to win the side the premiership title.

Next year, OM hopes to have one or two of its players in MLS camps.

D1 team wins championship

While things were going smooth for the girls’ team, it was a rather turbulent year for the men. The Premiership team was a rollercoaster ride. Conversely, the D1 team maintained its character to finish at the top of a 16 teams-strong division, losing only three times.

Along the way, the young D1 Olympians scored a division best 71 goals, conceding 23.

“I never had a consistent starting team all year long in the premiership. Important players, including the team’s captain, did not play crucial games,” explained Bel-Ami.

“As a result, we dropped points to bad teams and tied teams we should have beaten.”

Still, the team won the prestigious Park City Tournament, but missed out on three league trophies that were shared between Diablos and Westminster. It failed to retain the championship title that had been its own for the past four seasons.

It is the first time since fall 2004 that OM’s top team did not win any league silverware. The side finished in second place in the standings, seven points behind champion Westminster FC.

“We are now in rebuilding mode. I think only one player remains from the team that last won the division. The others have left,” said Bel-Ami.

OM is the most prestigious amateur club in Utah. Teams are motivated to get a result when they face the side.

“We are indeed flattered by the attention. Ain't nothing wrong being the Barcelona or Real Madrid around here. We know we have to always be prepared to do battle. Even a friendly game against OM is a final for the opponent. That’s the difference between us and the rest,” said the manager.

U-14 girls team is a winner

If the men’s Premiership team struggled this year, the Olympique Montreux U-14 girls team maintained a high standard and did the organization very proud. The girls have grown into a potent force in Utah youth soccer, beating higher ranked teams and earning high honors.

Each time the girls take to the field, their opponents not only have to contend with their superb play, but they have to fight against the reputation of the club for its winning tradition.

Credits go to head coach Ben Staples for his leadership and knowledge of the game and to manager Robyn Millerberg for her devotion to the team. The girls also benefit from the services of Nate Murphy, one the best trainers in Utah.

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX TEAMS SCORE 13 GOALS TODAY, CONCEDING NONE

2008-08-22T10:32:00.000-06:00

WAY TOO MUCH KAKA

By R. M. Danish

Sports Writer

Cottonwood, Aug. 22.-- Ricardo "Kaka" Sobreira was a man, well, boy, on a scoring mission this evening. The teenager started in the first division game and opened the scoring in the 4th minute. He then started in the Premiership game and opened the scoring in the 7th minute. He again scored in the 86th minute.

Indeed it was a Kaka show all afternoon at Cottonwood Field.

The first division game pitted Olympique Montreux against FC Crisnet.

In addition to Kaka·, defensive ace Victhor Soares, David Chevez (hot trick), Tim Ballantyne, and Gabriel Causse found the back of the net.

The side played great one-two touch soccer, making good use of the big pitch to the detriment of FC Crisnet who played the first five minutes with only nine players.

The late arrival of Crisnet’s remaining players did not help much as the Olympians executed their game plan to near perfection, rolling to a 6-0 lead at the break.

Showing respect for their opponents, the Olympians were instructed to maintain possession in the second half, make quick one touch passes, but to not run up the score.

David Chevez, last season leading scorer, was making his first full appearance this season after a winter injury. Davi-gol scored a hot trick, closing the scoring on a penalty.

…and in the Premiership

In the Premiership game, Bosnia USA started by playing well, featuring a number of good players, namely former OM champions Alija Hijdarevic (2001, 2002) and Ninja Djurasovic (2002), along with Mexican playmaker Antonio Vasquez (OM 2003).

Unfortunately, Bosnia USA still lined up the likes of Admir Softic and Adis Alagic. The latter used be a great player but for several years now, he prefers to dish out cheap behind-the-back shots while screaming to the refs: "It is not my fault if [my victims] are too short."

This evening, Adis made young Sina and Kaka his special targets.

"Adis was an OM star in 2001 and 2002. How he went from very good soccer player to schoolyard bully is simply amazing. I used to compare him to Patrick Viera for his pace, grace and style," said OM manager Bel-Ami de Montreux who played with and managed the player for two championship seasons in the Hispanic league.

"It must be the Zlatan influence."

It was only a short two weeks since Bosnia USA defender Zlatan Ridzalovic and two his mates physically assaulted and slapped a young referee who had the audacity to red card Zlatan.

Along with Alain Delon (sic), a red card collecting specialist, and Admir "Fock Yoo" Softic, it was only a matter of time before that team became unglued.

Lately, Admir’s only game is to spit "Fock Yoo" or "Fock yo’ mutha" each time he is near Bel-Ami.

Nutmegged King

Playing on top to fill in for the absent Eduardo Lalo Romero, midfielder Steve McMurdie scored twice, at the 18th and 32nd minute.

In the 80th minute, left-winger Jantzen Romney froze the keeper and then nutmegged him to score the fourth goal.

Kaka scored again in the 86th minute after a solo run through the tired Bosnian defense.

Garrett Losee closed the scoring one minute later.

Last week, OM's first division defeated Raging Yetis 3-1 and the Premiership beat Odyssey Web 5-1 on goals by Jantzen Romney, Garrett Losee (twice) and defender Zach Burton.

The Olympians are trying to capture titles in both divisions.

OM WINS THRILLER AGAINST INSPIRED DIABLOS

2008-06-28T10:27:00.000-06:00

A CLASS ZACH

Franscisco Aguilar
SPORTS WRITER

WEST JORDAN, UT.-- JUNE 28, 2008.--Diablos FC and Olympique Montreux butted head at West Jordan Complex this evening and the Gran Classico lived up to expectations.

Neither team wilted under the 98-degree plus heat wave.

Gerry Bellazantine’s men came out firing on all cylinders, forcing the Olympians to defend for long stretches of time.

All star striker Jorge Estrada, one of Utah’s all times best, ran tirelessly at the defense. Chris Kirkpatrick and the Olympians’ defense had to dig very deep to keep the former Utah Blitzz man under some control.

With playmakers Maran and Guti Gutierrez operating in midfield and El Gran Cholo in central defense, the Red Devils showed their intent to run over Bel-Ami’s protégés.

At the 12th minute, Maran connected with a fine midfield pass to put Diablos on the score sheet after exploiting a defensive error on the right side.

Seven minutes later, Diablos’ forward Ephrain Aguilar, a former Real Salt Lake target, came face to face with OM keeper Shaun Fuhriman who was called upon to play in goal after regular OM keeper Martin Martinez opted out of the game.

Shaun saved Aguilar’s powerful shot in extremis.

The Olympians quickly reorganized behind Zach Burton’s leadership and started to push Diablos back.

At the 23rd minute the referee awarded the Olympians a penalty when Zach was taken down in the area. The keeper stopped Sina Alipour’s penalty kick to the delight of the Red Devils’ fans.

At the 30th minute, Eduardo “Super Lalo” Romero forced the keeper into a good save.

Luis Garcia dribbled past two Diablos defenders at the 37th minute, but his powerful strike was diverted into a corner.

Zach rose up high to tie the game on a header on the ensuing corner kick.

The score remained tied at half time.

Whatever manager Bel-Ami told his men during the break must have had an impact.

In the 50th minute, Super Lalo put a great cross on the head of a well-placed Luis Orozco. The stylish forward let rip an unstoppable header that found the back of the net.

Man on Fire

The Red Devils responded quickly to tie the game.

They scored their third goal in the 55th minute to take the lead.

With ten minutes left, Zach caught on fire. The big Olympian started to dominate the midfield.

At the 80th minute, Zach placed a perfect pass to the feet of Super Lalo who just could not miss. The young forward unleashed an unstoppable strike to again tie the game for OM.

With about three minutes left in regulation and the dreaded penalty shoot out looming, the Olympians were awarded a free kick just outside the area.

Sina stepped up and his ground shot went into the Red Devils’ net despite the keeper’s outstretched dive.

The game ended with the score 4-3 in favor of the Olympians.

“Any match between Diablos and OM is a Classico. It was a very entertaining game. Two good teams. We had to pump up the volume of play to get a win. It was not easy,” said Bel-Ami after the game. “They were ready for us.”

To a question about the strange absence of Keeper Martin Martinez, the manager responded that Shaun was great in goal. “But we needed Louis Staley with Estrada being too much to handle,” he added.

“Have you seen him?”

Earlier in the day, Diablos’ first division team defeated OM’s first division 3-1.

“It was a total lack of desire from the forwards and an unfit midfield that cost us the points in the first division game. Playing with two refs for most of the game did not help either,” said Bel-Ami.

OTHER TEAM NEWS:

Since the victory over Pan World, both Olympique Montreux teams have been cruising in league play. The first division has won all but two of its league games. It is undefeated in Utah Open Cup and Utah Challenge Cup games. The team is the mid-season champion, ahead of Diablos on goal difference.

The Premiership team remains undefeated in league play and is in first place as well.

However, the side exited the Utah Open Cup in the semifinals round, losing to Lazio in a penalty shoot out after a 1-1 tie. A few days later, the Premiership lost 3-1 to Diablos in a Daynes Cup quarterfinal game that Diablos totally dominated.

STORM MOUNTAIN JOY FOR BEL-AMI AND OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX

2008-06-02T10:18:00.000-06:00

By Scott Cunningham
Sports Writer

STORM MOUNTAIN PARK (LNS) June 2,——Olympique Montreux displayed its title credentials by claiming a resounding 6-1 victory over Odyssey Web in the Utah Premiership this evening.

Leading scorer David CHEVEZ scored a double. Jake CAVANAUGH, Todd MILLER, Jimmy CUADROS and Ricardo MARTINEZ each added one goal to secure first place for the Olympians.

“This was an important game and we came out to win. We know what we have to do,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.

Last Saturday’s match between Diablos and Olympique Montreux was abandoned in the 50th minute partly because no league accredited referee showed up to call the hugely anticipated fixture between the top two teams. The citizen volunteer who was given the whistle proved mammothly incompetent and became incapacitated under the pressure.

That game is now rescheduled for November 3 at Westminster College Stadium.

Today’s result shows that the Olympians understand their mission. Since the mid season humiliation when the team lost important games to Pan World and Lazio, and prematurely exited two important cup races, the players have come to appreciate that everybody’s soccer dream in Utah is to beat them.

Since then, the organization made necessary roster adjustment and the side has been playing like a true Olympique Montreux team, outscoring opponents 23 goals to 1 in just the last six outings.

“Our confidence is up. We feel we can,” said star playmaker Nate MURPHY who added another nugget in a long string of stellar performances.

Yet though, it was not all fun at first. Odyssey Web started the game strongly and played well for the first fifteen minutes or so. Its forwards made several entries into the zone, forcing Kenan POWELL and the defense to backpedal a few times.

The score remained nil until the 21st mi

nute when Nate combined with Jimmy who found Todd criminally unmarked to open the scoring with a booming shot.

In the 43rd minute, Garrett danced around the left fullback, combined well with Jake who fired past the keeper for the second goal.

At the restart, OM’s dominance became perfect as Ricardo joined in the goal scoring with a low right foot shot in the 50th minute on a through pass from Nate.

Ten minutes later, on a fine pass from left winger Louis STALEY, David “El Tanque” scored the fourth goal with one of his classic finishes that made so many Peruvians happy when he was an Alianza Lima player in Peru.

El Tanque was at it again just three minutes later when ace forward Sina ALIPOUR cushioned a fine pass into his path. The marksman could not but score his 22nd goal of the season.

Not to be left out, at the 78th minute, number 7 Jimmy took off on a solo run that ended with him rounding the keeper to score the sixth and final goal.

Odyssey Web did score a consolation goal just before the referee called full time to end keeper Martin MARTINEZ’s impressive run of six games with clean sheets. It was good joy for Bel-Ami and his men after last week’s weird experience against Diablos.

______________________________

CANOCANIONERY race

David Chevez, 22 goals

Jimmy Cuadros, 14

OM THUMPS PAN WORLD 5-2 –D1 TEAM DEFEATS SALT LAKE SC 3-2

2008-05-17T10:26:00.000-06:00

Franscisco Aguilar
SPORTS WRITER

SANDY, UT. May 17, 2008.--- Pan World FC caught Olympique Montreux off guard in Premiership soccer action this evening at Storm Mountain Park, and jumped to an early lead when it scored at the 8th minute on a defensive mistake.

Pan World doubled its lead at the 20th minute on a keeper error as Martin Martinez came out calling for the ball but failed to make any contact with it.

OM captain Nate Murphy scored the side’s first goal at the 25th minute to spearhead a comeback that saw the Olympians executing at their deadly best.

Murphy’s goal came when Luis Orozco dribbled between three defenders before passing to Murphy who put the ball into the right corner of the net from 12 yards.

Ace Josh Kimball tied the game at the 32nd minute on a header.

The technical Orozco who delivered a man-of-the-match performance put the Olympians ahead 3-2 in the 44th minute after eluding a couple of defenders.

Right after the break, Murphy went back to work. He penetrated into the area and was taken down from behind by a Pan World defender. The referee awarded a penalty that a cool Kimball converted to give the Olympians a comfortable 4-2 lead.

Playing Russian roulette

The Olympians made it 5-2 on a Luis Garcia shot from outside the area after the fullback had driven nearly the length of the field with the ball glued to his feet.

“The team played well, but we need to stop taking soft goals on defensive blunders,” said OM technical director Bel-Ami.

“Martin needs to stay focus and get serious as he is the starting keeper for the side. This is not funny. We must stop playing Russian roulette or we will be punished one day,” added the concerned tactician who was nonetheless pleased with the clinical comeback.

Last Saturday the Olympians defeated University of Utah SC 3-1.

OM D1 CAME FROM BEHIND TO DEFEAT A GOOD SALT LAKE SC

West Jordan, UT. May 17, 2008. --- Olympique Montreux D1 team fell behind quickly to an overpowering Salt Lake SC club at the West Jordan Complex on a horrible soccer field with overgrown grass.

An unusually mobile Jimmy Quadros equalized in the 24th minute on a solo effort.

Salt Lake SC reclaimed the lead after the half and maintained it until the 65th minute when winger Tim Ballantyne tied the game.

Ballantyne’s goal came after his powerful shot hit the crossbar, bounced off the keeper’s back and into the net.

Mateus Costa to the rescue

The score remained tied although the Olympians dominated and took many shots that failed to find the mark.

With the end of the game near, Bel-Ami sent in Mateus Costa who aimed a lofting shot into the left corner of the net that the keeper was unable to stop. 3-2.

“We have some serious work to do on defense. Like the Premier team, we basically allowed in two goals on defensive breakdowns, said manager Bel-Ami.

“We have to keep working to get it right."

The D1 team defeated FC Gunners 3-2 last week at Riverside Park.

BOSNIA USA TOOK 2 POINTS FROM OM PREMIER TEAM IN TIE WIN

2008-05-04T10:25:00.000-06:00

HAT TRICK HOTSHOT CICERO POWERS OM D1 PAST CRISNET

Franscisco Aguilar
SPORTS WRITER

Salt Lake City, UT. (May 4, 2008)---Number 10 Angel Cicero powered Olympique Montreux’s First Division team [OM D1] to a 6-0 win over FC Crisnet in Utah Soccer Association action last Saturday at Westpointe Park.

The talented Spaniard hit the back of the net three times as he predicted before the game.

The win came after previous victories over Von Trapp Athletico (3-2) and Bosnia USA (4-0). The side had lost its opener (2-1) against Rush Elite 2 last month.

“Nine points from 4 games is a good start of the season for our new team. We came close to winning the first game despite facing most of Rush Elite’s Premiership players,” said D1 captain Victhor Suarez who tallied two of the goals.

17 year-old Chris Biscupovich scored the other goal on a superb volley from a Cicero cross.

The D1 team played a rapid passing game and maintained an overwhelming percentage of the possession.

The total pressure on FC Crisnet produced 17 corner kicks in favor of the Olympians.

The defense was solid as new man Wellington Teixeira quickly settled into the team to help thwart nearly all efforts the Crisnetians attempted.

Keeper Spencer Zubal who came in at the hour mark to replace Shaun Fuhriman, had to make three brilliant saves near the end of the game to guarantee the Olympians a clean sheet.

Premiership Team Drops Points, FAILS TO TAKE FIRST PLACE

In the second game of the day, Bosnia USA came from behind to earn a tie win [3-3] against a disorganized Olympique Montreux Premiership team that missed a great opportunity to move to the top of the standings.

It was the first time in five seasons in all competitions and tournaments that the Bosnian side had ever scored a goal against an Olympique Montreux team.

The Bosnian team played with an unfamiliar discipline and outclassed the Olympians with their organization and desire to defeat the defending champion.

Unlike never before, Bosnia USA did not commit any unnecessary fouls. There were no cheap shots and no arguments with the referees. The players were professionals and courteous.

Their forwards were able to penetrate and create numerous uncomfortable moments for Bel-Ami’s men.

Their midfield operator, number 10 Branislav Nicolic, earned man of the match honors. Sasha Vidic, an OM 2002 alumnus, was outstanding at left back until he had to leave the game with an injury.

Even Adis Alagic delivered a clean performance.

Go figure!

“I have said before that if Bosnia USA ever starts playing soccer instead of losing their cool and getting unnecessary red cards, they will be a dangerous side,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.

“They actually proved it last night. Hopefully, they did not put it together just to play one good game against us. I hope they can play like this against all the other big teams. If they do, the rest of the Premiership better beware.”

“MAESTRO” NATE MURPHY 2007 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

2007-12-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

"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

2007-11-03T10:20:00.000-06:00

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

2007-10-06T10:17:00.000-06:00

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

2007-09-22T10:15:00.000-06:00

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. . .

2007-09-21T10:14:00.000-06:00

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.

2007-09-15T10:13:00.000-06:00

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.

2007-09-08T10:11:00.000-06:00

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

2007-09-03T10:16:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-31T10:09:00.000-06:00

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

2007-08-11T10:08:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-26T10:07:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-16T10:05:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-09T10:04:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-02T10:03:00.000-06:00

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.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: Jeremy JONES
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CANOCANIONERY RACE

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

TEN MEN OM ELIMINATES RUSH ELITE IN DAYNES CUP ACTION

2007-05-24T10:02:00.000-06:00

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

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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

2007-05-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

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

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GOAL COUNTER

David Chevez, 11 goals

Jimmy Cuadros, 7

Justin Braun, 7 goals

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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.

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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

2007-05-12T09:59:00.000-06:00

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

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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.

"El MURO" MARTIN MARTINEZ SHINES IN BLITZKREIG OVER BOSNIA UNITED

2007-05-04T09:57:00.000-06:00

By R. C. HICKEY-FREEMAN
Sports Writer

WESTPOINTE PARK, UTAH (LNS) May 4, 2007——Olympique Montreux disposed of Bosnia United in clinical fashion in a Utah Premiership “Day V” fixture this evening in West Salt Lake.

In less than thirty minutes of playing time, David “El Tanque” Chevez struck three times. Not to be outdone, Jimmy Cuadros followed suit with his own hot trick. Nate Murphy, John MacQuarrie and Brian Dunseth also netted in a convincing 9-0 offensive performance. Keeper Martin Martinez had the shoot out.

A ruthless scoring machine

OM, which tops the table after five matches, has earned 15 maximum points. The side is on an unprecedented scoring binge, having tallied 30 times, an average of six goals per game, and conceding only two goals.

Next Saturday, the Olympians may yet be facing their toughest competition of the young season when they host Lobos-Ogden, a Hispanic powerhouse made of all stars from northern Utah.

From the opening whistle, Bel-Ami’s men showed they came to play ball. Winger Jesse Day who is in devastating form picked up where he left off last week, providing a laser sharp ground pass that Nate Murphy redirected into the net to open the floodgates in only the 4th minute.

Barely one minute after, Jesse this time crossed the ball and El Tanque went airborne to head in the third goal. In the 15th minute, Jimmy Cuadros beat the offside trap, rounded the keeper to make it 4-0. In the 22nd minute, Jimmy again scored after eluding a couple of defenders. In the 25th minute, the big striker attempted an overhead kick that barely missed the mark.

You cannot stop a rolling Tank

With the goals coming rather easy and Bosnia United in a state of bewilderment, chasing a fast moving ball, the Bosnian side tried to play physical with Jesse and El Tanque their main targets.

Using his speed and skills, in the 28th minute, striker Tanque, ran through the entire Bosnian defense, eluded off defenders after defenders with fine touches and fired a hard shot on goal. The keeper pantomimed a half dive to no avail. 6-0.

In the 40th minute, Brian came close to scoring on a powerful shot from just outside the area that the keeper barely pushed out. In the 45th minute, captain Todd Miller served a great pass to Jimmy who only had to tap in the seventh goal.

Is Martin Martinez that good ?

With the game out of reach, the Bosnian side never surrendered. They actually made several amazing entries into the area to threaten OM keeper Martin Martinez who showed his worth by making incredible saves to the amazement of his mates and the opponents.

The Olympians took advantage of their comfortable lead to control the game with a series of quick passes. Still, two scoring opportunities were created and converted. In the 61st minute, defender John MacQuarrie dribbled the ball through the defense to score the eighth goal. Brian scored the Olympians’ last goal with a powerful long distance shot in the 78th minute.

“9-0 is not a bad result. I should not complain. But the Bosnians were able to penetrate five or six times and take dangerous shots that tested Martin’s skills. We cannot afford to play that way against the top teams or it will be very difficult,” said Bel-Ami.

“The way to fix this problem is to be less forward-bound in the big games. But, yes, I am happy for the lads tonight. They worked hard.”

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MEn of the Match: Jesse Day, Martin Martinez

CANOCANONIERI COUNTER:

David Chevez, 10 goals

Jimmy Cuadros, 6

Justin Braun, 5 goals

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STARTING LINE UP: Martin Martinez, Mike Rogers, John McQuarrie, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Matt Woolley, Justin Braun, Jimmy Cuadros, Todd Miller, David Chevez. Jeremy Jones.

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SUBSTITUTIONS: Louis Staley, Brian Dunseth, Chris Kirkpatrick, Josh Kimball

OM RALLIED TO THUMP XCEL IN PREMIERSHIP ACTION

2007-04-26T09:56:00.000-06:00

By Ralph Calvin HICKEY-FREEMAN
Sports Writer

WEST JORDAN, UTAH (LNS) April 26, 2007——David “El Tanque” Chevez scored twice. Jimmy Cuadros rediscovered his scoring touch with his own brace. Jesse Day caused an own goal and Josh Kimball added one more to power OM in a convincing 6-1 win over Team Xcel in “Day Four” Premiership action.

Team Xcel started the game aggressively and dominated possession for the first 15 minutes. The Olympians appeared to be backpedaling, leaving too many open spaces for Xcel’s strikers to make dangerous plays.

Xcel draws first blood

In the 10th minute, an Xcel forward intercepted a weak clearance by Brian Dunseth near the edge of the penalty box and volleyed the ball into the net. Keeper Martin Martinez did not have time to react.

Taking command of the game

The Olympians did not lose their cool after that setback. They quickly regrouped behind the creative game of Nate Murphy and Matt Woolley who are developing a great partnership in the middle of the field.

A lively Jesse Day kept the pressure on the left flank, running tirelessly into the opponent’s defensive third and placing quality crosses into the penalty area. In the 23rd minute, El Tanque hooked up with one of them to tie the score on a spectacular header.

Two minutes later, Jesse took off from midfield, cut inside and put a strong ground shot in the area. As Jimmy Cuadros was fast approaching, an Xcel defender deflected the ball into his own net for an own goal.

In the 27th minute, Josh Kimball, operating wide right and equaling Jesse’s multiple raids dribbled past a defender and came close to scoring.

Jimmy Cuadros rising

In the 29th minute, the Olympians took complete control of midfield. With Judd Soderborg warming up on the sidelines and ready to come in for Jimmy, the Peruvian striker fired a point blank shot that gave the Olympians a commanding 3-1 lead.

Run Jesse, run

In the second half, Jesse went right back to work, running at the defense. In the 50th minute, he forced the keeper into a great save.

In the 65th minute, Matt crossed the ball from the left and El Tanque rose above the defenders to head in the fourth goal.

Ten minutes later, Louis Staley found Jimmy unmarked in the box and the forward added the fifth goal on a stylish shot.

Josh scored the last goal from a Jimmy pass at the 89th minute.

“We put in a good performance against a traditionally strong side. It is early in the season. I see fitness still as an issue with this squad. Jimmy’s tongue was hanging out of his mouth in the opening minutes. We have to be fitter to increase in power,” said OM manager Bel-Ami.
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MEN OF THE MATCH: Matt Woolley and Nate Murphy
______________________________
GOAL COUNTER

David Chevez, 7 goals
Justin Braun, 5 goals
Jimmy Cuadros, 3
Josh Kimball, 2 goals
Nate Murphy, 1 goal
Jesse Day, 1 goal
_______________________________
STARTING LINE UP

Martin Martinez, Brian Dunseth, John McQuarrie, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Matt Woolley, Josh Kimball, Jimmy Cuadros, Todd Miller, David Chevez, Louis Staley.
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SUBSTITUTION[S]

Judd Soderborg