PREMIERSHIP GROUP ANALYSIS-- ROADMAP TO THE DAYNES CUP

Holladay, October 15, LNS. --In two weeks, the top two teams in the Premiership of the Utah Soccer Association will face each other in the annual Daynes Cup game at Storm Mountain Park. The following is an analysis of the March to the Cup.


Group A. Standing, Week 9.
1. Olympique Montreux, 25 points--x

2. International, 21
3. Utah Mix, 20
4. Orem City, 9
5. DLD FC, 4
6. Pan World, 2

x: Clinched Group, qualifies for Daynes Cup.

Although it is the newly promoted team in the Premiership, Olympique Montreux [OM], the former champion of the Liga LatinoAmericana, assembled a truly Olympic roster this fall and clinched the group with one game to spare. It is guaranteed a place in the Daynes Cup. Because International lost to Utah Mix last week, OM had to make sure it wins this evening against DLD FC. The side did just that, winning 4-0, while International won by forfeit against Pan World.

Next week, International will host OM at the West Jordan Soccer Complex. The result, however, will not matter much. If the Super Eagles win, they will still be short one point. Thus, the Olympians are not in a must win situation and can afford to step off the pedal momentarily and rest several key men.

Group B. Standing, Week 9.

Team Excel, 22 points
Park City, 19
Bosnia USA, 17
United Bosnia, 14
Odyssey Web, 9
FC Stoker, 6


While the competition for a place in the Daynes Cup is settled in Group A with OM representing the group, the drama has thicken in Group B where Team Excel and Park City will confront each other next week in a show down of majestic importance.

Last month, the Snowmen of Park City outscored Team Excel 4-1 (Sept. 6). Along the way, Park City slipped and lost to Odyssey Web (2-0. Sept. 24) and tied Bosnia USA (3-3. Oct. 1). Both teams pulled big victories this weekend. Excel beat United Bosnia 5-0 and Park City preyed upon last place FC Stoker 4-0.

The Snowmen must win next week to be in the cup tie against OM. They have 19 points and Excel has 22. A tie will not help Park City. It is not clear to this writer what the league's penalty shoot out system would accomplish at this stage because teams are still awarded one point each despite winning on penalties. And one point would put the Snowmen's counter at just 20. Will the game go into overtime if the teams are tied at the end of regulation? Or will a successful penalty shoot out be worth three points? Could the league order a coin toss? Hardly.


If Park City wins, the teams will be tied on points. Park City then would go to the Daynes Cup because of a better head to head record due to its 4-1 victory against Excel last September.

But it is still possible, in case of a tie in points, that is if Park City wins, the league may require both teams to play once more in a "playoff" game to determine who will face Olympique Montreux in the Daynes Cup. Such a scenario, however, would take us into a potentially snowy November.


With this background, Team Excel probably will go on the offensive early and try to score, and then sit back in a defensive posture to protect the advantage or ensure at least a draw. The danger for Park City if it allows an early goal is that it will have to send men forward to seek the win, and be exposed to the surgical finishing skills of Scott and Kirk Whiteside on counter attacks.

Park City should be patient, play smart and not commit large numbers up front because an early Excel goal may prove an insuperable barrier to the Daynes Cup.

PROGNOSTIC: Team Excel, 2---Park City, 0.

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SOME IMPORTANT PREMIERSHIP WEEK 9 RESULTS
Olympique Montreux, 4

DLD FC, 0


Scorers: Jake Cavanaugh 2 goals, Chad Gilbert and Sergio Vasquez, one goal each.

International, 1

Pan World, 0
(forfeit)

Park City, 4

FC Stoker, 0

Scorers: Rob Tim 2 goals, Liam and Matt 1 goal each.


Team Excel, 5

United Bosnia, 0

Scorers: Scott Whiteside 2 goals, Kirk Whiteside 3 goals.

TODD MILLER'S PEDIGREE SHOWS DESPITE INTERNATIONAL'S LOSS TO UT MIX

West Salt Lake, Oct. 8 -- By any account, Todd Miller, International's dominant center full back, is still the best soccer player ever to come out of Utah's high school and collegiate systems. The elegant sweeper, a Westminster College alumnus, showed his superior class this afternoon although his team sustained a lopsided loss to Utah Mix at Westpointe Park in West Salt Lake.


Many spectators and soccer commentators were shocked that only 9 men showed up for International when the side had everything to play for. Before today's result, only one point separated them from Olympique Montreux with both teams still to face each other in what would have been the most important fixture in Group A, with the winner booking a place in the Daynes Cup and an chance to win Utah's most prestigious soccer Title.

Nine men against 11 in the Premiership is a difficult task on any given day. Under freezing rain and on one of Salt Lake City's numerous shoddy and crater-laden soccer fields, it is indeed a tall order.


To make things even worse, an International player was sent off in the opening minutes of the first half.

For what seems like an eternity, the remaining eight International players held their own admirably against a revenge-minded Utah Mix whom International defeated 1-0 in a breathtaking display last month.

But the numerical mismatch in personnel, bad weather conditions and the waterlogged pitch took their toll on the super eagles as Utah Mix went up 3-0 at the half with goals by Edgard Robles, Raul Mersenaro and Ervin Castello.

The second half was as one-sided as the first. Utah Mix made good use of the width of the field to stretch the undermanned super eagles. Marsenaro scored again and Andres Zavales also got a brace.

Despite the score, The super moment of the match belongs to Miller who practically dribbled the ball from inside his own penalty area, ran past virtually the entire Utah Mix midfield, shook off the defenders in his way and misled the goal keeper who dove the wrong way to score International's consolation goal.

It was a goal for the league's anthology.


I am a competitor. I have defended the colors I am wearing for more or less a decade. I had to push forward for my team's honor, said Miller.


The fans who braved the elements to watch the game applauded Miller and his teammates for putting up a good fight against the odds. The result aside, the eight men who stood up to defend International's reputation despite the inexcusable absence of their teammates must be saluted.

They showed the stuff of champions.

They are all men of the match.
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OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX CAN MAKE DAYNES CUP DATE WITH WIN OVER DLD NEXT WEEK

By Rubio Moran

LNS Writer

With International's loss to Utah Mix this afternoon, Olympique Montreux who won this evening by forfeit when Pan World capitulated, can claim the title of Group A next week with a win over DLD FC and make airline and hotel reservations for the Daynes Cup. The Olympians will meet International in a fortnight. If OM wins next week, the result will not matter much. Nonetheless, the super eagles will be playing for pride and may come well armed to balance the scales, having lost to the Olympians in the team's first match up last month.

Bel-Ami de Montreux expects to have a healthy squad at his disposal.


Against DLD, I still hope to start the players who were selected this week. I need them to get experience in big matches, and DLD is as big as they come. I will rest some players for the classico with International on October 22. Not looking past DLD, the result of the International game may not matter, but I expect a spirited game between old friends who do not like to lose to each other, explained de Montreux.


Still, if we beat DLD and qualify for the Daynes Cup tie, I will not take unnecessary risks against International. We will play to win, but not win at all costs, added the coach.


________________________________________________________________________

NEXT GAME: OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX vs. DLD FC at Westpointe Park, Sat. October 15 at 4:00 PM

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX EDGED BRAVE OREM. IVAN MORALES SHOWED STYLE

Orem, Oct. 1 (League News Service [LNS]). Unlike the opening match of the season when an explosive Olympique Montreux scored seven goals against Orem City, this afternoon a vastly improved City, playing a defensive 6-3-1 formation, resisted the attacks of an utterly impatient OM.

City parked a school bus in front of goal for most of the first half, at times packing seven men in the area. Lacking in patience, OM strikers resorted to solo freelancing, often running hard into City's tall and large defenders. Erick Ivan Morales, operating on the left wing in the absence of Jesse Day successfully put the ball in the area several times after shaking off markers. However, OM strikers either failed to connect or shot wide.

As time passed, the Olympians became even more impatient. Lineman Robert Batista flagged several of them offside.

It was not until the 30th minute that Mike Polich was able to have a good hold of a ball from midfielder Nate Murphy and set up Sergio Vasquez who notched up his tenth goal of the season.

City equalized ten minutes later on a quick restart while many OM players were still arguing Referee Scott Howard's call instead of setting up a wall. OM Keeper Devin Zimmerman was unhappy with his teammates.

The Olympians have a bad habit of arguing calls and failing to defend while their opponents take quick restarts. DLD FC scored on them almost the same way earlier in the season, and Utah Mix also exploited the lack of discipline.

OM settled down and played better in the second half. Jake Cavanaugh broke the tie in the 60th minute with a well-taken header from a Chad Gilbert cross.

Still playing its trademark 4-3-3 formation, OM made good use of maintaining possession, letting the ball do the running with City players chasing it in frustration.

At the 75th minute, Murphy blasted in the second goal on an unstoppable close range shot from a Vasquez's assist. OM was up 3-1.

In the 77th minute, Morales let loose a curbing shot that hit the post. Eli Dotto came close to scoring twice, but was unlucky. His shots sailed over the bar.

Josh Kimball's long-range effort looked promising at the 89th minute, but City's keeper turned the shot past the post at the last possible second.

___________________________

OLYMPIANS NOTES:

“ Our problem sometimes is that we want to score early and a lot," observed Bel-Ami de Montreux. "We need to be more patient and play more collectively."

"We also have a problem with some players who, when they become unhappy with another player on the field, start screaming to the sideline for the player to be substituted. That is counterproductive and cannot continue. I know by experience when you put a player down, he is going to do worse. It is best to prop up the player's self-esteem or address the situation with the on-field captain and then with me whenever possible," added de Montreux.

"We had that problem in 2003 with Captain Alex Pogman, and we ended up losing some young men. Last season, we again had issues with Simplice Djahanou for abusing his teammates and we had to part ways with the talented Togolese."

TRACY MCGUIRE did not dress up for the game. He is nursing a sore thigh muscle. Tracy should be ready next week.

ARTHUR VAN WAGENEN was affected by a strained thigh muscle as well. He contributed in the first half, but yielded his place to ISAAK JAMES who barely came off the injured reserve list.

JESSE DAY did not travel with the team because he is resting his sore knee. The left winger should also be back next week.

ERICK IVAN MORALES played with the calm and poise he is known for and did not make any mistakes. When trusted with the playmaker role after Murphy left the game, he handled the job admirably.

It is still not clear whether HUGH VAN WAGENEN received two yellow cards against International last week. If so, the influential midfielder should be in the starting line up next week when the Olympians take on Pan World at the West Jordan Soccer Complex.

ARRON BRUDERER stayed home and celebrated his son's birthday. He reported the event was a big hit. The team extends best wishes to the future OM keeper and the Bruderer family.

DEVIN ZIMMERMAN did what he does best. He nearly registered the shot out. Davin needs to be more vocal mostly on dead ball plays against the team.
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MAN OF THE MATCH: Jake Cavanaugh
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LEADING SCORERS:

Sergio Vasquez: 10 goals
Chad Gilbert: 9 goals
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STARTING LINE UP: Mike Polich, Erick Ivan Morales, Sergio Vasquez, Jake Cavanaugh, Nate Murphy, Paul Williams, Arthur Van Wagenen, John McQuarrie, J.T. Cracroft, Devin Zimmerman, Jeremy Jones.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Isaac James, Josh Kimball, Eli Dotto, Matt Wolley, Chad Gilbert.
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NEXT GAME:

Saturday, October 8, 2005. 4:00 PM
OM vs.. PAN WORLD West Jordan Complex, Field J

OLYMPIANS TRAVEL TO OREM TO FACE IMPROVED OREM CITY FC

Holladay, Sept. 30. (League News Agency)--OM will be without the services of Hugh Van Wagenen when the team takes on Orem City on the road this Saturday. The influential midfielder is serving a one-match ban after being booked twice last weekend when the Olympians defeated International FC in the superclassico at the West Jordan Soccer Complex.

Fullback Mike Rogers will also miss the traveling party. He is running the St. George Marathon this weekend.

Without a doubt, Orem City will be inspired and ready for the match. A few weeks ago, City was dealt their worse defeat in history when a newly promoted OM unleashed an unexpected tsunami of goals that left Orem disoriented and embarrassed.

Since then, although City lost its inspirational West African center full back Tom Ogden to FC Utah Mix, the side has signed three Brazilian imports of reputable skills.

Although OM beat International last weekend, the Olympians are still reeling from the sucker punch defeat they suffered in a penalty shoot out against the Mix a fortnight ago.

The Olympians know what is at stake. The team controls its destiny and cannot take one misstep as it is practically running neck and neck with International in Group A, and must again face the mighty super eagles in a couple of weeks, perhaps to settle the group's winner.

“I am taking a strong squad to Orem despite Hugh's suspension and Rogers's absence. With JT Cracroft back from injury, I am moving Jeremy Jones back to left defensive midfield next to Arthur Van Wagenen,” said Coach Bel-Ami de Montreux.

“We intend to rest Jesse Day at least for the first half and give Ivan Morales a start. His knee is doing much better and he appeared in shape in practice sessions. Josh Kimball should get more minutes this week,” added de Montreux who refuses to be called The Professor unless his team qualifies for and wins the Daynes Cup on October 29.

OM PROBABLE STARTING TEAM: Davin Zimmerman, JT Cracroft, Paul Williams, John McQuarrie, Arthur Van Wagenen, Jeremy Jones, Jake Cavanaugh, Nate Murphy, Erick Ivan Morales, Chad Gilbert, Sergio Vasquez.

CHAD GOAL-BERT ON TARGET AGAIN AS OM BEATS INTERNATIONAL 3-1

Salt Lake City. Sept. 25, 2005.--Olympique Montreux and storied International FC locked horns last night in an emotionally charged football game that attracted fans from all over the state. They were not deceived as the two teams offered a display of high caliber.

From the starting whistle, International's super eagles left no doubt they are the reigning champions and that the Olympians were not welcome in a West Jordan Soccer Complex where they have known incomparable success.

The game was an emotional homecoming of sort for several Olympique Montreux players who called International home since they were schoolboys, and contributed to the super eagles' glory.

The Olympians had a stuttering start, finding it difficult to settle down and execute Bel-Ami de Montreux's new look offensive formation. Each time they started a good flow, International's overly aggressive midfielders bulldozed them aside.

It took several moments of brilliance by Paul Williams at the center of defense and with the help of Mike Polich, John McQuarrie and Jeremy Jones to tame International's adrenaline-charged runs toward the area. Keeper Davin Zimmerman did not have to worry much, although he remained vigilant.

Though pushed around and bullied, OM's Sergio Vasquez, Jake Cavanaugh, Chad “Goal-bert” Gilbert, Jesse Day and Tracy McGuire kept the pressure on International, firing shots after shots on goal. Inter's influential goalkeeper Larkein Noble had to stay on his toes to avoid the goal deluge that drowned both Pan World and Orem City when they played the Olympians earlier in the season.

At the 20-minute mark, Cavanaugh's shot narrowly missed the spot. Two minutes later, McGuire beat International's great Brock Varoz. His superb cross flashed dangerously in the area, but Day was late arriving and missed a header.

Four minutes later, Vasquez collected a pass from playmaker Nate Murphy with his back on goal. The dangerous forward spun around, and in the same motion let go a hard right footer that crashed inside the right post and rebounded in the net.

Sergoooooooaaaallll!

The crowed rose and roared as Vasquez ran downfield, holding up the team's crest on his number “9” jersey, kissing it.

“Nobody who has ever played for OM other than me has done that in our six years of existence. That spontaneous gesture touched me. I will remember this moment forever,” said de Montreux at half time.

After Vasquez's goal, OM stepped up the attack, looking to floor the wounded super eagles.

Having received the ball in his own half, Murphy pushed forward and sent in a powerful shot that bruised the top of the woodwork. Jesse Day also came close to scoring a second goal at the 39-minute, and Gilbert took his chances as well. The first half closed 1-0.

The second half started much like the first. This time, anticipating a brutal onslaught, OM exercised caution and changed its offensive strategy to a more defensive midfield scheme anchored by brothers Hugh and Arthur Van Wagenen.

The strategy seemed to work immediately as the Olympians' realignment cut down the passing lanes and International, although running hard, could not take a good look at goal while OM was having success going forward.

But for the heroics of Todd Miller, International's superb center full back and MLS Columbus Crew alumnus, and Noble's acrobatic saves, the Olympians would have piled on several goals in the first fifteen minutes.

OM had to play with 10 men with twenty five minutes to go when Hugh Van Wagenen was sent off after collecting his second yellow card. The game's balance then tilted in favor of the experienced super eagles. OM found itself pushed back as International blitzed forward, looking for the equalizer.

To stymie the attacks, de Montreux kept Vasquez as a lone striker, sent Polich in as a third defensive midfielder. The strategy failed immediately as a fast International winger exploited the repositioning, placed a dangerous ground ball in the area that OM's defenders failed to clear. In the ensuing brouhaha in the penalty area, International forward Jason Jentz managed to toe poke the ball into Zimmerman's net.

After International equalized, it appeared that the game was heading to a tie and the dreaded penalty shootout.

The Olympians pulled in deep with seven minutes to go. Left fullback McQuarrie went up field and blasted a searing shot in Noble's net to recapture the lead. OM kept the pressure on and International was lucky to not have surrendered two more goals during regulation.

In added time, as the referee was lifting his whistle to his lips, Gilbert let go a looping volley that left Noble frozen in place as the ball went in the top right corner of the net.

What a finish after last week's disappointment. OM recaptured its spirit when it had to. It followed its Olympic slogan, Citius, Altius, Fortius. In other words, Swifter, Higher, Stronger.

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OLYMPIANS NOTES:

“ I am very pleased with our efforts today, said BEL-AMI DE MONTREUX after the match. “I still find it hard to believe we dropped points to Utah Mix last week. But we had our talks during the week and we put our lessons to practice. We hope to continue on the right track and play in the Daynes Cup on October 29. We want that piece of silverware badly.”

JT CRACROFT did not dress for the game because of his knee injury sustained last week against Utah Mix. “I'll be back in no time,” said the crafty defender who watched the game on television with his bride at his ranch in Vail, Colorado. The jet setting Cracrofts plan to fly directly to Hawaii this week to link up with Nate Murphy and his wife for a long-planned vacation. Management hopes the two Olympians will stay away from fast food, cheap Hawaiian whisky and bad surf.

ERICK IVAN MORALES played a few minutes to test his knee. “I have to improve my fitness. I believe I am almost there. I hope to contribute next week,” he explained.

JOSH KIMBALL did well for OM. It is hoped that the man who scored six goals in last season's playoffs, including two goals against Park City FC to help the team win promotion to the Premiership will get more minutes next week when OM takes its growing popularity on the road to Orem to face an improved Orem City FC.

MATT WOOLLEY is trying hard to join his teammates. OM will need the midfielder's help next week in the absence of playmaker Nate Murphy

JESSE DAY played well on his sore knee. The winger hopes to regain full speed next week.

PAUL WILLIAMS showed calm and cool directing the back line. As he gains wind in his sail, the defender will become more and more invaluable to the team.

MIKE POLICH, the architect who basically recruited most of the new players on the team is pleased that the men are feeling right at home at Olympique Montreux. They refer to the team as the OM family.

It is still not clear why HUGH VAN WAGENEN was red-carded. The team is awaiting the game report before deciding whether to appeal the referee's harsh decision.

ELI DOTTO who practices with team has not been able to get in the line-up for the past two or three games. With the competition intensifying, OM is finding it difficult to deviate from the normal rotation.

JEREMY JONES and ARTHUR VAN WAGEMEN registered solid performances despite International's rough tackles.

TRACY MCGUIRE played a great game and MIKE ROGERS added steel in the midfield.

ARRON BRUDERER might not travel to OREM CITY next Saturday. It is his son's birthday. But his wife has given him a way out if he gets everything ready for the birthday bash on time. DAVIN ZIMMERMAN is on standby to fill his shoes.

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX FACES INTERNATIONAL TEST THIS SATURDAY

Cottonwood, Utah. September 23. Olympique Montreux's credentials as a contender for a place in the Daynes Cup next month will be tested when the team hosts perennial powerhouse International FC on Saturday at the West Jordan Soccer Complex.

(Kick off 3:00 PM)

Inter has practically maintained a monopoly, if not total supremacy, on the league's top flight for more than a decade. In fact, Utah Soccer Association's annals report Inter has won all known titles throughout the late 1980s, the 1990s and is still winning.

Newly promoted OM has made a solid start of the season banging in 25 goals in five games, including a forfeited win. The side is three points behind Inter but has scored seven more goals and conceded only five, two less than Inter.

After last week's surprising loss to nine men Utah Mix, OM must quickly regroup and play smarter if it is to outwit an Inter currently in first place and unbeaten.

Last Saturday against the Mix, OM created many chances, but left plenty go begging, which is why the players will need to fully concentrate and play up to their potentials.

The game is not just a classic pitting many former teammates against each other, but the outcome may determine the group winner and participant in the Daynes Cup on October 29.

“We had a good practice today and I like the players' approach to the game. I know we will be a different team than the one that self-destruct last week,” said Bel-Ami de Montreux, OM's manager. “We have to be ready. You cannot underestimate International's pedigree. They pack a big resume. We are the new kids on the bloc,” the manager conceded.

Top Scorers. -

Going into Saturday's derby, OM features the league's top two marksmen in Sergio Vasquez and last week's hero Chad Gilbert who is better known as Chad Goal-bert. Both men's goal counters are running neck and neck with eight goals apiece.

“Those two are natural born scorers. They will be marked tightly, but we have so many weapons in our arsenal. Tracy McGuire and Jake Cavanaugh are sharpshooters. Do not forget Jesse Day will run you ragged on the left and punish you if you blank. The man is a predator. Our midfielders can score, as well as our defenders occasionally,” de Montreux said.

Indeed, emotions will run high on Saturday. Many soccer fans have been waiting for this game and by the look of things, they will not be disappointed.

OLYMPIANS HUMILIATED IN LOSS TO 9 MEN UTAH MIX IN PENALTY SHOOT OUT

“We roasted that arrogant French dude. We French-fried that braggart. Should I say we liberty-fried him?” a derisive and ecstatic Frankie, Utah Mix's boss, said after his team's big upset of Olympique Montreux this evening at the West Jordan Soccer Complex.

“Beating Bel-Ami de Montreux is the highlight of my life. We manhandled his men. We harassed them. We straightjacketed them. We crushed them. We stuffed them. I beat OM finally. What else is there? Tonight, I will eat the maggot in my tequila,” added the pardonably proud Peruvian.

Despite Chad Gilbert's outstanding efforts, OM sustained its first loss of the season to 9 men Utah Mix in a poorly managed game by the coaching staff.

“I am very much responsible for this disaster. It is the most embarrassing moment in my thirty something years of playing and coaching soccer,” lamented de Montreux, OM's manager. “I cannot find any good excuse to mitigate my failure to preserve our advantage with about 25 minutes to go,” added the ostensibly angry manager.

Things started well for OM though. The lads came out on all cylinders. For the first twenty or so minutes, the ball practically stayed in Utah Mix's half of the field. Jesse Day, Tracy McGuire, Nate Murphy and Chad Gilbert ran circles around ineffective Utah Mix players who finally resorted to rough plays to unsettle the Olympians.

It looked like it was going to be another clinic after Chad Gilbert scored on a Jesse Day cross at the 25-minute mark.

OM out shot the Mix 17-0 in the first 30 minutes, earned seven corners and numerous free kicks. In the 37-minute, Gilbert scored perhaps the prettiest goal of the season on a solo run. Even Utah Mix fans applauded the fleet-footed striker for his athleticism and flair for finding the net with such style.

With the score 2-0, Utah Mix turned very physical. After Gilbert's goal, OM strung beads of misses, and Utah Mix capitalized on its lone shot on goal when an OM defender slipped and lost the ball in first half injury time.

At the beginning of the second half, a Utah Mix forward was sent off for repeated butt grabbing, a rather disgusting act. Reduced to 10 men, Utah Mix camped in its own half of the field, and OM strikers mounted assaults after assaults, frustratingly coming up short.

At the 75-minute, another Utah Mix player received his second yellow card and marching orders, this time for cussing at the referee.

Soon after, Utah Mix tied the score on a fast break and another defensive blunder.

Incomprehensibly, OM lost its reputable coolness. Although only facing nine men practically hunkered down in their penalty box to preserve the tie, instead of going forward, four, sometimes five, OM players remained in the back watching the action even on set pieces.

Gilbert came close to winning all three points for the Olympians in the dying minutes, but after wiping off nearly the entire Utah Mix defense, his shot on goal was too weak to do any harm. Having ran so hard all evening, the striker was exhausted and needed a break.

The referee blew full time and OM lost 5-4 in the ensuing penalty shoot out.

Utah Mix and its fans invaded the field in delirium.

Incredibly enough, OM only had three substitute field players ready to play. Several fans wondered aloud where were top strikers Jake Cavanaugh and Sergio Vasquez.

“I do not know,” conceded a disappointed de Montreux. “Big players do not go AWOL for big games. A player has to make sacrifices for his team. Jesse Day did it for us when his sister was getting married. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo stayed with his team last week despite his father's death. I do it every day.

"I try to run a professional institution here despite my busy professional life. I call players to remind them of games. My secretary Gabriela also calls them. We talk about the game at practice. I e-mail players several times a week to remind them again. The game is advertised on the team's web site in bold red letters. What else can I do if a guy does not show up, and does not bother to let me know he is not showing up? Have him arrested the night before to ensure his presence!

“Why did I have to risk Jesse Day for 90 minutes on a sore knee? Why did I have to put my name on the roster as a potential sub when I registered more than 25 healthy players?” This is not a weekday game. Why did so many men miss a Saturday evening game against one of the best teams in the league? Why couldn't they come help out even for one half? Why not make a sacrifice for the team? We are supposed to be a team. Where is the Olympic spirit? The camaraderie we talked about? I could not even substitute an injured Nate Murphy. I even had to play Jeremy Jones out of position.

“I find it hard to believe I did not follow my instinct to defend the 2-1 advantage. After all, I should have known better. As you well know, I have never lost a 2-1 advantage in five years as a player-manager. With Utah Mix reduced to 10 men, I should have put in a defensive midfield wall, and reduce our offensive runs. Being down 2-1, Utah Mix would have had to attack and be exposed to counter attacks. I discussed the strategy with Captain Mike Polich, but he did not agree. We basically played in Frankie's hands. We exposed ourselves. We did a free willy and gave them a freebie.

“We seem to want to win pretty, scoring tons of goals. You have to adjust to the situation. Sometimes you have to win three points no matter how ugly. I went unbeaten last year doing just that, winning when I had to win at the expense of all that sexy football stuff. “
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MAN OF THE MATCH: Chad Gilbert
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LEADING SCORERS:

Chad Gilbert: 8 goals
Sergio Vasquez: 8 goals
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OLYMPIAN NOTES:

J.T. Cracroft sustained a knee injury. The left full back assured us that it is not serious. He most likely will miss the derby against International next Saturday. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Nate Murphy pulled a leg muscle. He expects to be ready to go next Saturday.

Erick Ivan Morales is still out with a work-related knee injury and groins problems.

Bel-Ami de Montreux has tried unsuccessfully to practice. Two knee injuries in one year appear to have grounded the aging forward for a long time, if not for good.

Isaac James attended two practice sessions. He looks nearly fit.

Several players have simply vanished since preseason. We have not seen Greg Pulver, Homero Tafolla, Sean O'Brien and K.C. Jones among others in a long while.

Josh Kimball has made scant appearances in the past month.

Josue Ferrera is no longer with team. He feels he is not able to play his own game within the team's concept.

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STARTING LINE UP: Mike Polich, Jesse Day, Chad Gilbert, Tracy McGuire, Nate Murphy, Paul Williams, Hugh Van Wagenen, John McQuarrie, J.T. Cracroft, Aaron Bruderer, Mike Rogers.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Jeremy Jones, Arthur Van Wagenen.
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NEXT GAME:

Saturday, September 24, 2005. 3:00 PM
OM vs.. INTERNATIONAL
West Jordan Complex, Field M/N

OLYMPIANS BEAT UP ON STUBBORN DLD F.C. AT WEST JORDAN COMPLEX

Despite the pundits' prediction and public expectation, Olympique Montreux did not burst out of the gates and crush DLD F.C. this evening at the West Jordan Soccer Complex. It took a while for the Olympians to shake the rust of three long weeks without a competitive fixture or a friendly match.

Some of the early rigidity in execution can also be blamed on the cold 25 mile an hour winds that battered the Complex throughout the first half and most of the second half. It took more than twenty minutes before left full back J.T. Cracroft busted through DLD's rather unconventional defensive layout to assist Striker Jake Cavanaugh for the first goal.

Unfazed, DLD continued the long ball assaults through the middle and managed to get a shot pass OM's keeper Davin Zimmerman to equalize at the 30-minute mark. Many OM players protested that the scorer was offside, but the referee ignored the protest and pointed to the center of the field.

DLD's equalizer provided the wake up call OM needed. This was the first time in five games, including the classic against Real Salt Lake, Utah's professional soccer team, that any team had scored against OM so early.

Sergio Vasquez quickly put OM back on top at the 40th minute. Two minutes later, Jeremy Jones put in the third goal, and Vasquez followed with the fourth in typical elegant fashion.

With the score 4-1 at the half, OM appeared on the way to its fourth straight victory. DLD, however, had other ideas. Playing in no recognized soccer formation and mostly blasting long balls as in the first half and running hard, they seemed to keep the ball in the air for the first seven or so minutes.

They should have stuck to that strategy because OM had a difficult time adjusting. But, as DLD, perhaps tired of running, tried to string together a few passes, OM settled down, and took control of the game.

The clinic was on for a long stretch.

With pivot man Nate Murphy pulling the strings in the middle of the field, OM's engine shifted to a higher gear. The passes were lighting fast and each Olympian seemed to be in the right place.

Twenty minutes into the half, Chad Gilbert scored his seventh goal of the season. A few minutes later, Jesse Day's powerful left foot strike hit the woodwork.

Josh Kimball had many opportunities to increase the score, but lacking in fitness, he squandered his chances, mostly shooting wide.

At the 86 minute, Vasquez completed his second hot tricks of the season to bring his tally to a league leading eight goals.

DLD did not go out quietly though, they scored a second goal when Defender Josue Ferrera held on to a ball that he should have cleared out quicker, but lost [it] in the area.

“We learned important lessons today,” admitted Bel-Ami de Montreux. “We cannot take any team for granted. DLD did not line up in any formal soccer formation today and it was difficult to get our game going.

"We project the image of a very offensive side, but I always say that the most important thing is how we function when we lose the ball.

"To play offensively, we must work hard when we lose the ball. The defense and midfield have to push very hard. Frankly, we did not do that today and we all feel we lost something despite the result.”
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MAN OF THE MATCH: Sergio Vasquez
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LEADING SCORERS:

Sergio Vasquez, 8 goals
Chad Gilbert, 6 goals
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OLYMPIAN NOTES:

Josh Kimball failed to impress his new girlfriend. He squandered a few good chances. The forward has not been seen at practice for a long time. Perhaps he is busy entertaining his new best friend.

JT Cracroft played a very strong game. He was able to foil many of the long ball attacks DLD tried to stage.

Hugh van Wagenan's performance was worthy of high praise. The BYU man was involved in many of OM's best counter attacks.

Paul Williams made a strong debut for OM. He is a valuable member of the squad.

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STARTING LINE UP

David Zimmernan, Mike Polich, JT Cracroft, Jeremy Jones, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Tracy McGuire, Sergio Vasquez, Jake Cavanaugh, Paul Williams, Arthur Van Wagenen.
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SUBSTITUTIONS

Josue Ferrera, Hugh Van Wagenen, Aaron Bruderer, Chad Gilbert, Josh Kimball.

UTAH MIX ARRIVED LATE WITHOUT PLAYER PASSES. GAME FORFEITED TO OM

It was a peculiar occurrence this evening at Riverside Park. Utah Mix F.C. and its manager, Franky, arrived at the stadium about 40 minutes late and without one player pass. When the central referee called a forfeit in favor of Olympique Montreux, Franky confronted OM players and management forcefully saying: "What are you guys afraid of? Little old me?"

It was strange indeed.

The referees' decision should not be a surprise to Franky. Just last week, the Utah Soccer Association reiterated an edict that player passes must be checked before each game. The rules were being enforced apparently to control teams who have fielded unregistered players in the past or who would hire football mercenaries to play in a particular game. Utah Mix has played in the league for years and has even won the championship a few times. Its managers should know better.

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX BURRIED PAN WORLD FC UNDER 9-0 GOAL TSUNAMI

West Jordan City, Utah. Sergio Vasquez and Chad Gilbert registered double hat tricks, Tracy McGuire showed his class, Mike Polich opened his account and Erick “Ivan The Terrible” Morales found his magic in a goal feast against reputable Pan World F.C. last Saturday at the West Jordan Soccer Complex.

If the casual observer thought Olympique Montreux’s demolition of Orem City F.C. a week ago was a fluke, the side’s total harassment of reputable Pan World F.C. in an incredible fireworks display to the tune of 9-0 has to put all the teams in the Utah Soccer Association, Utah’s statewide amateur league, in red alert.

Magnanimous in victory, Technical Director Bel-Ami de Montreux said: “I would rather be humble about it. I have confidence in our potential, but I know teams will be up each time they play us. This is only the second fixture and the cup is still far away from our lips.”

De Montreux’s tactful warnings aside, what OM accomplished against Pan World F.C. was indeed soccer magic.

Sergio Vasquez authoritatively banged in the opening goal inside the first five minutes. As if caught by surprise, Pan World quickly regrouped, and went on the attack in search of an equalizer to even the scales. Unfortunately for them, Mike Polich, OM’s powerfully build central defender and his colleagues thwarted the blue and gold’s labors. Keeper Aaron Bruderer only had to parry one meek shot on goal.

Not wanting to tolerate Pan World ‘s enthusiasm for long, OM stepped on the pedal in the 15th minute after a hard foul on left midfielder Jesse Day. On the ensuing free kick, Polich blazed a searing header that narrowly missed the net.

Two minutes later, Nate Murphy, OM’s playmaker, took the ball from midfield, misled his markers à la Zinedine Zidane, laid a perfect pass for Striker Chad Gilbert who skipped pass a frozen defender, found his co-conspirator Vasquez who scored his second goal of the afternoon.

The crowed was on its feet, cheering in appreciation.

At the 20-minute mark, Vasquez reciprocated and Gilbert notched in the third goal. Jesse Day scored the fourth goal seven minutes later from a well-crafted cross by Tracy McGuire.

The rout was effectively on.

Pan World was unable to string two passes together thanks for OM’s superb placement and stirring man marking. They appeared disoriented by the Olympians’ dizzying ball movement and collectiveness. Polich was like a field general, vocal and encouraging his men to add luster to an already spotless first half display.

OM did not tinker much with the line up. Ivan the Terrible came in for Day, and the fleet footed left side winger wasted little time to clarify why he was one of the few players OM retained from the spring 2005 roster. Taking the ball from holding midfielder Jeremy Jones, Ivan dribbled past two Pan World men and treaded a perfectly curving ball to Polich’s waiting head for a beautiful goal.

Sergio Vasquez completed his first hat trick of the season at the 50th minute. Not to be outdone, Gilbert chalked up his own hat trick when Ivan repeated his Houdini act on the left wing and found Gilbert for an elegant header.

With the score 8-0 and Pan World completely deflated and out of sync, the game took the look of a clinic. Jake Cavanaugh added the coup de grace after persecuting his opponents with his snaking runs into the area.

With the game safely won at this point, de Montreux advised his men to stop the scoring and maintain possession of the ball. To ensure the shutout, OM made several tactical changes. Greg Pulver, Hugh van Wagenen and Mike Rogers played in their first competitive fixture for the side. Eli Ditto saw some action as well and came close to scoring a 10th goal.

As Referee Yuri Pineda called the game to an end, Pan World’s fans and coaches appeared stunned by the magnitude of the defeat and total collapse of their team’s game plan. But for Pineda’s sympathetic calls in the second half, the score line could have mushroomed well pass a dozen to zero. Pineda failed to sanction at least two clear penalties on Jake Cavanaugh, and did not award OM several strategic free kicks.

Nonetheless, as true champions, Pan World promised to regroup. Their next opponents had better be ready for they want to quickly put Saturday’s pitiful shellacking behind them.

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Man of the Match: Mike Polich
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Leading scorers:

Sergio Vasquez, 5 goals
Chad Gilbert 5 goals
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Olympian Notes:

Matt Wolley, Greg Pulver, Hugh van Wagenan and Mike Rogers made their competitive debut in an OM shirt. They distinguished themselves admirably.

Jake Cavanaugh and ERICK” Ivan The Terrible” MORALES came off the bench to wreck havoc on both flanks to the dismay of Pan World F.C. and the admiration of the fans.

Tracy McGuire pulled in a great performance. His darting runs exposed Pan World’s left side.

Mike Polich was dominating. He continued to make Roberto Carlos-type runs up the middle and scored on a beautiful header.

John McQuarrie solidified his hold of the left side of the defense. McQuarrie is a quiet and unshakeable operator. He played a flawless game.

J.T. Cracroft, Jeremy Jones, and Arthur van Wagenen appear to have formed a partnership that will trouble attackers for a generation. Josue Ferrera did solid defending in the middle of the field.

Maestro Nate Murphy lived up to his high billing. He directed the incredible display in his axial position. Murphy has been consistent since preseason. He is enjoying the best season of his career.

Were it not for the happy event of his sister’s wedding, Jesse Day would have registered his own hat trick. The mercurial left winger did not take time off as he could have. Bless Him! He played the first 30 minutes of the first half, did his thing, scored a goal, and went straight to the showers, put on his tuxedo and disappeared in a long black limousine that was on standby to usher the admirable winger to his sister’s big day. West Jordan police officers on motorcycles with sirens blaring escorted the limo to the wedding.

Eli Ditto is getting better and better. He did his patented stepovers.

Bel-Ami de Montreux had nothing to complain about. He just sat there and enjoyed the match, not once looking at the parking lot wondering where his key players were. They were on the field and on the side lines doing the team’s badge proud.

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STARTING LINE UP

Aaron Bruderer, Mike Polich, John McQuarrie, J.T. Cracroft, Jeremy Jones, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Tracy McGuire, Sergio Velasquez, Chad Gilbert.
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SUBSTITUTIONS

Greg Pulver, Mike Rogers, Matt Woolley, Erick Ivan Morales, Josue Ferrera, Eli Ditto, Jake Cavanaugh
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THEY SAID IT:

Melinda: “That’s too much goals.”

Mike Polich to J.T. Cracroft: “Come back and I’ll give you the F___ ball.”

Sergio Velasquez on whether he will be shy when OM meets International: “I will take it to them.”

Jesse Day: “Make sure the limo has a television so I can follow the rest of the match.”

Mike Leveille: I lost count, was it 11 zip.”

Greg Pulver: “Bel-Ami, bring your boots next time and get in the joy.”

K.C. Nordfors: “What? We had a game! How did I miss it?”
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NEXT MAN UP

Paul Williams (Hugh has the No. 4, Williams. Take 24.)