RICKY JOHNSON, SERGIO VASQUEZ SHINE IN VICTORY OVER BOSNIA USA

Pierre d'Estaing, Sports Writer

Olympique Montreux, 4
Bosnia USA, 0

West Salt Lake, Utah (May 13) - Showing why he is Utah's most lethal striker, Sergio Vasquez scored the first goal to lead Olympique Montreux to victory over Bosnia USA at a crucial moment when the Bosnian team was feeling comfortable, having weathered the Olympians' heavy artillery for the first 12 minutes.

Taking it to them

Number nine Vasquez was dangerous from the opening whistle, and with striking partner Chad Gilbert, wreaked havoc on the Bosnia defense.

But for the heroics of goalkeeper Emil Omanovic, the game could have been put to rest rather early.

The Bosnian team, featuring a number of former professionals from the German Bundesliga tried to make a comeback after Vasquez's 12th minute goal, sent keeper Aaron Bruderer into a full stretch dive to deflect a wicked shot by their playmaker Branislav Romanovic.

In the 18th minute, OM free kick specialist Jeremy Jones placed a beautiful shot over the wall, but the effort resulted in a corner. In the 37th minute, Vasquez and Gilbert were at it again, combining a few fast passes, penetrated into the area where Vasquez let loose a powerful shot. Omanovic was able to push it out. Forward Ricky Johnson tapped in the rebound for the second goal.

Plan B: bulldozer tactics

Down 2-0, the Bosnians tried to regroup in the second half, but OM's solid midfielders won all the battles. The few combinations that seeped past the midfield were quickly derailed by central defender Paul Williams and his comrades.

Growing more and more frustrated, some of the Bosnians, following the example of their central defender, Adis Alagic, all but stopped playing football and began to dish out callous fouls. One of them was ejected in the 55th minute for going for midfielder Kenny Barton's ankles with his cleats up. Barton was lucky to avoid what could have been a career ending injury.

Using their numerical advantage, the Olympians passed the ball around with efficiency. In the 67th minute, Gilbert penetrated the Bosnian defense, and made great service for midfielder Nate Murphy who made the score 3-0.

In the 88th minute, midfielder Tracy McGuire ran past a couple of Bosnia USA defenders, found an open Mike Polich in the penalty area. Polich made sure to score although he was fouled quite violently minutes earlier.

“We never doubted we could get a result against that team. The main concern was at what high injury price. Some of the Bosnian players seem to naturally enjoy inflicting physical pain on their opponents instead of playing the beautiful game,” said Bel-Ami de Montreux in post game comments.

“The sad thing about Bosnia USA is that it has some of the best players in Utah on the roster. Their number 9 was great to watch. If Bosnia USA ever really plays football, it could make it difficult for  opponents,”  Bel-Ami added.

EMIL FURCHT SCORES ON HIS DEBUT AS OM DEFEATS TEAM XCEL

OM 1, XCEL 0

Pierre d'Estaing, Sports writer

West Jordan, UT (May 10) - Emil Furcht scored a cracking goal in the 30th minute, barely seconds after coming in the game and Olympique Montreux beat Team Xcel 1-0 Wednesday night.

It was a good match as both teams displayed skills and speed with not one actually dominating the other. In fact, Team Xcel threatened OM often in the first 10 minutes, while forward Mike Polich had the Olympians' best scoring chances early on, coming close twice on powerful headers. Also, Jeremy Jones hit the post on a beautifully taken free kick in the 20th minute.

With the two best goalkeepers in the league, OM's Aaron Bruderer and Xcel's Chad Sackett, facing two high powered offenses, both men were called upon to make great saves throughout the match to keep their teams in the game. Keeper Bruderer earned his fourth shutout in four starts.

Although the teams offered a good display of sportsmanship and high level soccer, it was unfortunate that the lead referee chose to make himself the center of attention by making incredible calls and displaying poor judgment similar to the decision that had Real Salt Lake's Jason Kreis ejected in the game against the Los Angeles Galaxy a fortnight ago.

"The level of skills of the players greatly outmatch the potential of many refs, and week in and week out, some defects creep into games. That's part and parcel of the competition here," said Bel-Ami de Montreux, OM's manager, after the game. "Generally, however, the officiating is good and getting better as older players are getting into officiating."

JOSHUA KIMBALL IN FULL FLIGHT AS OM THUMPS BOSNIA UNITED 7-0

Pierre d'Estaing, Sports Writer

Salt Lake City(May 6).--Olympique Montreux FC was in festive mood this afternoon with a comfortable victory against Bosnia United. Goalkeeper Chad Evans made his first start for the side and earned the shut out as the team collected all twelve points in four games and conceded only one goal and scored 22. Last season's Golden Boot winner, Sergio Vasquez, leads the way with nine goals.

It's raining goals, alleluia!

The Bosnian team was keen to take something from the match, not wanting to sink to new lows, having collected zero point in their first three games. Unfortunately for them, however, the Olympians had other ideas. From the start, they pushed the Bosnians against the wall with a machine gun volley of three goals in the opening 15 minutes. Chad Gilbert tallied in the 4th minute, Tracy McGuire in the 8th minute, and Sergio Vasquez made it 3-0 two minutes later. The Olympians were so dominating that any effort their opponents tried to muster were swatted aside quickly. Bel-Ami's men just dominated possession with their familiar quick passing style.

The power of a pretty fan

Although all components of the OM machinery were working perfectly, the performance of Josh Kimball is worthy of special mention. Perhaps the presence of a young woman of a certain beauty had something to do with the winger cranking his game up several gears. Kimball delighted the public and impressed his teammates with his prolific running at the opponents and successful Zidanesque moves. Kimball is having a good run in the side and making the most of it. Today especially, he apparently found a talisman.

The winger was brilliant in creating the second goal. In the 8th minute, he picked the ball up some ten yards out of the area, sped past two defenders and slipped it to McGuire who fired on goal and was delighted to see his shot neatly resting in the back of the net. It was a classic finish that McGuire can be proud of after being injured in last week's game against Utah Mix.

Number seven McGuire could have doubled his tally moments later when Kimball picked him out in the area, after controlling the ball and firing his shot, Bosnia United's keeper was able to push it out, but striker Ricky Johnson was there for the tap in. Bosnia then tested Evans as Admir Softic, a 2001 OM alumnus, took aim from 30 yards only to see Evans parry the ball with authority.

The Barton-Murphy magic show

With the lead secured, Nate Murphy and Kenny Barton began entertaining the crowd with a series of flicks, dummies and pinpoint passes that were greeted with loud olé cheers, but the defense still had to be on its guard as the wind was proving a tricky ally of the Bosnians. In the 20th minute, Barton found Vasquez and the prolific marksman one-timed a perfect shot to claim his 9th goal of the young season.

Five minutes later, Todd Miller sent a long ball forward. Murphy controlled it, slid the ball past the Bosnians defense to Barton who returned the favor and the in-form Murphy slotted home for the sixth goal of the afternoon. Ricky Johnson closed the scoring two minutes from time.

Olympique Montreux in full control

The seven first half goals relaxed the Olympians who basically controlled the second half and maintained 95 percent possession. They remained vigilant though as Softic and Zlatan Radalovic tried a couple of times to thread through the Olympians' minefields. With the game already won, Bel-Ami used the opportunity to enforce OM's policy not to run up the score and take unnecessary risks. The game ended a bit prematurely as several United Bosnia players either became sick, injured or literally stopped playing.

NATE MURPHY OPENS HIS ACCOUNT AS OM ROUTES UTAH MIX 3-0

The goals:     Nate Murphy, 42nd minute
                       Sergio Vasquez, 47th and 61st minutes

By Pierre D'estaing, Sports Writer


WEST JORDAN, UT (April 29) -. After waiting for more than 30 minutes for the assistant referees to finally show up to officiate the game, Olympique Montreux stuttered at the start before rediscovering its killer ways near the end of the first half and dominated the game in the second half.

Up until the 42nd minute when Nate Murphy found the net for the first goal, the Olympians showed that their focus and concentration were affected by the late start. The playmaker became hit man when a battling Mike Polich won the ball and perfectly laid it for him to pull the trigger.

--Slow Start.

In the early going, Utah Mix appeared the more motivated team, taking it to an OM defense missing star fullback Paul Williams who was serving his second game red card suspension. With the surprising nonappearance of fullback Mike Rogers, manager Bel-Ami assigned playmaker Todd Miller to marshal the defense.  The calm and cool veteran filled in admirably with the solid Jeremy Jones and John MacQuarrie patrolling the flanks, and Arthur van Wagenen operating in front of the back line.

--Utah Mix Galvanized

There were a few cold sweat moments when the Olympians conceded a few corners too many and the admirable Juan Carlos Chamale, Utah Mix playmaker, were sending them curling in as keeper Aaron Bruderer was facing the bright sun.  The defense held firm as the midfield kept losing possession of the ball.

Murphy's goal came just in time to relent the machismo of Utah Mix.

--The Chad Gilbert Show

OM took a firmer grip on the game after the break. As Utah Mix tried to respond, Chad Gilbert went a few gears higher, weaving and turning, running at the defense and timely making great passes. Each time he touched the ball and ran at The Mix defense, he threatened to score.

In the 55th minute Gilbert floated past two Utah Mix tacklers and sailed goal-ward, only to be taken down from behind in the penalty area. The central referee immediately pointed to the spot. Vasquez took the penalty and scored.

Two minutes later, Gilbert forced The Mix keeper to make a blocking save with a left-footed shot and then Ken Barton kicked the rebound too high after Utah Mix failed to clear a corner.

The third goal came in the 61st minute. Gilbert collected a flick from Barton with his back to goal and well outside The Mix area. He misled two markers and then left a third behind before passing the ball to Vasquez to shoot between The Mix goalkeeper and the near post.

--Air Bruderer in Full Flight

Utah Mix almost pulled a goal back when defender Kyle Copeland inadvertently headed against his own goal. His header looked sure to go in, but Bruderer went airborne and tipped the ball over the crossbar.

“Bruderer has been in the best shape I have seen him in. He maintains full concentration for 90 plus minutes as a keeper should, making decisive sorties and ensuring to make a play on the ball each time he is called to leave his line,” said Bel-Ami.  “He is acknowledging his leadership role.”

The game ended in typical Utah Mix fashion with several Mix players actually spitting on the Olympians. One of them was given a red card for the behavior.

KYLE COPELAND JOINS IN GOAL FESTIVAL AS OM CRUSHED Z.LC. 10-1

By Pierre d’Estaing, Sports Writer

West Salt Lake, UT. (April 26).--Olympique Montreux rolled out the big guns this evening at Riverside Park, and Z.L.C., once known as FC Stoker, was the unfortunate victim of its impressive display. Bel-Ami de Montreux's side did the job with such skills and style that the opponents were left baffled.

In an unforgettable evening, playmaker Kenny Barton opened the score just two minutes after kick off. Sergio Vasquez tallied a hot trick, with two goals in the first half and one in the second. Chad Gilbert added a new page to his goal scoring lore. The midfield totally controlled the game, denying Z.L.C. any opportunity to build three consecutive passes at Riverside Park at any time during the game.

Following its spectacular first half and already leading 6-0, surely nobody can begrudge OM's running up the score. The opportunities were naturally created as the team's strategy was working without a hitch.

Doing the Greek Thing

In the second half, it was an uncharacteristic OM performance, with Bel-Ami's men spending much of the game in their own half, to invite Z.L.C. to attack, and then hit hard on the counter attack. At the 2004 European Cup, Greece won the continental tournament basically playing counter attack football to amazing success. With OM's 6-0 lead in the first half, it was always going to be Z.L.C. who was going to have to do the hard work.

However, it just was not Z.L.C.'s day as OM's aggressive defenders and midfielders plus a tenacious Arthur van Wagenen had little trouble containing any semblance of pressure to perfection, while the attack easily blitzed through the opponents' defense.

With the usual Nate Murphy and Todd Miller trickery combined with Barton's amazing field vision and Tracy McGuire's blazing speed on the right wing, the second half produced even more generous opportunities for OM as Rick Johnson, Josh Kimball, and Kyle Copeland tallied quality goals. It was Joga Bonita, indeed!

In the waning minutes, Z.L.C. did manage to put a goal past keeper Chad Evans who came in for Aaron Bruderer in the second half. Final score, 10-1.

The Hour of Truth Cometh

It is this coming Saturday that the Olympians will be fully tested as the side will face Latin style and grace when it confronts mighty Utah Mix at the West Jordan Soccer Complex, Field # S. in a super classico. OM has traditionally struggled against Latin teams.

It is hoped the team will be buoyed by this evening's performance.

VETERAN STRIKER POLICH PUT FINAL NAIL IN ODYSSEY WEB COFFIN

The goals: Sergio Vasquez, 48th and 53rd minutes   
                    Mike Polich, 92nd minute

By Pierre d'Estaing, Sports Writer

West Salt Lake, Utah (April 21).-- In a win not as impressive as those before at Storm Mountain Park and at the West Jordan Soccer Complex last fall, Olympique Montreux produced a good enough second half display at Westpointe Park to beat Odyssey Web 3-0.

OM had already enjoyed several chances before Sergio Vasquez scored the first goal of the evening in the 48th minute. After a poor first half, inspired by Nate Murphy and Todd Miller, the Olympians seemed to find their rhythm in the second half.

Early Nerves and Little Control

From the start, Odyssey Web showed more aggressiveness on the ball while the Olympians' early nerves were exposed. It was The Web who took the initiative, not necessarily controlling the flow of the ball in midfield, but doing most of the attack on repeated turnovers, with the Olympians seriously showing impatience. Odyssey Web had two big chances in the space of seven minutes: in the 11th, a forward placed a good close range shot on goal only to see his shot sail over the post, and moments later, Aaron Bruderer, OM's super keeper, was called upon to block a dangerous header. OM, on the other hand, missed a plethora of chances to control its adversary. But things would change in the second half.

It's Getting Hot in Here

Minutes after the second half opened, Miller turned on the style, dribbled past a couple of defenders, took a shot that an Odyssey Web defender stopped with his hand inside the penalty area. Vasquez stepped up to take the penalty and open his Spring 2006 account. Barely two minutes later, with Chad Gilbert double covered all the times, Vasquez scored again, this time eluding his markers to find himself alone in front of the keeper. The marksman made sure to score with a powerful shot to the roof of the net.
Those two goals eased the tension, and from then on, the Olympians started serving up a true footballing treat. After a frankly dull first half, the goalscoring opportunities started flowing thick and fast, with Gilbert, Josh Kimball, Tracy McGuire, Rick Johnson and Murphy all coming close for OM.

Odyssey Web only made a couple of trips in OM territory, but veteran full back and captain Paul Williams and his crew easily canceled the opposition's rather speculative efforts. OM's domination was total. Bruderer who has been in brilliant form lately had a relatively easy time in registering his first official shut out of the season. Miller and Murphy started finding more freedom, while Arthur van Wagenen, Isaac James and Mike Rogers were winning most of the midfield battles. Jeremy Jones and John McQuarrie were as solid as ever in the back, and later on, young defender Kyle Copeland showed he had Olympian blood in his veins as well.

Half Time Thunder

At half time, OM manager Bel-Ami de Montreux presumably ordered his players to play with more confidence and to take the game to the opposition. Since the team played all winter, the machinery should be well oiled. From the restart, Odyssey Web pulled its defensive lines back a few yards to create more space for counter attacks, but that only served to give OM more room to play the ball around.

Murphy was the main playmaker in the middle of the park, and his teammates were often able to string together an amazing number of passes as The Web sat back and waited. The Web's players appeared comfortable playing that way, and often showed a desire to pack practically their whole team inside the penalty area, even while two goals down.

OM in Control

Olympique Montreux's morale was on a high, and there were moments when Odyssey Web seemed to have lost all control of what they were doing. It made wholesale changes in the hope of stirring the team back into a game that was looking more and more like a lost cause. Veteran striker Mike Polich, JT Cracroft and Kimball had further chances to add to Vasquez's brace. In the final minutes, Polich scored the third goal to pull the curtain down.

DAVID “EL TANQUE” CHEVEZ STARS AS OM OVERWHELMS UTAH FC 5-1

By  Ralph Hickey-Freeman

Sports Writer

RIVERSIDE PARK, UTAH (LNS) April 7, 2007——Teenage sensation Justin Braun scored two goals, David “El Tanque” Chevez also scored two and Nate Murphy added one more in Olympique Montreux’s rout of Utah FC Saturday afternoon in Utah Soccer Association’s “First Round” Premiership action.

The Olympians were back from a successful winter season in which they earned an eighth star by winning the Spence Eccles Cup at the University of Utah, and distinguishing themselves by reaching the quarterfinals and finishing third in a field of 43 teams at the Las Vegas National Silvermug Tournament.

A New Strike Force

The side began the season with a new front line because of the transfer of Chad Gilbert to Lazio, the loss of Rick Johnson to a season ending knee injury, the injury lay off of leading scorer Sergio Vasquez, not to forget the on-loan transfer of Mauricio Borba to Utah FC for at least the first half of the season.

New signee David “El Tanque” Chevez, a former striker for Alianza Lima of Peru’s first division, headed in the first goal in the 35th minute. Utah FC equalized seven minutes later. Nate Murphy made it 2-1 from a looping long shot in the 45th minute.

Machine Gun Justin Braun on Fire

Justin scored the third goal on a beautiful long pass from Josh Kimball just five minutes into the second half. The teenager took the ball near midfield, outpaced three Utah FC men to unleash a powerful shot that left the keeper frozen.  Justin doubled his tally ten minutes later on a solo effort. He came close again a couple of times.  As did Nate on a header that narrowly missed the mark.

El Tanque Chevez right-footed the Olympians’ fifth goal at the 85th minute on a pass from strike partner Jimmy Cuadros, also a new signee to the side.

Utah FC created some exciting moments in the second half as a lively Mauricio penetrated a few times into the penalty box.

Bel-Ami was pragmatic after his team’s performance. “We need to work harder to help the new guys settle so they can blend in. It was obvious at times that things did not flow with the usual efficacy.  It is a long season, we will get there.”

MAN OF THE MATCH
    Nate Murphy

LEADING SCORERS
    David Chavez, 2 goals
    Justin Braun, 2 goals
    Nate Murphy, 1 goal

STARTING LINE UP
Martin Martinez, Jeremy Jones, Chris Kirkpatrick, John McQuarrie, Jesse day, Nate Murphy, Matt Wooley, Judd Soderberg, Jimmy Cuadros, Todd Miller, David Chevez.

SUBSTITUTES
Aaron Bruderer, Josh Kimball, Justin Braun, Mike Rogers

OLYMPIAN NOTES
Retired Olympian Marcos Melendez, the team’s original Number 10, was in the stands with OM friend  Orlando "Pony" Matamura Vargas, a former Columbian international and current Diablos midfielder.

OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX SIGNS FOUR NEW PLAYERS FOR 2006

GK DEVIN ZIMMERMAN TO PLAY FOR USL PORTLAND TIMBERS

 

Pierre d’Estaing, Sports Reporter

Holladay (April 1),--Olympique Montreux announced this week that star goalkeeper and 2005 Daynes Cup Winner Devin Zimmerman signed a professional contract with the Portland Timbers. Portland plays in America’s second tier United States Soccer Leagues, directly below Major League Soccer (MLS).

“Although we will miss Devin, we are very happy for him. Every player dreams of playing professionally. His being good enough to go pro is evidence that any player on our roster can play at any high level, said Bel-Ami de Montreux, OM’s manager. “I predict Devin will soon graduate to MLS and Team USA.”

Zimmerman, 25, played at Fort Lewis College in 2000-2001, starting all 21 games in his last year. During that season, he recorded five shutouts and averaged only 1.37 goals allowed per game, helping Fort Lewis to a 14-7 record. He finished his college career ranked fourth all-time in both goals-against (1.31) and shutouts (6).

 Last season, while sharing goalkeeping duties with Star Keeper Aaron Bruderer for Olympique Montreux in Utah’s century-old Premier Division, he helped the team to an undefeated season and recorded a shutout in the Centennial Daynes Challenge Cup, Utah’s FA style challenge cup. He was also a regular on Utah’s Men Select Team.

The USL first division includes teams in Montreal, Vancouver, Miami, Toronto, Atlanta, Puerto Rico and Minnesota. Just this week the Associated Press announced that 40 year old Romario, Brazil’s 1994 World Cup winner and last year’s leading scorer in the Brazilian league, signed a contract with Miami FC of the USL.

Also this week, OM announced that it recently acquired Midfielder Todd Miller, Utah’s most successful homegrown soccer player. In addition, the team announced the signing of Forwards Rick Johnson and Matthew Smith, and Midfielder Ken Barton.

“These players’ skills will complement OM for many seasons,” declared Bel-Ami. “They will bring us not only experience, but make us stronger as a team. These signings are in keeping with the tradition that the best talents in the state should be in our colors unless they go pro.”

Even at his relatively young age, Miller is already a legend in Utah soccer folklore. He graduated from Alta High School in 1992, and was named the State’s most valuable player by the Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News. He went on to star for Westminster College’s soccer team where he earned degrees simultaneously in mathematics and computer science.

Drafted by the Columbus Crew in the first college draft of the newly formed Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996, Miller played professionally for four years for the Crew in 1996 and 1997, and had tenures with A-League teams Milwaukee Rampage and Charleston Battery.

After returning to Utah, he played several years for International FC. Miller has been married to his wife Calli for nine years. They have two daughters, Abbey and Emmy. He works as a computer programmer for IKANO Communications.

Rick Johnson started playing soccer with Kicks 76’ which was later renamed America 76’. He played ball with well-known Utah stars such as the legendary Ben Hoecherl, Jason Fulmer and OM’s own JT Cracroft. He has also competed against Arthur Van Wagenen and Matt Woolley, both OM midfielders.

Johnson played in the Far West Regionals twice with Cisco Soccer Club, the ultimate soccer power in Phoenix, Arizona. He has played on several Olympique Development Program teams for Utah and most recently was called up to the Men’s State Select team.

Ken Barton played youth soccer for the popular Sparta Club. He later played for the Skyline High School Varsity Soccer team for two years from 1994 to 1996. Barton played collegiate soccer for the University of Southern Colorado from 1996 to 2000 and captained the team for three years.

At Southern Colorado, he was selected various times to All-Mid West, All-Region, All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference teams. He became USC’s assistant soccer coach in 2001, the year he graduated.

While in Denver, Barton also played for local club Brewmen SC. After moving back to Utah in the fall of 2003, he joined Team Xcel before moving on to powerhouse International FC. He lives in Holladay with wife Jamie and their dog, Cash.

OM also acquired another familiar Utah player, Forward Matthew Smith. A three-time high school state finalist with Alta High, Smith won the state title twice, with OM current star left back Jeremy Jones, then with Skyline High School, at the short end of a huge 8-2 beating, in one of those title games.

State Cup-winner Smith played for Westminster College for four years. He played professionally for the Utah Freezz for one year, but made his name while harassing opposing defenses for some 10 years playing up front for International FC.

Smith is expected to provide on-field leadership to a team already known for its disciplined and exciting play. He is also an aggressive ball-winner who can transition from the middle to attack.

“I am married to Hot Babe Melissa,” Smith proudly told us, “and own a tax and accounting firm.”

OM also revealed that this year, Kyle Copeland will train with the squad before embarking on his college career with Bringham Young University.

WORKMANLIKE PERFORMANCE TAKES WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

By Pierre d’Estaing

Sports Writer 

The goal:     Nate Murphy (39th minute)                  

University of Utah, March 20.--Olympique Montreux put in another workmanlike performance at the Spence Eccles Field House at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, tonight against Utah Mix to take the 2005 Winter Indoor Championship thanks to a goal in the second half from Nate Murphy.   

The Olympians made light of the potential difficulties facing them and controlled the game throughout, stamping their authority on a game in which they dominated possession from start to finish. Murphy and Todd Miller showed maximum efficiency up front, while Sergio Vasquez, Tracy McGuire, Jesse Day and JT Cracroft showed their ability in the middle and Paul Williams, John McQuarrie, Jeremy Jones and Hugh Van Wagenen marshaled another clean sheet. The only negative point for Coach Bel-Ami de Montreux was that Jesse Day reinjured his ankle.

Early chances.--Utah Mix deployed a defensive formation, sometimes playing as many as seven full time defensive players, to ward off OM’s quick forwards.  Starting keeper Aaron Bruderer was called in action only one serious time, saving an effort from a feisty Utah Mix forward. OM hit back with two quick chances, first from Day, who headed beautifully, only for the Utah Mix’s keeper to be deployed in a full parade to save the goal, then from Vasquez who shot inches wide.

Vasquez limps off.--In one of OM's attacks on Utah Mix’s goal at the 18-minute mark, a Utah Mix player kicked Vasquez’s ankle, and JT Cracroft who gave the opposing defense much to worry about quickly replaced him.  Murphy and Cracroft gave the Olympians more control of the ball in the midfield and soon Utah Mix was chasing shadows as Bel-Ami's men kept possession. Miller could have opened the score soon after Cracroft came on, but the veteran Utah Mix keeper just tipped his effort over the bar.

80% of possession.--OM's dominance soon snuffed out any threats from the Utah Mix though and Murphy was orchestrating a stunning display of controlled football with OM recording 80% possession in the first half.  At the 24th minute, Murphy cheekily took a quick free kick on the edge of the box to set up Arthur van Wagenen, but this time Arthur’s shot was well stopped by the keeper.

Murphy on target.--Having luckily escaped punishment on the score card in the first half, Utah Mix knew they'd have to come out of their shell late in the second half to have a chance to claim the trophy, but their desire to attack left spaces for OM's attacking midfielders such as Josh Kimball and McGuire to carry the ball forward. At the 39th minute, Murphy got a great pass from JT and made no mistake, placing the ball pass the keeper and in the net.

Utah Mix Charging Forward.--With Utah Mix now more than ever obliged to push forward, Bel-Ami made some technical adjustments, placing more defensive players on the field.  Drew van Wagenen was sent out and along with John McQuarrie and Christopher Kirkpatrick, cut out the passing lanes, while second half keeper Devin Zimmerman made sure to protect the clean sheet.

“This tournament was our last chance for a trophy this winter, so we took advantage of the opportunity.  The men played well considering the indoor surface does not allow the game to proceed at the same technical level despite it being full size.   Also, the narrowness of the field made it hard to open the game wide, thus, Utah Mix defenders could sit in the small space and wait.  Otherwise, we are happy to start the year with a piece of silverware, said Bel-Ami in after match interviews.

OLYMPIANS ONE GOAL SHY OF FINAL EIGHT IN LAS VEGAS BUDWEISER CUP

Las Vegas. March 3

Two weeks ago, Olympique Montreux participated for the first time in the Silver Mug Budweiser Cup in Las Vegas, Nevada. That campaign produced mixed results and left management with many questions as the team prepares for the next league and Open Cup season in Utah.

The structure of the Bud Cup allows each participating team five group stage games with the top two teams in each group, or a total of 16 teams, advancing to the knockout stage.


With ranking in the Sweet 16 very important in this kind of competitions, to claim a top seed position, it is important to collect points, meaning not only winning games, but scoring a lot of goals and not conceding any. Teams earn extra points for each goal scored and for keeping a clean sheet or earning a shoot out.

OM finished second in its group with three wins, one loss and one tie. The side uncharacteristically failed to convert about one dozen clear scoring chances, granted the weather, a mix of high and twisting winds, freezing conditions, blinding dust and extremely poor pitches hindered the Olympians traditionally fluid ball movement.

The side bowed out in the semifinal game, losing 1-0 to a fine-tuned and spirited Durango, a team from California. Durango snatched its only goal early in the match in a whirlpool of dust.

OM reloaded, went after the equalizer, firing shots after shots on goal, but could not find the net.

Special Mention: MF Todd Miller distinguished himself with several fine performances despite playing injured. The Olympian was the victim of a vicious behind-the-back attack by Adis Alagic who intentionally and violently kicked Miller's ankle [off the ball] in an indoor match against Bosnia USA at the University of Utah on February 13. 2006.

Special Thanks. OM thanks Ben Hoerchel and Christopher Lamb, our guest players, for their contribution to the team in Las Vegas. Thanks also to Alexis de Montreux and Ivan Morales for helping with uniforms and equipment.