Murray, Nov. 13, [LNS].--Chad Gilbert was officially crowned Olympique Montreux's Most Valuable Player last week during the team's banquet at Braza Grill. Actually, the Olympians voted Gilbert their MVP for Fall 2005 in a ballot held before the Daynes Cup game. The striker received 14 combined first and second place votes. Also, Midfielder Nate Murphy, Center Forward Sergio Vasquez and Central Defender Paul Williams received MVP votes.
14 Goals Sergio Vasquez Wins Golden Boot Award
Vasquez went on to win the Golden Boot trophy.
Gilbert, also known as Goal-bert, came close to winning both the MVP and the Golden Boot awards. At the start of the Daynes Cup, both men's goal counters were running neck and neck. Gilbert had 12 goals, one more than Vasquez.
Thanks to his brace in the Daynes Cup, however, and also the tireless runs and set-ups of Gilbert, Murphy, Tracy McGuire, Jesse Day, Josh Kimball and Jake Cavanaugh, Vasquez snatched the Golden Boot from Gilbert by a hair.
The Olympians indeed put up big numbers in this fall campaign. They found the net an astonishing 41 times and allowed in less than 10 goals, eight according to official
league records. Their nearest competitor, Park City F.C., scored 33 goals but took in 19. OM's record is remarkable considering the caliber of play in the State-wide Premiership.
At the banquet, the players received individual Daynes Challenge Cup winner medals, dined
on Brazilian barbecue, drank exotic fruit beverages, danced to Samba music, admired the team's commemorative Daynes Challenge Cup trophy, and congratulated each other for a good season of selfless sacrifice, hard work and camaraderie.
The Olympians also recognized the contribution of the team's manager, Bel-Ami de Montreux. They presented him with the Manager-of-the-Year trophy, a set of fancy red pens, and an Adidas Champions League soccer ball that each Olympian autographed.
De Montreux, OM's only manager since its foundation in the winter of 1999, has stirred the team through an unbeaten run last spring in the First Division and in the Premiership this fall. The only flaw in the team's record was a tie-loss to Utah Mix after a highly contested 2-2 draw. Although teams proceed to penalty kicks after a tie in regulation time, they are nonetheless still awarded one point each for standing purposes.
Indeed, by winning the Daynes hardware, Olympique Montreux joins a one hundred year old exclusive club.
The Utah Soccer Association established the Daynes Challenge Cup in 1906, one year after the league's organization. The Cup was traditionally presented to the State Champions. Salt Lake Association Football Club won the first Daynes Cup.
The league awarded the Cup annually until 1939. The competition was suspended between 1940 and 1946 because of World War II.
League play resumed in 1947. However, the Daynes Challenge Cup was not revived until 1952 when it truly became a Challenge Cup similar to the FA Cup in England.
The banquet lasted several hours, as players, their spouses and friends enjoyed the ambiance and made plans to attend the Budweiser Cup in Las Vegas next February.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Tuesday, November 1, 2005
JONES ON TARGET AS OLYMPIANS DEFEAT U-18 STATE CHAMPION INTER
Storm Mountain, Utah [LNS].-- Defensive midfielder Jeremy Jones came back from three weeks off with an ankle problem to score in first half injury time to tie the score 1-1.
Inter, Utah U-18 champion, had enjoyed the lead for about 20 minutes on a superb strike by Roberto "Betu" Linck, their 17 year-old Brazilian phenomenon and Olympique Montreux alumnus.
Jones sidefooted the ball home after Inter's keeper dropped a high cross by Ivan "El Terible" Morales.
In the second half, the Olympians stunned Inter's faithful with two more goals.
The first came in the 57th-minute courtesy of Fall Season golden boot winner and Daynes Cup hero Sergio Vasquez.
The second followed seven minutes later when pivot man Nate Murphy, who chalked up a sublime second half performance, dribbled past two Inter defenders, passed to winger Jake Cavanaugh who blasted a low angled shot past Inter's keeper.
The game continued with OM's defenders derailing Inter's attempts while the offense controlled the tempo, but wasted a smorgasbord of opportunities.
Inter, Utah U-18 champion, had enjoyed the lead for about 20 minutes on a superb strike by Roberto "Betu" Linck, their 17 year-old Brazilian phenomenon and Olympique Montreux alumnus.
Jones sidefooted the ball home after Inter's keeper dropped a high cross by Ivan "El Terible" Morales.
In the second half, the Olympians stunned Inter's faithful with two more goals.
The first came in the 57th-minute courtesy of Fall Season golden boot winner and Daynes Cup hero Sergio Vasquez.
The second followed seven minutes later when pivot man Nate Murphy, who chalked up a sublime second half performance, dribbled past two Inter defenders, passed to winger Jake Cavanaugh who blasted a low angled shot past Inter's keeper.
The game continued with OM's defenders derailing Inter's attempts while the offense controlled the tempo, but wasted a smorgasbord of opportunities.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX THUMPS PARK CITY, WINS CENTENNIAL DAYNES CUP
Sandy (Oct. 29) [LNS]. —Park City and Olympique Montreux squared off this afternoon at Storm Mountain Park to dispute the Centennial Daynes Challenge Cup Game before a large and colorful crowd.
In the first half, Park City employed a strategy of muscles and speed to travel deep into OM’s sensitive zone. OM Captain Paul Williams and his defensive crew of Mike Rogers, John McQuarrie, Hugh and Arthur Van Wagenen were called upon to impede the Snowmen's dangerous advances.
Benefiting from several benevolent referee calls, Park City was awarded numerous free kicks near the frame of the penalty area. The set pieces and the Snowmen's hard work kept the ball in OM’s half of the field for some substantial and rough minutes.
However, the Olympians dished out some serious scares upon Park City as well.
Jake Cavanaugh relentlessly attacked on the right flank. Chad Gilbert twice forced the Snowmen's keeper into full parades to save what looked like certain goals.
At the 15th minute, Cavanaugh received a long pass from Rogers, and only missed the spot by a whisker.
Two minutes later, McQuarrie’s long range effort sailed over the bar.
The score remains tied 0-0 at half time.
If the Snowmen were satisfied with their first half display, they should have been prepared for the ominous second half, as many teams had found out in previous matches against the Olympians.
Indeed, Olympique Montreux was about to get mean, very mean.
From the beginning of the second half, the side unleashed a category 8 hurricane with such horrible surges that Park City appeared bowled over.
With the relentless, snaking, dizzying and penetrating runs of Chad Gilbert, Cavanaugh and Jesse Day setting the tempo, and the ballet-like finishing touch of Sergio Vasquez finally peaking, the Olympians left no doubt that they had a legitimate right to the Championship and the Centennial Daynes Challenge Cup.
With Nate Murphy and Matt Woolley devilishly operating in the eye of the storm, OM took control of the game, dictating the pace.
Josh Kimball came close to scoring in the 48th minute.
In the 59th minute, Cavanaugh again took his man on a race down the right wing, his pass met Gilbert inside the Snowmen's penalty area. With the striker’s back to the goal, surrounded and unable to spin around to launch a kick, Gilbert performed a Houdini act, back-heeled the ball to Vasquez who blasted it into the roof of the net.
That’s a goal!
Ten minutes later, Vasquez got a superb pass from Tracy McGuire, dribbled pass a couple of Snowmen, faked right, went left to score his 13th goal and confirm his supreme marksman credentials beyond all possible doubts. 2-0, OM.
With game slipping away, Park City doubled their efforts. The refereeing crew appeared to be officiating another game, sanctioning OM’s players for no apparent reasons. Playmaker Murphy got a yellow card for saying “handball” when a Park City player clearly handled the ball.
At the 84th minute, Murphy did what Murphy does best, he placed a low shot in the left corner of the Snowmen's goal to put the game beyond reach. 3-0, OM.
With still many minutes left to play, the central referee issued a straight red card to McGuire, not for fouling anyone.
Thereafter, Park City went after a consolation goal, but OM’s defenders refused to yield the right of way, with Hugh Van Wagenen earning Man of the Match honors.
The game ended 3-0 in favor of the Olympians.
“ I had moments of cold sweat in the first half with Park City being awarded so many free kicks, and Liam Hanafer taking all of them. He is so dangerous on set pieces. But we prepared well to defend against those, said Bel-Ami de Montreux, OM's technical director, our keeper, Devin Zimmerman was up to the task.
“Park City played physical and pinned us down for long stretches in the first half, but we were well organized in the back. We just had some difficulties slowing down the plays at midfield. I think the turning point was when we sent in Ivan Morales to help Murphy. He was able to hold the ball a bit, giving us a chance to get organized. Once Murphy got it going, he was unstoppable.
“We really wanted this silverware. The Daynes Challenge Cup is Utah’s most prestigious trophy. By winning it, we joined a century old fraternity. One hundred years from now, our name will still be engraved on the cup. I am proud of our collective commitment during this campaign. Hopefully, we will stay together, bring in two or three new players and chase more silverware next spring," de Montreux added.
The Olympians now plan to go after the Budweiser Cup in Las Vegas next February.
______________________________
Man of the Match: HUGH VAN WAGENEN
______________________________
Leading scorers:
Sergio Vasquez, 13 goals
Chad Gilbert, 12 goals
________________________________
Olympian Notes:
BEL-AMI DE MONTREUX was proud to receive the Daynes Challenge Cup from legendary Coach Chris Dorich, a statesman in Utah soccer.
COACH DORICH, the Utah Men Select Team coach, was on hand to watch the Olympians’ performance. He has at least six Olympians on the selection: Nate Murphy, Chad Gilbert, Jesse Day, Sergio Vasquez, John McQuarrie and Devin Zimmerman.
However, the selectioneer had to be impressed with Matt Wooley, Hugh Van Wagenen, Paul Williams, and Jake Cavanaugh’s performance.
MIKE POLICH long predicted this crew could win silverware. He was right.
ARTHUR VAN WAGENEN played with the flu and still had a very good game.
ERICK IVAN MORALES contributed despite still rehabilitating his injured right knee
JT CRACROFT supplied good advice to Bel-Ami on the sideline. He helped keep us organized.
JEREMY JONES was with us on the sidelines despite his suspension.
AARON BRUDERER, although not playing in the game, unselfishly supported the team in the Daynes Cup game. We recognize that Aaron has made great contributions to the team. We cannot forget how he stopped Real Salt Lake's numerous shots on goal on September 3, 2005.
Many players of BOSNIA UNITED and their coach, Goran, came to support OM. We appreciate the gesture and we are sure they will give us a hard time next year in league play.
OM alumni GEORGE SINJU, SIMPLICE DJAHANOU and MARCOS MELENDEZ were on hand to watch the team win the Daynes Challenge Cup. Long time supporter HAKEEM ISHOLA was also present.
OUR FANS AND FAMILY were present in full force to support the team. We are greatly appreciate their support. We need it.
_______________________________
STARTING LINE UP
John McQuarrie, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Sergio Vasquez, Chad Gilbert, Arthur Van Wagenen, Hugh Van Wagenen, Paul Williams, Mike Rogers, Devin Zimmerman, Jake Cavanaugh.
_______________________________
SUBSTITUTIONS
Matt Woolley, Erick Ivan Morales, Josh Kimball, Tracy McGuire, Isaac James, Mike Polich.
________________________________
THEY SAID IT:
ALEXIS DE MONTREUX, speaking about Bel-Ami de Montreux: “My dad wins the Daynes Cup and went unbeaten for two straight seasons, he should be called The Professor.”
PAUL WILLIAMS: “They are going to keep coming at us, we just have to be fully awake.”
PAUL WILLIAMS’S MOM: “Don’t worry, I have seen Park City play. They are not that good.”
SERGIO VASQUEZ at half time: “I am taking it to them.”
BEL-AMI DE MONTREUX to NATE MURPHY: “Take charge of midfield, control the eye.”
_________________________________
NEXT GAME
To be announced
In the first half, Park City employed a strategy of muscles and speed to travel deep into OM’s sensitive zone. OM Captain Paul Williams and his defensive crew of Mike Rogers, John McQuarrie, Hugh and Arthur Van Wagenen were called upon to impede the Snowmen's dangerous advances.
Benefiting from several benevolent referee calls, Park City was awarded numerous free kicks near the frame of the penalty area. The set pieces and the Snowmen's hard work kept the ball in OM’s half of the field for some substantial and rough minutes.
However, the Olympians dished out some serious scares upon Park City as well.
Jake Cavanaugh relentlessly attacked on the right flank. Chad Gilbert twice forced the Snowmen's keeper into full parades to save what looked like certain goals.
At the 15th minute, Cavanaugh received a long pass from Rogers, and only missed the spot by a whisker.
Two minutes later, McQuarrie’s long range effort sailed over the bar.
The score remains tied 0-0 at half time.
If the Snowmen were satisfied with their first half display, they should have been prepared for the ominous second half, as many teams had found out in previous matches against the Olympians.
Indeed, Olympique Montreux was about to get mean, very mean.
From the beginning of the second half, the side unleashed a category 8 hurricane with such horrible surges that Park City appeared bowled over.
With the relentless, snaking, dizzying and penetrating runs of Chad Gilbert, Cavanaugh and Jesse Day setting the tempo, and the ballet-like finishing touch of Sergio Vasquez finally peaking, the Olympians left no doubt that they had a legitimate right to the Championship and the Centennial Daynes Challenge Cup.
With Nate Murphy and Matt Woolley devilishly operating in the eye of the storm, OM took control of the game, dictating the pace.
Josh Kimball came close to scoring in the 48th minute.
In the 59th minute, Cavanaugh again took his man on a race down the right wing, his pass met Gilbert inside the Snowmen's penalty area. With the striker’s back to the goal, surrounded and unable to spin around to launch a kick, Gilbert performed a Houdini act, back-heeled the ball to Vasquez who blasted it into the roof of the net.
That’s a goal!
Ten minutes later, Vasquez got a superb pass from Tracy McGuire, dribbled pass a couple of Snowmen, faked right, went left to score his 13th goal and confirm his supreme marksman credentials beyond all possible doubts. 2-0, OM.
With game slipping away, Park City doubled their efforts. The refereeing crew appeared to be officiating another game, sanctioning OM’s players for no apparent reasons. Playmaker Murphy got a yellow card for saying “handball” when a Park City player clearly handled the ball.
At the 84th minute, Murphy did what Murphy does best, he placed a low shot in the left corner of the Snowmen's goal to put the game beyond reach. 3-0, OM.
With still many minutes left to play, the central referee issued a straight red card to McGuire, not for fouling anyone.
Thereafter, Park City went after a consolation goal, but OM’s defenders refused to yield the right of way, with Hugh Van Wagenen earning Man of the Match honors.
The game ended 3-0 in favor of the Olympians.
“ I had moments of cold sweat in the first half with Park City being awarded so many free kicks, and Liam Hanafer taking all of them. He is so dangerous on set pieces. But we prepared well to defend against those, said Bel-Ami de Montreux, OM's technical director, our keeper, Devin Zimmerman was up to the task.
“Park City played physical and pinned us down for long stretches in the first half, but we were well organized in the back. We just had some difficulties slowing down the plays at midfield. I think the turning point was when we sent in Ivan Morales to help Murphy. He was able to hold the ball a bit, giving us a chance to get organized. Once Murphy got it going, he was unstoppable.
“We really wanted this silverware. The Daynes Challenge Cup is Utah’s most prestigious trophy. By winning it, we joined a century old fraternity. One hundred years from now, our name will still be engraved on the cup. I am proud of our collective commitment during this campaign. Hopefully, we will stay together, bring in two or three new players and chase more silverware next spring," de Montreux added.
The Olympians now plan to go after the Budweiser Cup in Las Vegas next February.
______________________________
Man of the Match: HUGH VAN WAGENEN
______________________________
Leading scorers:
Sergio Vasquez, 13 goals
Chad Gilbert, 12 goals
________________________________
Olympian Notes:
BEL-AMI DE MONTREUX was proud to receive the Daynes Challenge Cup from legendary Coach Chris Dorich, a statesman in Utah soccer.
COACH DORICH, the Utah Men Select Team coach, was on hand to watch the Olympians’ performance. He has at least six Olympians on the selection: Nate Murphy, Chad Gilbert, Jesse Day, Sergio Vasquez, John McQuarrie and Devin Zimmerman.
However, the selectioneer had to be impressed with Matt Wooley, Hugh Van Wagenen, Paul Williams, and Jake Cavanaugh’s performance.
MIKE POLICH long predicted this crew could win silverware. He was right.
ARTHUR VAN WAGENEN played with the flu and still had a very good game.
ERICK IVAN MORALES contributed despite still rehabilitating his injured right knee
JT CRACROFT supplied good advice to Bel-Ami on the sideline. He helped keep us organized.
JEREMY JONES was with us on the sidelines despite his suspension.
AARON BRUDERER, although not playing in the game, unselfishly supported the team in the Daynes Cup game. We recognize that Aaron has made great contributions to the team. We cannot forget how he stopped Real Salt Lake's numerous shots on goal on September 3, 2005.
Many players of BOSNIA UNITED and their coach, Goran, came to support OM. We appreciate the gesture and we are sure they will give us a hard time next year in league play.
OM alumni GEORGE SINJU, SIMPLICE DJAHANOU and MARCOS MELENDEZ were on hand to watch the team win the Daynes Challenge Cup. Long time supporter HAKEEM ISHOLA was also present.
OUR FANS AND FAMILY were present in full force to support the team. We are greatly appreciate their support. We need it.
_______________________________
STARTING LINE UP
John McQuarrie, Jesse Day, Nate Murphy, Sergio Vasquez, Chad Gilbert, Arthur Van Wagenen, Hugh Van Wagenen, Paul Williams, Mike Rogers, Devin Zimmerman, Jake Cavanaugh.
_______________________________
SUBSTITUTIONS
Matt Woolley, Erick Ivan Morales, Josh Kimball, Tracy McGuire, Isaac James, Mike Polich.
________________________________
THEY SAID IT:
ALEXIS DE MONTREUX, speaking about Bel-Ami de Montreux: “My dad wins the Daynes Cup and went unbeaten for two straight seasons, he should be called The Professor.”
PAUL WILLIAMS: “They are going to keep coming at us, we just have to be fully awake.”
PAUL WILLIAMS’S MOM: “Don’t worry, I have seen Park City play. They are not that good.”
SERGIO VASQUEZ at half time: “I am taking it to them.”
BEL-AMI DE MONTREUX to NATE MURPHY: “Take charge of midfield, control the eye.”
_________________________________
NEXT GAME
To be announced
Saturday, October 22, 2005
INTERNATIONAL AND OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX BATTLE IN SUPERCLASSICO
Daynes Challenge Cup is 100 Years Old -- Read Cup Story Below
By Giselle Rowe-Benson
League News Service [LNS]
West Jordan, Oct. 22, LNS. --Olympique Montreux came from behind to win 2-1 against battling International in an exciting display of skill, speed and intensity from both teams.
Although OM had already clinched Group A and booked its place in the Historic Daynes Challenge Cup next week at Storm Mountain Park in Sandy, the side showed it wanted to stay undefeated. From the starting whistle, it took the game to International.
At the 5th minute, Tracy McGuire streaked down the right wing, placed a nice cross to Nate Murphy's right foot, but the playmaker shot wide.
Three minutes later, Murphy went close again. International's keeper Larkin Noble was forced into a full-length dive to save the goal.
Minutes later, Sergio Vasquez took a fine pass from Matt Woolley, danced in the penalty box, opened International's defense, but kicked high.
International was also able to breach OM's defense, but Paul Williams, who put on an inspirational display, was up to the task in closing the lanes to keep goaltender Aaron Bruderer's cage safe from harm.
However, the Super Eagles stunned the Olympians with a 12th minute goal.
Bel-Ami de Montreux's side did not stay down for long. Four minutes later, Josh Kimball crossed a perfectly curving ball in the penalty area. Vasquez's diving header looked promising, but Noble brilliantly deflected the ball at the last possible second. Unfortunately for International though, the ball found the feet of a well-positioned Chad Gilbert who blasted it into the net.
The first half closed 1-1.
OM returned to the field ready to put the game away, but met great resistance from International's skilled midfielders and experienced fullbacks.
At the 58th minute, Jesse Day who had come in for Kimball dribbled up on the left, dummied his marker, passed to Murphy who laid the ball for Cavanaugh who narrowly missed.
Two minutes later, Mike Polich dispossessed International's great Todd Miller of the ball at the edge of the penalty area; found himself with just Noble to beat. However, again, the talented keeper collected Polich's angled shot.
Thereafter, International's strike force, led by Shawn Lockwood went on several superb twisting runs that put OM's fullbacks on their heels. But for Williams' man of the match performance and Iron Mike Rogers's unyieldingness, Lockwood would have tested Bruderer's 14-karat reputation. One of his shots that could have changed the course of the game hit the left post low.
At the 70th minute, Cavanaugh beat his marker, fired a powerful strike that rattled the cross bar.
Two minutes later, Gilbert took a superb pass from Wooley, run through the defense, put the ball beyond the charging Noble and into the net as International simply had no answer to the Olympians' devastating power.
Credit should be given to International. They played one heck of a good game against us. They have amazing athletes. Lucky has skill galore and Noble was brilliant. He has springs. I do not want to see him for a while, said de Montreux
I am pleased with our fighting spirit. Paul Williams was amazing. Yesterday the guy could barely walk at practice, and today he is man of the match. What's his secret?
We rue the loss of Jeremy Jones for next week. We cannot replace Jones's Makelele-esque tenacity on the ball. Others will have to step up and do the job he does so well for us, he added.
______________________________________
PRESTIGIOUS DAYNES CHALLENGE CUP IS ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD
The Utah Soccer Association established the Daynes Challenge Cup in 1906, one year after the league's organization. The Cup was traditionally presented to the State Champions. Salt Lake Association Football Club won the first Daynes Cup.
The league awarded the Cup annually until 1939. The competition was suspended between 1940 and 1946 because of World War II.
League play resumed in 1947. However, the Daynes Challenge Cup was not revived until 1952 when it truly became a Challenge Cup (FA Cup Style).
News source: League Literature.
______________________________________
OLYMPIANS NOTES
___________________
Man of the Match: PAUL WILLIAMS
______________________________
Leading scorers:
SERGIO VASQUEZ, 11 goals
CHAD GILBERT, 12 goals
________________________________
News & Comments
JEREMY JONES is not available for selection for the Daynes Cup next week. The defensive midfielder collected his second yellow card with more than 10 minutes to go. It was a serious mistake on Bel-Ami de Montreux's part to leave Jones on the field long after his first yellow.
ARTHUR and HUGH VAN WAGENEN missed the derby against International. They are mourning the passing of their grandfather. The OM family expresses its deep respect and condolences to the Van Wagenen family.
JT CRACROFT is still not fully healed from his leg injury sustained on September 24, 2005, in the first game against International. It is not yet known if he will be in the line up for the Daynes Cup Game.
JOHN MCQUARRIE limped off the field in the second half. The team will be assessing how seriously he is injured.
JESSE DAY looked impressive after his injury lay off.
IVAN MORALES may need knee surgery in the off season. He sustained a serious knee injury at work several weeks ago. Although he has played well in a couple of games since the accident, he does not appear to feature in the team's Daynes Cup plans.
_______________________________
STARTING LINE UP
Aaron Bruderer, Mike Rogers, Jeremy Jones, Josh Kimball, Nate Murphy, Tracy McGuire, Matt Woolley, Sergio Vasquez, Chad Gilbert, Paul Williams, John McQuarrie.
_______________________________
SUBSTITUTIONS
Jake Cavanaugh, Eli Dotto, Jesse Day, Devin Zimmerman, Mike Polich
_________________________________
NEXT GAME
October 29, 2005, Daynes Challenge Cup
Olympique Montreux vs. Park City
3:30 PM at Storm Mountain Park.
By Giselle Rowe-Benson
League News Service [LNS]
West Jordan, Oct. 22, LNS. --Olympique Montreux came from behind to win 2-1 against battling International in an exciting display of skill, speed and intensity from both teams.
Although OM had already clinched Group A and booked its place in the Historic Daynes Challenge Cup next week at Storm Mountain Park in Sandy, the side showed it wanted to stay undefeated. From the starting whistle, it took the game to International.
At the 5th minute, Tracy McGuire streaked down the right wing, placed a nice cross to Nate Murphy's right foot, but the playmaker shot wide.
Three minutes later, Murphy went close again. International's keeper Larkin Noble was forced into a full-length dive to save the goal.
Minutes later, Sergio Vasquez took a fine pass from Matt Woolley, danced in the penalty box, opened International's defense, but kicked high.
International was also able to breach OM's defense, but Paul Williams, who put on an inspirational display, was up to the task in closing the lanes to keep goaltender Aaron Bruderer's cage safe from harm.
However, the Super Eagles stunned the Olympians with a 12th minute goal.
Bel-Ami de Montreux's side did not stay down for long. Four minutes later, Josh Kimball crossed a perfectly curving ball in the penalty area. Vasquez's diving header looked promising, but Noble brilliantly deflected the ball at the last possible second. Unfortunately for International though, the ball found the feet of a well-positioned Chad Gilbert who blasted it into the net.
The first half closed 1-1.
OM returned to the field ready to put the game away, but met great resistance from International's skilled midfielders and experienced fullbacks.
At the 58th minute, Jesse Day who had come in for Kimball dribbled up on the left, dummied his marker, passed to Murphy who laid the ball for Cavanaugh who narrowly missed.
Two minutes later, Mike Polich dispossessed International's great Todd Miller of the ball at the edge of the penalty area; found himself with just Noble to beat. However, again, the talented keeper collected Polich's angled shot.
Thereafter, International's strike force, led by Shawn Lockwood went on several superb twisting runs that put OM's fullbacks on their heels. But for Williams' man of the match performance and Iron Mike Rogers's unyieldingness, Lockwood would have tested Bruderer's 14-karat reputation. One of his shots that could have changed the course of the game hit the left post low.
At the 70th minute, Cavanaugh beat his marker, fired a powerful strike that rattled the cross bar.
Two minutes later, Gilbert took a superb pass from Wooley, run through the defense, put the ball beyond the charging Noble and into the net as International simply had no answer to the Olympians' devastating power.
Credit should be given to International. They played one heck of a good game against us. They have amazing athletes. Lucky has skill galore and Noble was brilliant. He has springs. I do not want to see him for a while, said de Montreux
I am pleased with our fighting spirit. Paul Williams was amazing. Yesterday the guy could barely walk at practice, and today he is man of the match. What's his secret?
We rue the loss of Jeremy Jones for next week. We cannot replace Jones's Makelele-esque tenacity on the ball. Others will have to step up and do the job he does so well for us, he added.
______________________________________
PRESTIGIOUS DAYNES CHALLENGE CUP IS ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD
The Utah Soccer Association established the Daynes Challenge Cup in 1906, one year after the league's organization. The Cup was traditionally presented to the State Champions. Salt Lake Association Football Club won the first Daynes Cup.
The league awarded the Cup annually until 1939. The competition was suspended between 1940 and 1946 because of World War II.
League play resumed in 1947. However, the Daynes Challenge Cup was not revived until 1952 when it truly became a Challenge Cup (FA Cup Style).
News source: League Literature.
______________________________________
OLYMPIANS NOTES
___________________
Man of the Match: PAUL WILLIAMS
______________________________
Leading scorers:
SERGIO VASQUEZ, 11 goals
CHAD GILBERT, 12 goals
________________________________
News & Comments
JEREMY JONES is not available for selection for the Daynes Cup next week. The defensive midfielder collected his second yellow card with more than 10 minutes to go. It was a serious mistake on Bel-Ami de Montreux's part to leave Jones on the field long after his first yellow.
ARTHUR and HUGH VAN WAGENEN missed the derby against International. They are mourning the passing of their grandfather. The OM family expresses its deep respect and condolences to the Van Wagenen family.
JT CRACROFT is still not fully healed from his leg injury sustained on September 24, 2005, in the first game against International. It is not yet known if he will be in the line up for the Daynes Cup Game.
JOHN MCQUARRIE limped off the field in the second half. The team will be assessing how seriously he is injured.
JESSE DAY looked impressive after his injury lay off.
IVAN MORALES may need knee surgery in the off season. He sustained a serious knee injury at work several weeks ago. Although he has played well in a couple of games since the accident, he does not appear to feature in the team's Daynes Cup plans.
_______________________________
STARTING LINE UP
Aaron Bruderer, Mike Rogers, Jeremy Jones, Josh Kimball, Nate Murphy, Tracy McGuire, Matt Woolley, Sergio Vasquez, Chad Gilbert, Paul Williams, John McQuarrie.
_______________________________
SUBSTITUTIONS
Jake Cavanaugh, Eli Dotto, Jesse Day, Devin Zimmerman, Mike Polich
_________________________________
NEXT GAME
October 29, 2005, Daynes Challenge Cup
Olympique Montreux vs. Park City
3:30 PM at Storm Mountain Park.
PARK CITY BEATS TEAM XCEL 2-0 TO ADVANCE TO DAYNES CUP GAME
Salt Lake City, Oct. 22. LNS. -- Needing only a tie to qualify for the Daynes Challenge Cup game, Team Xcel was forced to start the game short-handed, as Park City went on the attack early, looking for all three points.
Liam Hanafer, the Snowmen's prolific British striker, scored twice in the first half.
Park City was able to hold on and win the game thanks to Liam's brace, good goalkeeping and a few friendly bounces off the woodwork.
Although Park City and Xcel finish the Fall Season with matching 22 points, Park City advances to the Daynes Challenge Cup next Saturday against OM thanks to a better head to head record.
Liam Hanafer, the Snowmen's prolific British striker, scored twice in the first half.
Park City was able to hold on and win the game thanks to Liam's brace, good goalkeeping and a few friendly bounces off the woodwork.
Although Park City and Xcel finish the Fall Season with matching 22 points, Park City advances to the Daynes Challenge Cup next Saturday against OM thanks to a better head to head record.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
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.
____________________________
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.
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.
____________________________
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.
Saturday, October 8, 2005
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.
________________________________________________________________________
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
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.
________________________________________________________________________
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
Saturday, October 1, 2005
OLYMPIQUE MONTREUX EDGED BRAVE OREM. IVAN MORALES SHOWED STYLE
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
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.
Still playing its trademark 4-3-3 formation,
At the 75th minute, Murphy blasted in the second goal on an unstoppable close range shot from a Vasquez's assist.
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.
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
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.
__________________________
MAN OF THE MATCH: Jake Cavanaugh
__________________________
LEADING SCORERS:
Sergio Vasquez: 10 goals
Chad Gilbert: 9 goals
__________________________
___________________________
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
___________________________
NEXT GAME:
Saturday, October 8, 2005. 4:00 PM
Friday, September 30, 2005
OLYMPIANS TRAVEL TO OREM TO FACE IMPROVED OREM CITY FC
Fullback Mike Rogers will also miss the traveling party. He is running the St. George Marathon this weekend.
Without a doubt,
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
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
“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.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
CHAD GOAL-BERT ON TARGET AGAIN AS OM BEATS INTERNATIONAL 3-1
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,
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
After Vasquez's goal,
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,
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
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.
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
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.
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.
___________________________
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,
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
MATT WOOLLEY is trying hard to join his teammates.
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
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,
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
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