2nd Division's FHB Tests Premiership's Olympique Montreux

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to Fox Hollow's strong showing against Olympique Montreux in our Utah Open Cup second round match! Although we won't be advancing to the next round, our Club may have played its best football of the season against a team that ordinarily plays two divisions above our own. Moreover, we did so without one of our top scorers and the captain of our defense, among others.

Olympique Montreux currently is one of the best teams of the Utah Soccer Association's Premiership. In fact, OM may be the state's most prominent amateur team. They are well-coached and well-funded. At virtually every position, OM fields players that are skilled, experienced and very fast. Nevertheless, our small, second division club that was founded just last year was not intimidated. Our back line showed grit, determination and no small measure of skill in limiting OM's scoring opportunities. Our midfielders skillfully managed the game despite being under constant pressure. FHB midfielders and forwards faced active and talented defenders, but created a number of excellent opportunities. Our players, at every location on the pitch, showed flashes of brilliance.

Though every Fox Hollow player contributed tremendous effort, I will mention just a few stand-out performances (leaving it to other players to comment on performances I may overlook). On a direct free kick, Alejandro Guiterrez scored our only goal: a brilliant strike taken just outside the penalty box. Derek Holbeck, one of our center backs and the anchor of our defense, played at a very high level. John Grant, starting at center back (for the first time, I believe) had a tremendous game and demonstrated why many of his teammates feel he may be our most improved player this season. Ben Wheeler, despite a painful knee injury, subbed in at keeper during the second half. John Thuet, started at the goalie position and played his best game of the year. Playing at OM's home field apparently inspires John. Earlier this season, he played brilliantly against OM (earning compliments from OM's club president). Last night, he made several excellent saves, showed renewed power on his kicks from the penalty box and kept us in the match. During the first half, Taylor Jackson, who has been unavailable much of the season due to illness and injury took a nice shot from distance that narrowly missed the net and which (if I remember correctly) would have evened the score. Our Captain, Alex Zamora contributed a forceful header that might have scored against a lesser goalie. Chris Wade and Brett Wade were, as always, very effective and covered a tremendous amount of ground. Finally, Jeremy Johnson created at least one terrific scoring chance.

Olympique Montreux was the better side and the final score, 4 to 1, reflected that fact. But FHB demonstrated that it could not be taken lightly. The score might easily have been 3 to 2.

Thanks to those players who re-arranged their schedules (missing work, school or other important events) to participate in this unusually early, week-night game. As always, thanks to Coach Julio Artigas for the time he's invested in our team. Of course, we're also grateful to our family members, friends and fans who regularly demonstrate their support by attending our games.

Special thanks to Nate Huntsman who, despite waging a personal battle against cancer, somehow finds the time and energy to attend our practices, cheer us on at our games, translate for Coach Artigas and subject our opponents (and sometimes us) to a little good-natured heckling.