Bears Tie on Late Penalty Kick Goal By Sophie

Club Bad News Bears remain unbeaten against Invictus as they would come from behind late in the second half to tie the game, on a penalty kick by Sophie, 2-2, and send Invictus back to the drawing board on a very frustrating season.

The aggressiveness was there.  The speed was there.  The trash talking was there.

Invictus brought an expected A-game to the field, and in the 17th minute, would get a goal by exposing a shifted defense, leaving the center open, creating a perfect goal opportunity.  In the 26th minute, Hanniel Malagon would be yellow carded for an apparent slide down the line, although his knee was clearly on the ground, preventing such a call.

Lots of goal opportunities by the Bears, but none were able to get passed a sharp Invictus goal keeper.

Halftime saw a 1-0 Invictus lead, but a strategy change which focused on attacking from the sides and drawing the middle defenders out of the box, was stressed.

With that in mind, the Bears continued to attack, creating better opportunities, but still no shots getting through. 

Invictus continued its aggressiveness, although it would cost them a yellow card in the 49th minute.

Roberto would also receive a yellow card in the 76th minute, allowing Invictus to convert a penalty kick and extending their lead 2-0.  However, in the 79th minute, a foul on Hanniel just inside the box would set up a Sophie Ammar penalty kick, in hopes of tying the game.  Her kick was well placed and through the net for the tie with less than a minute to play.

After the referee blew his whistle, the Bears celebrated a hard fought effort with their "never say die" attitude.  As usual, the majority of the players from Invictus displayed no sign of sportsmanship after the game, as they didn't display any during the game.

Club Bad News Bears (3-2-1) vs. Invictus (2-3-1)

July 31, 2011 -- Houston Amateur Sports Park

Scoring Summary:

1st Half:  Invictus - 1     Club Bad News Bears - 0
2nd Half:  Invictus - 1     Club Bad News Bears - 2
Total:  Invictus - 2         Club Bad News Bears - 2

Misconduct Summary: Hanniel Malagon - Yellow Card (17'), Invictus #19 - Yellow Card (49'), Roberto - Yellow Card (76')

Attendance:  11

Weather:  Partly cloudy and 93 degrees

All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial

MatchDay Preview: Must Win Game For Bears Tonight

Club Bad News Bears (3-2-1) vs. Invictus (2-3-0)

July 31, 2011     8:00pm CST

Houston Amateur Sports Park, Field #3
Houston, Texas

If Club Bad News Bears were ever searching for a break in their schedule, tonight is not it.  Their opponents, Invictus, might be one of the toughest opponents they have ever faced.  Their record this season doesn't accurately display this, but any well prepared opponent of Invictus should not be fooled by their 2-3-0 record.  They have an aggressive defense, with a sharp offense to put any game away quickly. 

For the Bears, it all comes down to a win tonight to keep them at pace with Pluma Mountain Coffee.  A tie or loss will definitely hurt any chances of keeping first place hopes alive. 

Although strategy can be a bit hectic against Invictus, the concept should remain the same throughout this season:  smart passes and quick defense.  The rest will definitely fall into place, as it did the first time these two clubs met this season, resulting in a 4-3 come-from-behind victory for the Bears, who were down 2-0 at the half.  A pair of Rachel Ammar goals gave the Bears their first victory against Invictus, as well as giving them their first loss in club history.

Club Bad News Bears are coming off of a heart-breaking 3-1 loss from Pluma Mountain Coffee.  Invictus will try to take the momentum into tonight with its 3-0 victory last week over Growling Trout.
Tonight's game will be on the warmer side, with temperatures dropping to 91 degrees by kickoff with partly cloudy skies and a 10% chance or rain.  Wind will reach 9mph from the south-southeast.

Club Bad New Bears:

• Third meeting against Invictus.  Last meeting resulted in a 4-3 win at Houston Amateur Sports Park.
• Despite injuries to Juan Sanchez, Irma Sanchez and Marvette Limon-Machala last week, team should be at full strength.
• Fourth game at Houston's Houston Amateur Sports Park, overall record at HASP is 2-1-0 all-time, outscoring their opponents 10-9.
• Keep the strategy and lineup consistent.  Introducing any new elements into the game this late into the season will only weaken the team and confuse the players mindset.

FC Happy Meal:

• Third meeting against Club Bad News Bears.  Last meeting resulted in a 4-3 loss at Houston Amateur Sports Park.
• Invictus are 1-1-0 at HASP, outscoring their opponents 8-7. 
• Solid offense; not afraid to take shots and create plays from long distance.
• Aggressive defense.

Injury Report:

No injuries to report at this time.

Suspension:

No suspensions to report at this time.

Head-to-Head All-Time:

Club Bad News Bears are tied in the series against Invictus with a record of 1-1-0.  Last meeting was a 4-3 victory for Club Bad News Bears.



VIDEO: Taking on Life

This week's video is sure to put the fire back in the Bears' eyes as they prepare to take on a tough opponent in Invictus.  The speech is from the movie "Rocky Balboa", which is considered one of the greatest speeches in movie history. 

It's A Girl!!!

Congratulations to Club Bad News Bears defender Chris Sanchez and his lovely wife Elice.  On Monday, Elice gave birth to a baby girl, Mia Elise Sanchez! 

Did You Know? 7/28 Edition

Club Bad News Bears are 2-0-0 this season when coming off of a loss or tie, outscoring their opponents 5-0.

Week 6 Recap

Pluma Mountain Coffee now has sole possession of first place after their 3-1 victory over Club Bad News Bears on Sunday night.  The loss for the Bears dropped them down to third place, two points behind FC Happy Meal.  Coffee's goal keeper was too much for the Bears as more than 12 shots on goal were taken by the Bears and only one could reach the back of the net, a goal by Hanniel Malagon from a deflected corner from Soso.

In other games from Week 6, FC Happy Meal dominated their opponents, Growling Trout, 5-0, while Invictus defeated AFC Renegades 5-3.  FC Happy Meal's victory pushed them up to second place, while Invictus' victory keeps them alive for a chance at a top two position.

This Day In Bad News Bears History: July 25

July 25, 2010
Bear Creek Park, Field #21
7:00pm

Club Bad News Bears would wrap up Week 5 of the 2010 Division 4 Summer season with a closely contested 1-0 victory over FC Happy Meal.  The victory would increase their winning streak to four games and give them their best start after five games with 12 points.

Despite Strong Efforts, Coffee Leaves Bad Taste in Bears' Mouths

Eventually something was going to have to give.  Eventually, one of these clubs was going to make a mistake.  Eventually, someone was going to give up a goal.  Unfortunately, Club Bad News Bears did.

On one of the coolest nights this season, Club Bad News Bears and Pluma Mountain Coffee met for the second time this season at Houston Amateur Sports Park with a lot at stake.  The prize:  first place.  Both clubs were tied before the game at 10 points a piece.  The last time these two met, the match ended in a tie, leaving both clubs to look back at opportunities that created shots that could have been goals.

Before the game, it was learned that Coach Oscar would be out with a torn ACL.  He is now out for at least the next three months.  Albert, Rachel, Vu and Kristy were also out before the game.

The Bears found themselves matched pretty equally throughout the opening minutes of the first half.  A nice cross by Juan Sanchez to Sophie Ammar was interrupted only by Pluma Mountain Coffee's goalie.  A second attempt just minutes later ended in the same result.  Like the last meeting, the Bears were finding no breaks against Coffee's goalkeeping.

In the 18th minute, however, Pluma Mountain Coffee would break the scoring drought and land a shot in the far corner of the net, set up by a fresh Bears defense that entered the game just minutes before.

"What can you say about that?"  asked Chris Sanchez, "It was a great shot and we just weren't there to stop it."

Not to let one goal affect them, the Bears began to adjust defensively and hold off future attacks by Pluma Mountain Coffee.  Unfortunately, the Bears offense was still puzzled on how to get a shot passed their goal keeper.  The Bears tallied six shots on goal by the end of the first half, and no goals to show for it.

In the 39th minute, the Bears would allow a second goal, putting them behind 2-0 in a crucial game.

At halftime, Coach Oscar rallied his troops.

"It's not over.  We've been here before."

The second half opened up with a little more promise for the Bears, but another hole in the defense found Coffee's third goal of the night in the 50th minute, putting them up 3-0 with no hope in sight for the Bears to catch up.

Minutes would seem like seconds as the second half approached its end, and the Bears continued to make good passes to the middle, but every shot was found in the goalie's hands.  The Bears were not out yet, and needed to make some clutch plays to stay in this game. 

Hanniel Malagon would fortunately get a goal through in the 73rd minute after a Soso corner, narrowing the deficit to 3-1.  Minutes later, Juan Sanchez took the ball towards the net, but was tackled from behind in the box with no call by the ref, which would have set up a penalty kick, keeping the Bears chances alive.

The final whistle blew and the Bears were left with a result that did not clearly reflect their efforts.

"Nothing to be ashamed about," stated Oscar Aviles.  "We played well against a tough team."

Ashley Castaldo added some positive reinforcement after the game.

"At least we didn't get shut out!"

Club Bad News Bears (3-1-1) vs. Pluma Mountain Coffee (3-1-1)

July 24, 2011 -- Houston Amateur Sports Park

Scoring Summary:

1st Half:  Pluma Mountain Coffee- 2     Club Bad News Bears - 0
2nd Half:  Pluma Mountain Coffee - 1     Club Bad News Bears - 1
Total:  Pluma Mountain Coffee - 3         Club Bad News Bears - 1

Misconduct Summary: None

Attendance:  10

Weather:  Partly cloudy and 88 degrees

All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial

BREAKING NEWS

Breaking news coming in from Club Bad News Bears late this morning...

Irma Sanchez, assistant coach of the Bears, has released a list of players doubtful for today's game:

Coach Oscar Aviles is out for the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles Tendon.  No word as of yet on his road to recovery and when Oscar will be expected back on the field. 

MatchDay Preview: Bears Battle Coffee For First Place

Club Bad News Bears (3-1-1) vs. Pluma Mountain Coffee (3-1-1)

July 24, 2011     8:00pm CST

Houston Amateur Sports Park, Field #2

Houston, Texas

At the start of the season, Club Bad News Bears and Pluma Mountain Coffee found themselves in a real nail biter of a game.  Many great shots taken by both teams, but only find their efforts drift inches from the goal.  Nice goalkeeping by both clubs, supplemented with aggressive defense turned what could have been a great start for either club into an exhausting 0-0 tie.  Tonight, as they started the season, both clubs are tied for first place.

Club Bad News Bears have found great success at Houston Amateur Sports Park, defeating two great clubs, Invictus and FC Happy Meal.  The venue comes just in time for the Bears, who can take sole possession of first place with a victory tonight over Pluma Mountain Coffee.  The Bears have outscored their opponents 9-6 at HASP, only allowing three goals each game.  Their girls, Sophie and Rachel, have enjoyed their share of goals on Fields #3 and #4.

Both clubs are coming off of victories from last week.  Club Bad News Bears defeated then-first place FC Happy Meal 5-3, while Pluma Mountain Coffee held off AFC Renegades 3-2.

Tonight's game will see weather conditions cool off in the upper 70s and partly cloudy skies, with a 20% chance of rain.  Wind is forecasted at around 12mph from the south.

Club Bad New Bears:

• Second meeting against Pluma Mountain Coffee.  Last meeting resulted in a 0-0 tie at Bear Creek Park.
• Club Bad News Bears should be at full strength tonight.
• Third game at Houston's Houston Amateur Sports Park, overall record at HASP is 2-0-0 all-time, outscoring their opponents 9-6.
• Bears need to continue takimg their recent success against past opponents and apply it towards an aggressive defense from Pluma Mountain Coffee; continue with the smart passing/shot-taking, as well as staying true to the modified formation seen from last week.

FC Happy Meal:

• Second meeting against Club Bad News Bears.  Last meeting resulted in a 0-0 tie at Bear Creek Park.
• Pluma Mountain Coffee are 1-1-0 at HASP, outscoring their opponents 5-3, including a 4-0 shutout.
• Excellent goal keeper; constant communication towards his players.
• Strong midfielders with superb passing.

Injury Report:

Juan Sanchez (ankle) is expected to play; Marvette Limon-Machala (ankle) expected to play.

Suspension:

No suspensions to report at this time.

Head-to-Head All-Time:

Club Bad News Bears are tied in the series against Pluma Mountain Coffee with a record of 0-0-1.  Last meeting was a 0-0 tie.

VIDEO: Soccer Skills Compilation

In preparation for this Sunday's games, here is a video, for your enjoyment, inspiration and motiviation.



Did You Know? 7/21 Edition

Hanniel's goal in the 2nd minute of the Bears' 5-3 victory over FC Happy Meal was the fastest goal scored in club history.  Sophie's goal in the 4th minute would set another club record of the fastest two goals scored.

Week 5 Recap



Sophie Ammar scores her first goal

in the fourth minute.



Club Bad News Bears and FC Happy Meal played, quite possibly, the best game of the 2011 Summer season.  It was definitely one of their best, if not their best, games as a club.  The 5-3 victory for the Bears now have them tied for first place, with next Sunday's opponent Pluma Mountain Coffee. 

The victory would come from an early goal by Hanniel Malagon in the 2nd minute, followed by another goal in the 4th minute by Sophie Ammar, one of two goals she would score that night. 

In other games, Pluma Mountain Coffee would hold on to a 3-2 victory over AFC Renegades to keep them at par with Club Bad News Bears.  As of this post, the Invictus-Growling Trout score has yet to be reported. 

Bears Earn Supersized Win Over FC Happy Meal

In a battle between first and second place, and in front of a record 13 Bears fans, Club Bad News Bears made it a game to be remembered, whether FC Happy Meal likes it or not.  In a game that saw their passing game improve greatly, the Bears were definitely focused on getting an edge over their opponents early on in the game, and the first six minutes of this heavily contested match saw just that.

The Bears would draw first blood in the second minute as Hanniel would take a deflected shot by Rena 25 yards and blast it past the goalie.  The goal would be Hanniel's first of the season.  Two minutes later, Juan Sanchez would attack from the right side and cut a pass to the middle, where he would find Sophie inside the box for the Bears' second goal of the night, making it 3-0 with the female goal.

The game's early scoring spree wouldn't end as FC Happy Meal would respond with a female goal of their own in the sixt minute, narrowing the Bears' lead down to one with a 3-2 score.

The remainder of the first half saw a physical game from both sides.  FC Happy Meal's #3 would be given a yellow card for a push on Chris deep in the Bears' territory down the left side.  On many occasions, the both teams traded pushes and shoves for control of the ball.  However, no score through the rest of the first half and the Bears would enjoy a 3-2 lead over their fierce opponents, despite some heavy trash talking.

Second half would open up in the 50th minute with another FC Happy Meal goal, this time by #3, with a header, tying the game at 3-3.  The goal was scored after two unsuccessful headers.





Hanniel Malagon celebrates the Bears' victory

over FC Happy Meal with his very own Happy

Meal.



With the game becoming more and more defensive, Juan Sanchez took it upon himself to fly down the right side again, taking a decisive pass from Marvette Limon-Machala, only to cut a pass down the middle to find Sophie Amar again, scoring her second goal of the night and for the season.  The Bears would take the lead 5-3. 





Trash talking would resume from both sides, especially from FC Happy Meal.  Yet, in the end, the final whistle would blow and Club Bad News Bears would take the much deserved victory and now enjoy residence at the top of the standings.

"Great win!" shouted by Scott Machala, who filled in for Coach Oscar.  "This win was for the women who weren't able to win the big one today."  Scott was referring to the U.S. Women's National Team, who fell to Japan in the World Cup final earlier today.



Club Bad News Bears (2-1-1) vs. FC Happy Meal (3-1-0)

July 17, 2011 -- Houston Amateur Sports Park

Scoring Summary:

1st Half:  FC Happy Meal - 2     Club Bad News Bears - 3

2nd Half:  FC Happy Meal - 1     Club Bad News Bears - 2

Total:  FC Happy Meal - 3         Club Bad News Bears - 5

Misconduct Summary: FC Happy Meal - #3 (Yellow Card)

Attendance:  13

Weather:  Partly cloudy and 86 degrees

All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial

MatchDay Preview: Bears Eye First Place Tonight

Club Bad News Bears (2-1-1) vs. FC Happy Meal (3-1-0)
July 17, 2011     8:00pm CST

Houston Amateur Sports Park, Field #4
Houston, Texas

Club Bad News Bears have a chance to, at the least, claim a share of first place in the standings with a win over FC Happy Meal tonight.  Both of these clubs are no stranger to each other, having split their four previous meetings at 2 wins a piece.  The Bears are coming off of a 4-0 victory over Growling Trout, while FC Happy Meal enjoyed an 8-2 rout of AFC Renegades.  Both clubs are looking pretty impressive after the midway point of the season, with FC Happy Meal leading the team in goals scored with 16 and the Bears only giving up the second least amount of goals, with 5.

Both clubs are playing at Houston Amateur Sports Park's Field #4 for the first time, but have seen success previously at the soccer complex.  Club Bad News Bears earned a tough 4-3 victory over Invictus, while FC Happy Meal defeated Pluma Mountain Coffee 3-1.

Rain is forecasted for tonight with isolated showers in the area.  30% chance of rain by kickoff with winds coming from the south-southeast at 8mph.

 

Club Bad New Bears:

• Fifth meeting against FC Happy Meal.  Last meeting resulted in a 3-2 defeat at Dyess Park.
• Club Bad News Bears should see Soijem "Soso" Ossi play, despite injuring hamstring last week.
• First game at Houston's Houston Amateur Sports Park Field #4, overall record at HASP is 1-0-0 all-time.
• Bears need to take success from last week's victory and apply it towards a goal savvy FC Happy Meal; defense, defense, defense AND smart passing/shot-taking is the key.

FC Happy Meal:

• Fifth meeting against Club Bad News Bears.  Last meeting resulted in a 3-2 victory.
• FC Happy Meal have been outscored 13-8 by Club Bad News Bears; all-time series is 2-2-0.
• Double threat on the offensive side.
• FC Happy Meal has had great success in the goal department.

Injury Report:

Soso (hamstring) is expected to play.

Suspension:
No suspensions to report at this time.

Head-to-Head All-Time:
Club Bad News Bears are tied in the series against FC Happy Meal with a record of 2-2-0.  Last meeting was a 3-2 victory for FC Happy Meal.

VIDEO: Write the Future

A three minute commercial designed to inspire before the big game against FC Happy Meal.  Enjoy!!!

Did You Know? 7/14 Edition

Sunday's 4-0 victory over Growling Trout would see Club Bad News Bears, for the first time in club history, play against a female goalie.

Week 4 Recap

The 2011 Summer season has reached its midpoint, and there is definitely a tight race for first place.

Club Bad News Bears would get back into winning form with a 4-0 victory over a depleted Growling Trout.  Albert Sanchez would score first in the 36th minute, followed by a pair of goals from Juan Sanchez in the second half.  Greg McFarlane would also add to the shutout with a second half goal.

In other Week 4 games, FC Happy Meal would remain in first place with a crushing 8-2 victory of AFC Renegades.  Also, Pluma Mountain Coffee would hold on to win over Invictus 2-1.

As it stands, FC Happy Meal is in first place, two points ahead of Pluma Mountain Coffee and Club Bad News Bears, who are both tied for second place after four games.

Bad News for Growling Trout: Bears Convincing in 4-0 Win

Club Bad News Bears got back to their winning ways with a convincing 4-0 victory over a struggling Growling Trout squad.  Growling Trout's sideline was bare as only one spectator and zero subs were present.  The heat would take its toll on both clubs, but the lack of support for Growling Trout made the victory for the Bears very easy.

Playing their first game in two weeks, Club Bad News Bears would go up against a female goalie for the first time in club history.  For the most part, she held her own.  A couple of times, Albert Martinez found his shots directly in her hands.  Even their defense was putting their entire bodies into it, as Marvette Limon-Machala would have her first half shot blocked early on by a defenseman's face.

However, in the 36th minute, Albert Martinez took a bad pass by Growling Trout and stormed down the field and found the back of the net in the 36th minute.

Leading 1-0 at the half, Coach Oscar praised his team on their excellent passing and teamwork.  Drained by the sun, the team gathered a second wind and found an opportunity to push an attack against a very drained and exhausted Growling Trout side.  Soijem "Soso" Ossi would sit out the second half with a pulled hamstring.

Midway through the second half, Juan Sanchez would follow through on a deflected Sophie Ammar shot to put the Bears up 2-0 in the 58th minute.  Greg McFarlane would answer thirteen minutes later in the 71st minute with an unassisted goal.  At this point, the Bears' opponent were just waiting for the final whistle to blow.

Juan Sanchez would find the back of the net one more time in the 79th minute to put the Bears up for good at 4-0. 

All four goals were scored unassisted, taking advantage of deflected or poor passing from Growling Trout.

At the end of the game, Coach Oscar celebrated the win with praise and congratulations.  The win guarantees at least a second place postion in the standings.

Club Bad News Bears (1-1-1) vs. Growling Trout (1-3-0)
July 10, 2011 -- Bear Creek Park

Scoring Summary:

1st Half:  Growling Trout - 0     Club Bad News Bears - 1

2nd Half:  Growling Trout - 0     Club Bad News Bears - 3

Total:  Growling Trout - 0         Club Bad News Bears - 4

Misconduct Summary: N/A

Attendance:  8

Weather:  Sunny and 90 degrees

All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial

MatchDay Preview: Bears Aim to Get Back on Winning Streak

Club Bad News Bears (1-1-1) vs. Growling Trout (1-2-0)
July 10, 2011     6:00pm CST

Bear Creek Park, Field #29
Houston, Texas

With three games down this season, Club Bad News Bears look to get back on a winning track and capitalize on a good 4 point start for the 2011 Summer season.  Their opponents, Growling Trout, have had a tough season, yet the Bears shouldn't count them as victory just yet.

Last season, the Bears defeated Growling Trout 4-2 at Bear Creek Park.  Historically, the Bears first win came against tonight's opponent, winning 6-0, also recording their first ever shutout after the victory.  Overall, Club Bad News Bears own the series, with a record of 6-2-0, outscoring Growling Trout 23-10.

The Bears shouldn't guarantee a win just yet against Growling Trout, as defeat finally set in for the Bears against AFC Renegade two weeks ago.  The Bears were undefeated against AFC Renegade until a 2-0 loss ended that streak. 

The ninth meeting between these two teams will have to endure 90 degree temperature by kickoff, with a slight 10% chance of rain to cool off.  Here's a preview for both teams:

Club Bad New Bears:

• Ninth meeting against Growling Trout.  Last meeting resulted in a 4-2 victory.
• Club Bad News Bears will see Hanniel Malagon play, despite being injured two weeks ago.
• First game at Bear Creek Park's Field #29, overall record at Bear Creek Park is 12-13-6 all-time.
• Team needs to follow through after each shot is taken; eliminate the urge to "stand around and watch".

AFC Renegades:

• Ninth meeting against Club Bad News Bears.  Last meeting resulted in a 4-2 defeat.
• Growling Trout have been outscored 23-10 by Club Bad News Bears.
• Very physical players, especially towards the opposing female players.
• Growling Trout has had difficulty finding the back of the net this season.

Injury Report:

Hanniel Malagon (knee) is expected to play.

Suspension:
No suspensions to report at this time.

Head-to-Head All-Time:
Club Bad News Bears lead the series over AFC Renegades with a record of 6-2-0.  Last meeting was a 4-2 victory for Club Bad News Bears.

Did You Know? 7/7 Edition

After July 4th, Club Bad News Bears are 2-0-0, outscoring their opponents 5-1.  Both victories were at Bear Creek Park, a 3-1 victory over Miners and a 2-0 shutout over Soccer Maniacs.