MatchDay Preview: Bears Eye Their First Win Against a Church Club

Club Bad News Bears (1-0-0) vs. Hot Soccer Moms (0-1-0)

March 4, 2012     8:00pm CST

Bear Creek Park Field #12

Houston, Texas

Tonight's game for Club Bad News Bears will be truly be a first, as they will play against their first team based out of a local church.  Katy SDA, a Seventh-day Adventist church located on the west side of Houston, took a 3-0 shutout defeat two weeks ago during their debut into the HWSA.  The Bears will try to maintain the momentum coming off of their 1-0 victory over Hot Soccer Moms.

This will be the second week in a row for the Bears to go up against opponents that are new to the league, which always creates a unique set of challenges for both players and coaches.  Assistant coach Scott Machala has stressed all week that the focus must be consistent from last week.

"We played well last week because we played together as a team.  We were focused and communicated very well.  That does not change tonight, or any night for that matter."

The Bears look to begin the season 2-0 with a victory over Katy SDA, attempting to mirror the excellent 2-0 start they exhibited last season, which resulted in their best season overall performance in club history.  To accomplish this, the Bears will need to maintain the consistency, competitiveness and composure that each player showed on the field last week.

Bears' defender will be out for a second straight week, but her absence should not hurt a defensive side that has not allowed a goal this season.  Karl Fulk, who did miss last week's season opener, should be available for tonight's game.

Tonight's game will be a bit on the cooler side, as temperatures will be down in the upper 40s by game time.  There's no chance of rain, but a slight wind topping at 8mph.

Club Bad New Bears:

• 1st meeting against Katy SDA.  Last game the Bears played was a 1-0 victory against Hot Soccer Moms to open the 2012 Spring season.
• The Bears will be without defender Ashley Castaldo (personal obligations). 
• The Bears can clinch their second win of the season in as many games by maintaining the consistency expected by the coaching staff.
• Smart passing is strongly emphasized tonight, along with watching each other's backs and preventing any "back-door" passes.

Hot Soccer Moms:

• 1st meeting against Club Bad News Bears.  Lost their last game 3-0 against Hot Soccer Moms this season.
• 1st season in the HWSA. 
• Having been shutout during their first game, Katy SDA will be finding a way to improve their offense against a defense that hasn't allowed a goal this season.
• Since they are new to this league, they don't have a lot to lose.  The pressure is more on their opponents who have been in this league before.

Injury Report:

No injuries to report at this time.

Suspension:

No suspensions to report at this time.

Head-to-Head All-Time:

First meeting between both clubs.