USWNT Defeat Denmark 5-0 in 2012 Algarve Cup Opener

Alex Morgan netted twice for the U.S. Women en route to their 5-0 win

against Denmark.

LAGOS, Portugal (Feb. 29, 2012) - The U.S. Women's National Team played to a 5-0 win against Denmark in the opening game of the Algarve Cup. Alex Morgan opened scoring in the 21st minute of the match and the USA was dominant throughout.

Abby Wambach netted for the U.S. at the end of the first half, and the team came out strong to score three more tallies in the second half. Carli Lloyd netted in the 76th minute with Morgan adding her second less than 10 minutes later. Sydeny Leroux finished the game off in the dying moments of stoppage time to seal the victory.

Dempsey's Goal Lifts USMNT Over Italy

GENOA, Italy — Jurgen Klinsmann celebrated his first ever win over Italy as the German's United States team inflicted a well deserved and memorable 1-0 defeat of the 2006 World Cup winners in an international friendly here on Wednesday.

Fulham striker Clint Dempsey's second half goal gave the United States their fourth successive victory while Italy suffered a second straight loss at home.

For Klinsmann this was a sweet result after his Germany side had come off second best to Italy in the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.

Italy's Sebastian Giovinco produced the hosts' first real chance when his effort forced US keeper Tim Howard into action.

Then the Italians had the ball in the back of the net on 25 minutes only for Alessandro Matri's shot to be ruled offside by Turkish referee Firat Aydinus.

On 37 minutes Italy captain and keeper Gianluigi Buffon - one of the few survivors of the 2006 semi-final win - could only palm away United States veteran Dempsey's stinging shot.

Thiago Motta saw his threatening half volley gratefully scooped up by Howard two minutes from the interval.

The sides went into the break after a first period in which the Italians were unable to capitalise on their superior possession against a committed US side.

On 55 minutes the deadlock was broken when against the run of play Jozy Altidore did well to set up Dempsey whose left-footed drive left Buffon with no chance at all.

Michael Bradley, son of Klinsmann's predecessor in the US hotseat, Bob Bradley, and the only Italy-based player in the visitors side was one of the stars for the United States and only his timely tackle stopped the lively Giovinco in his tracks.

The Italians were having difficulty breaking through the stout US defence led by skipper Carlos Bocanegra and Bundesliga-based Steve Cherundolo, and despite late pressure the US held on for a memorable win.

The loss will have given Italy coach Cesare Prandelli plenty of food for thought as he desperately searches for a strikeforce he can deploy ahead of the Euro 2012 finals in June.

Having successfully got them to the finals and rebuilt some of the damage done to their image after they became the first defending champions to exit at the first hurdle in the 2010 World Cup Prandelli has lost his three leading strikers.

Antonio Cassano is out because of a heart problem, while Giuseppe Rossi too is recovering after suffering a serious injury at the end of October and Cassano's replacement, Manchester City badboy Mario Balotelli, was dropped for his on the field behaviour.

Albert, Bears One Up Hot Soccer Moms

Coach Oscar celebrates Albert Martinez's game-winning goal Sunday night against Hot Soccer Moms.

In a game where both sides were evenly matched, despite a much younger and quicker Hot Soccer Moms squad, Club Bad News Bears used experience and team work to take the win 1-0.

It seemed as if the 0-0 tie would hold.  Both clubs had numerous goal opportunities, with every shot just sailing to the left or right.  Club Bad News Bears would shut down Hot Soccer Mom's speed with a solid defense.  Hot Soccer Moms would disrupt passes and breakaways with their youth.  At times, the game was pretty much a stand still, but at halftime, the Bears coaching staff saw an opportunity for victory.

"They are pretty fast," pointed out Coach Oscar, "but they are tiring themselves out.  They can't get past our back four."

The observation was spot on, as during the second half, despite a few scoring opportunities, Hot Soccer Moms' offense began to slowly deteriorate, and their defense breaking down one player at a time.  In the 65th minute, Albert Martinez took advantage of a deflected shot off the goalkeeper and send the ball at the back of the net to break the tie.

Hot Soccer Moms tried to push the ball forward with time slowly running out, but the Bears defense held off any attack.  In the end, the Bears held on to a 1-0 victory, to the satisfaction of the coaching staff.

"Everybody played their heart out," said assistant coach Scott.  "The win was well-deserved."

The Bears played with several new players on the squad, but the communication and team work displayed throughout the game ultimately became the difference maker tonight.

Club Bad News Bears will take on Katy SDA next week, March 4th at Bear Creek Park's Field #12.

MatchDay Preview: The Road to Soccer Immortality Begins Tonight

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

February 26, 2012     8:00pm CST

Bear Creek Park Field #5

Houston, Texas

The road to soccer immortality begins tonight for Club Bad News Bears.  If the club is serious about finally hoisting a championship trophy over their heads, then no match is more important than tonight's against Hot Soccer Moms.  If the players are truly "on board" with Coach Oscar's new-found vision for the team, than this match is perfect for each and every player to show it.  Tonight, the Bears write their own story that will forever be remembered in soccer history.

As is always the challenge, both of these clubs have never met before.  With that, there are plenty of unknowns that both sides will have trouble creating strategy for.  Who are their best players?  What's their preferred formation?  What are their strengths and weaknesses?  Unfortunately for a coaching staff, those questions and more are answered during the game, but it will be the team who can react to these unknowns quickly and adjust.  The Bears have the advantage in this department, despite not doing so well on opening day against new opponents.  Assistant coach Scott is looking forward to the challenge presented to the club.

"It's not going to be a walk in the park tonight against our opponents, but I have the utmost confidence in our players.  With our speed and talent, we should be able to make quick adjustments to anything that Hot Soccer Moms throw at us."

Tonight's game will be a bit on the cooler side, as temperatures will be down in the upper 50s by game time.  There's a slight 10% chance of rain, but field conditions shouldn't be affected by the 8:00pm kickoff.

Club Bad New Bears:

• 1st meeting against Hot Soccer Moms.  Last game the Bears played was a 2-2 tie against Heatstrikers to close out the 2011 Fall season.
• The Bears will be without defender Ashley Castaldo (personal obligations). 
• With the release of a few players, including Lorena Reyes, the Bears will have to learn quickly on developing a team rhythm.
• The Bears should focus on smart passing; look down field and pass with a purpose.

Hot Soccer Moms:

• 1st meeting against Club Bad News Bears.  Won their last game 3-0 against Katy SDA this season.
• 1st season in the HWSA. 
• Posting a shutout during their first game, the Bears should find a way to get past 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.

Bears Conclude Practice Today

Several players get a final practice in at Bear Creek Park before their season opener tomorrow against Hot Soccer Moms

Coach Oscar Aviles and assistant coach Scott Machala were on hand for a co-op practice between several members of Club Bad News Bears and an all girls squad, led by former Bear and current TFC Thunder player Lorena Reyes.  The temperature was in the mid-50s this morning at Bear Creek Park, but it didn't stop those Bears in attendance from fine tuning their skills before the big game tomorrow against Hot Soccer Moms.

Coach Oscar is looking at having more of these practices made available to the team throughout the season.

"I can't force anyone to come out and practice, but the practices will be there.  Players who do show up will see how beneficial the practices are and that they do really help."

In attendance were Emilio Estevez, Rachel and Sophie Ammar, and Soso.

Assistant coach Scott seemed excited for those that did show up, but did appear a little concerned for those that didn't.

"I know that it's hard to accommodate everyone's schedule.  I hope that we can get more players out here next time.  The ones who did show up today really benefitted from all of the drills and scrimmaging today."

The Bears coaching staff is looking at having two practices a week throughout the season, one on Thursday evenings and the other on Saturday mornings.


 

Season Opener Venue Changed

Bear Creek Park has seen the most Club Bad News Bears games in the club's history, although no season opener wins.

Club Bad News Bears assistant coach and defender, Irma Sanchez, reported last night that the venue for this Sunday's season opener against Hot Soccer Moms has been changed.  Previously to be held at Houston Amateur Sports Park, Field #3, the match will now be played at Bear Creek Park, Field #5.

The Bears are 0-3-1 at Bear Creek Park on opening day, being outscored 3-13, this includes a 2-0 shutout loss to Growling Trout at field #5.  However, Bear Creek Park has seen the most Club Bad News Bears games, 35 to be exact, where the Bears hold a 15-14-6 record, outscoring their opponents 68-59.  The last time the Bears played at field #5, they tied Invictus 1-1.

Bears By the Numbers: Season Opener Edition

With the weather looking very favorable for this Sunday, Club Bad News Bears can finally begin their 2012 Spring season.  The Bears will open up the season against newcomers Hot Soccer Moms.  Although the excitement is building for both these teams to face off against each other, the Bears will have their work cut out against them, as historically, opening day has never been too kind for them.  Here are some interesting numbers for Club Bad News Bears on opening day that could give some insight into this Sunday's match against Hot Soccer Moms, their 10th season opener.

• The Bears have played against 7 opponents on opening day that they have never played against before.  The Bears are 1-5-1 when facing new opponents on opening day, being outscored 11-22.  Hot Soccer Moms will be the Bears' 8th newest opponent for a season opener.
• The Bears have never opened a season at Houston Amateur Sports Park, where this Sunday's match will take place.
• The Bears have played only 1 season opener at 8:00pm, where they lost 2-0 to Growling Trout.  This Sunday's game is at 8:00pm.
• February season openers for the Bears have not been kind, as all three games in the past have resulted in losses, being outscored 4-16.

Additionally, here's a look back at the Bears' past season openers:

February 8, 2009 - Spring Division 5 - Bear Creek Park Field #11
In the club's first ever match, Club Bad News Bears would take on their first opponent, TFC Thunder at Bear Creek Park.  Although the club would score its first goal ever, their opponents took advantage of the Bears' inexperience and put up a bold 8-1 score.

June 14, 2009 - Summer Division 5 - West Houston Soccer Complex Field #3
In the Bears' second season, the outcome would be a lot less painful.  Taking on Winners, the Bears would hold their own and keep the game close throughout.  In the end, however, Winners would live up to their team name and claim a 3-2 victory over the Bears.

September 13, 2009 - Fall Divisoin 5 - West Houston Soccer Complex Field #2
A monumental season opener for the Bears, compared to their first two.  The third season for Club Bad News Bears would finally break the first game jitters against Growling Trout.  Having played them twice before, both shutout victories, the Bears would finally give up one goal to Growling Trout.  However, the Bears would continue to their dominance over them with a 5-1 season opener victory, the first in the club's history.

February 28, 2010 - Spring Division 5 - West Houston Soccer Complex Field #2
Coming off their second straight 4-3-1 season, the Bears looked for a great start to begin the 2010 campaign.  Their opponent was the Golden Mavericks.  Both teams never met before, but after the match ended, the Bears were hoping they had knew them a little better.  Golden Mavericks made it hard from the start, putting the Bears away 6-2.

June 1, 2010 - Summer Division 4 - Bear Creek Park Field #19
Celebrating their 5th season, and getting promoted to Division 4, the Bears looked to turn things around, despite putting up a dismal 3-4-1 record the season before.  At Bear Creek Park, the Bears would take on a new opponent, FC Kilgore.  The match was close, but as in previous season openers, the Bears would fall yet again, 3-2.  The Bears would give up their 100th goal overall in this match.

September 26, 2010 - Fall Division 5 - Bear Creek Park Field #5
Back in Division 5, despite posting an impressive 5-3-0 record, the Bears needed to carry the momentum into this season.  To do that would mean getting by Growlingn Trout, who in their last season opener meeting, won 5-1.  Up until this game, Club Bad News Bears were undefeated against Growling Trout, outscoring them 12-1 in three matches.  The Bears may have taken their opponent too lightly as Growling Trout would come out on top with a 2-0 shutout victory.

February 13, 2011 - Spring Division 5 - West Houston Soccer Complex Field #3
With three straight opening day losses behind them, the Bears hoped that a fresh opponent could break their dry spell.  A new opponent would come, as the Bears were set to take on Heat Strikers.  Both teams played both sides of the field pretty evenly, but the Bears' efforts were not enough as they would begin 2011 with a 2-1 loss.

June 12, 2011 - Summer Division 5 - Bear Creek Park Field #1
Trying to shake off a 4 game losing streak on opening day, the Bears would open up their 8th season against a new opponent, Pluma Mountain Coffee.  Both sides played very aggressively, with both sides nearly scoring on multiple occassions.  In the end, however, both sides would walk off the field with a scorless 0-0 tie, the Bears first tie in season opener history.

September 11, 2011 - Fall Division 6 - Dyess Park Field #2
The 10th Anniversary of 9-11 saw the country keep their promise to "never forget" the events that happened that fateful day.  The Bears would look back at their past history of season openers, never forgetting their struggles throughout the club's history.  Facing Growling Trout for the third time in season openers, the Bears came out strong and determined, keeping the ball out their net the entire game.  Club Bad News Bears would claim a 3-0 shutout victory, as well as see the club's 150th goal scored overall.

Club Bad News Bears currently sit on a two game unbeaten streak.  Maybe the stars will be aligned just right for the Bears this Sunday so that future season openers are not dreaded, but embraced.