SCOTTDALE, AZ (September 21, 2003). We just got beat and we need to forget this week and move on. Well, that seems to be the best advice imaginable after a 5-1 loss being dished out by the Sereno 87 White football club this past Sunday. The 8:00 match illustrated the fitness and organization of the younger squad in contrast to the frustrated and unprepared Predators. The game more than anything was a wake up call, as the club surely will need to buff out its rough spots, increase its level of fitness and raise its mental toughness and communication level.
The match began with the opponents out-hustling the host team Predators. The majority of the first half involved Sereno ball possession and numerous strikes from their right wing. The tally was 3-0 Serano at half. At halftime the Predators made some adjustments, but they were too little and too late to affect the overall outcome. Our commitment to play physical ball against the smaller team fell short, with only sparing moments of aggressive tackles and use of our physical advantages. The second half was more of the same miscommunication and frustration, including a span of a few minutes where a substitution error left the club with 10 players on the pitch. A couple of the bright spots for the game included the solid overall play of defender Hans Koppenhoefer and a late 2nd half goal by striker Joe Remblance that began with an effective drive originating from the right fullback Justin Copp through the midfield.
The squad would do well to put this game behind and press on as it did over the summer league with a season-opener loss. The further assimilation of the new squad additions and a more consistent showing for practices should ensure a more productive year. There is nowhere to go but up.
Next week's game time and location have yet to be posted, so tune into the league site for more details at www.suasl.com.