Organised defence key to success says coach
Head coach Scott Morton has made moulding his team into a cohesive defensive unit his top priority this summer.
Morton has carefully analysed video footgage from Hogges' matches against Reading United and identified his team's occasional lack of organisation as an area that needs addressing.
Mastering the defensive 'dark arts' will allow Hogges to fully exploit their attacking virtues, believes Morton, whose team play Ocean City FC from New Jersey tonight.
"Our players are good technically and very athletic but it's important to be organised at this level, that's what carries you over as a team," he said.
"If you can stay organised for long durations you will remain in the game and then hopefully be able to change it in your favour.
"We've analysed both games (against Reading United) and we need to be far more organised defensively, especially in the first half.
"Our ability on the ball and speed will come into the match naturally but we must first remain focussed, organised and in control of our possession."
Morton will make no more than two changes to his line-up with midfielder Nahki Wells likely to start following his impressive substitute displays against Reading.
Utility man Jared Peniston is another who could force his way into Morton's plans, especially if defender Ajani Gibbons fails to recover from an ankle injury.
He has been receiving around the clock treatment from Hogges' physio Craig Brown and is Hogges only injury concern for tonight's match.
"I might make one or two changes, two at max because you need to keep our core the same in order to be consistent," Morton said.
"Ajani Gibbons is a question mark. He's been working with our physio Craig Brown everyday in training so we're monitoring him.
"Other than that, everyone else is fit and healthy and Logan Alexander and Ernest Signor are back in the fold."
Hogges go in hunt of their first victory in the PDL against a City side that have yet to win in their opening four matches.
Claiming three points would serve a huge belief booster in the Hogges dressing room, although Morton has warned his players against "chasing the game".
"Winning is contagious, it's a good feeling, and if we stay focussed I'm sure we will see results this season," he said.
"I don't know too much about (Ocean City). We're still working on our game, we still have to master it as it's very much a work in progress.
"But we can't go chasing the result, we must think about the steps you have to take in order to get to the result."
n Yesterday, the Centre on Philanthropy announced they will once again be partnering with the Hogges for a charitable programme called 'Football Fans Give'.
For each of the remaining three Friday night home games, a local charity will be chosen to receive any donations from the crowd.
Insurer and Hogges sponsor, Aspen Re, will match all donations received thus doubling the impact of the individual donations,
Richard Calderon, president of Bermuda Football Association, said: "Once again this clearly demonstrates how the BFA continues to work with the local football fraternity and the community in general.
"Being a part of the 'Football Fans Give' will highlight how we all come together as one for a common goal. Last year over $2,500 was raised, among four charities, this year we want to surpass that total."
Hogges play City tonight at 8 p.m., and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Both games will be held at BAA Field.