Football Teams Record 2 Wins, 1 Draw In Florida
On Saturday [Aug 24] the Bermuda National Academy teams continued taking part in the Naples Cup Tournament recording two wins and one draw.
The matches were played in the sweltering South Florida heat, and the importance with hydration stressed to the players was highlighted. The match officials enforced mandatory water breaks mid way through each half to ensure the safety of the players in the soaring temperatures.
U12 NA Select 2 vs 1 Cape Coral Cyclones
The Bermuda U12 NA select faced a faster and stronger opposition than in their previous matches. The players quickly adjusted to the increased intensity in the match. Bermuda took the lead when Z’Dao Dill was released behind the defense and nicely finished with a chip over the advancing goal keeper. The match continued to remain tight with both teams testing each other. Bermuda held a slim 10 lead at half time.
In the second half the Cyclones were rewarded for their consistent efforts when they scored with a firm shot past goal keeper Ayleal Dill to level the score at 1-1. Bermuda would force several corners that they could not get on the end of to finish. A well worked short corner between Khiari Sharrief Hayward and Jarryd Richardson saw a cross into the box met with a beautiful volley at the near post from Z’Dao Dill to record his second goals in the game and put Bermuda up 2-1. Rory Mckittrick and Simeon Burrows worked hard to win the midfield battle and ensure Bermuda would maintain the lead to finish 2-1.
Bermuda are tied on 4 points with Naples FC but trail on goal difference. The U12 NA Select will play the Lee County Strikers at 9:15AM today before facing the Englewood Rays in their final match at 1:00PM
U13 NA Select 2 vs 1 Weston FC
The U13 NA Select recorded their second win in as many matches with a come from behind win over the Weston FC from Miami. Weston FC took the lead early in the first half before Bermuda would draw level with a goal from the boot of Kenfari Swan. The teams would continue to test each other and the score remained at 1-1 going into the half.
Play would continue in the second half to be very tight. Jeze Butterfield would finish a good attacking movement to put Bermuda ahead 2-1. This would prove to be the match winner as neither team could find the back of the net for the remainder of the match.
Bermuda sit on top of the group with 6 points. On Sunday they will play the Leg AZ Caimains at 12 noon before playing the MAko Sharks in their final match at 4:15 PM.
U14 NA Select 3 vs 3 Mako Sharks
The Bermuda U14 NA Select would take control of the proceedings in this match before being made to pay for taking their foot off the gas. Bermuda would surge ahead behind goals from Matteo Dill, Cory Booth and Tai Williams to finish the half with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Any thoughts of coasting to a win were put to bed in the second half when the Mako Sharks responded with 3 unanswered goals to tie the game and finish 3-3.
Bermuda have won their group and will now play Leg AZ Caimains in the semi-final at 10:30 AM. The finals is scheduled for 2:45 PM should Bermuda advance.
