U/12 & U/13 Teams Win Florida Tournament
[Updated] The Bermuda National Academy Under/12 and Under/13 teams won their divisions today [Aug 25] at the Naples Cup Tournament in Florida, after going through undefeated. The Under/14 team also took part, and they made it to the semi finals where they were defeated.
The Naples Cup is a Florida Youth Soccer Association and United States Youth Soccer Association sanctioned tournament and featured 160+ teams from the United States and around the world.
We only have the overall results as of now, however will update with more information on the matches as able.
Update: U12 Boys Naples Cup Champions
The U12 NA team opened play on Friday evening with a 2-2 draw with Naples FC. On Saturday the team recorded a 2-1 win over the Cape Coral Cyclones. Headed into Sunday morning the NA U12 Select trailed the Naples FC on goal difference. Bermuda would move to the top of the standings after recording a 11-0 win over the Lee County Strikers, but would only be ahead on tie breaker of 1 few goal allowed. In the final match Bermuda cruised past Englewood Rays 7-0 to seal the championship. The U12 NA Select team was coached by Jermaine Smith.
U13 Boys Naples Cup Champions
The U13 NA Select began play with a 4-0 win over The Soccer Pit Immokalee Cobras on Friday evening. This was followed up with a narrow come from behind 2-1 win over Weston FC on Saturday morning. Sunday morning team Bermuda continued their domination with a 4-1 win over Leg AZ Caimains. In their final match of the day the tired legs of Bermuda held on to draw 1-1 with second placed Mako Sharks and seal the championship. The U13 NA Select team was coached by Sergio Goater.
U14 Boys Naples Cup Semi Finalist
The U14 NA Select were well positioned to complete the clean sweep but were undone by some inconsistent performances. The team started strongly on Friday evening with a 6-1 win over The Soccer Pit Immokalee Cobras. On Saturday morning Bermuda squandered a 3-0 first half lead to finish ties at 3-3 with the Mako Sharks, but still advance to the knock-out phase as the group winners. In the semi-final match on Sunday a lack-luster performance saw Bermuda fail to get out of first gear and slump to a 2-0 defeat to Leg AZ Caimans. The U!4 NA Select team was coached by Maceo Dill.
A BFA spokesperson said, “The Naples Cup tour has been an overall success for the NA program. This developmental tour was designed to expose the players and coaches to the protocols of travel, and the behaviors associated with travel. The tournament also provided the youngest teams in the National Academy program the opportunity to compete and further develop the playing style of the Academy teams. The experience gained playing against different opposition will be valuable to the players and coaches moving forward.
“The Bermuda teams received many compliments on their play on field, as well as their conduct and behavior off the field in the hotel, restaurants and on the bus transportation. The teams will arrive back on the island on Monday evening on the American Airlines flight from Miami.”
Congrats young men all the best. The problem with Bermuda sports is that where to isolated to have regional competition regularly. We’ve always had good natural young players then they get to a certain stage and then we cant compete.