National Academy Team Lose To Jamaica
The National Academy Under 17 football team departed Bermuda on Monday [July 9] on their way to Kingston, Jamaica to participate in the Under 17 World Cup Qualifying Tournament on July 9th – 14th.
Bermuda will play against host Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda in Group 1, with all games being held at the Waterhouse FC Stadium Drewsland. Only one of the three teams advancing to the final round of CFU Qualifiers to be held in August. Bermuda kicked off their first match last night, and lost to Jamaica.
Bermuda’s Under 17 Starting Lineup included Jahquil Hill, Alanzo Parsons, Zaire Burchall, Terrence Webb, Shane Simmons, Tah-mi Williams, Machi Battersbee, Ras Stafari Burrows, Trey Tucker, Nacori Smith and Rai Simmons. Bermuda substitutes were Deitre Bell, Jabri Lawrence-Salaam, Omari Curtis, David Jones Jr., Jaz Smith-Ratteray, Aiyetoro Hinds and Marlon Burgess.
After 15 minutes, hosts Jamaica went in front; a bad goal kick went straight to the Jamaica striker Jaheel Hyde who made no mistake in scoring the first goal. Ten minutes later Hyde doubled the host lead as the Jamaica Under 17 team was looking to take control of the match. Bermuda was forced to make a substitution in the 40th minute after Shane Simmons sustained an ankle injury, he was replaced by David Jones Jr.
Jamaica went up 3 – 0 in the 51st minute when Junior Flemmings found the back of the net. Nine minutes later Hyde completed his hat-trick to extend the Jamaica lead to 4 – 0. In the 70th minute, Michael Seaton found the back of the net for Jamaica to increase their lead to 5 – 0, which was the final score.
Bermuda Under 17 World Cup Qualifying Tournament Travelling Delegation:
Anthony Francis -Head of Delegation
Scott Morton -Head Coach
Aaron Denkins -Asst Coach
Baden Cashmore -Asst Coach
Detre Bell
Machi Battersbee
Zaire Burchall
Jai Burgess
Ras Stafari Burrows
Omari Curtis
Jahquil Hill
Aiyetoro Hinds
David Jones Jr
Alanzo Parsons
Jaz Rattery Smith
Jack Ricciardi
JIbri Lawrence Salaam
Rai Simons
Shane Simmons
Nacori Smith
Trey Tucker
Terrence Webb Jr.
Tah-mi Williams
I’m sure that the U17 boys did the best that they could and Im truely proud to see young men represent their island. However I do not feel as if Coach Morton fielded his BEST team. Ditre Bell, Jibri Lawrence Salaam and Jaz Ratteray Smith should have been in the starting 11. It looks like the team lacked some speed. They needed someone who could really penetrate and put pressure on the Jamaican defence. Its too bad that they didn’t have the likes of young Justin Donawa. He surely would’ve made a HUGE impact on the field with his skill and speed. But my hat goes off too these young men as I’m sure they represented Bermuda to the best of their ability and now they just need to focus on their next game against Antigua.
I am so sorry that you feel that way, but I think Morton picked his BEST team, just not for the Jamaica game, but for the whole tour. They are in my opinion all his best. He chose these boys out of a large group of U17 boys and chose a couple of his BEST players from the U15 boys. He had a hard decision to make. They played their best and I am proud of them all!! Especially after their win tonite!! Good Job guys and this has been a great opportunity for you all!!!