Football: Bermuda Claim Tie & Win In Alabama

The Bermuda Football Association National Academy program kicked off their participation in the Open Cup Tournament in Decatur, Alabama.

The Under 14 National Academy select opened the event at the Jack Allen Soccer Complex with a group game against the Vestavia Hills Soccer Club ’99 Steamers from Birmingham, Alabama.

Bermuda took an early lead from a buildup down the left side that saw a neat combination to set Aaron Burgess up. Burgess collected the ball and finished with a neat chip over the head of the VHSC goalkeeper.

Bermuda continued to create chances throughout the half but could not increase the goal tally, taking the slim 1-0 lead into half time. VHSC played very physical and was direct in their play with the counter attack.

The relentless pressure and aggression paid off for VHSC when they found an equalizer with 10 minutes remaining in the match. Bermuda had a chance to seal the win when Jecoa Thomas broke down the left side beating his player and sending a cross into the box that Tahzeiko Harris headed over when well placed. The match would finish in a 1-1 tie with the teams sharing the points.

Coach Andrew Bascome said, “I was pleased with the performance from the players. Their opponents played a very physical and direct style that the players adapted well to. We played good football and created chances that we could have done better to finish.”

The BFA NA Under 16 select began group play in the Gold Division against the Evansville Soccer Club from Indiana. Bermuda fell behind early as ESC opened the scoring in the third minute from a corner.

Bermuda was dominating possession of the ball but could not find the finishing touch to break down an organized ESC. Bermuda matched the speed and physical play of the ESC team with fullbacks David Jones and Jordan Lambe performing well to keep the opponent at bay. At the half Bermuda trailed 1-0.

Jahtino Richardson Martin pulled Bermuda level with 15 minutes remaining in the 2nd half, finishing a scramble in the box. With 4 minutes remaining, Cameron Neal played in Richardson Martin with a beautiful pass behind the opponent’s left back.

Richardson Martin cut inside the box with his 1st touch and curled a neat finish inside the far post with his right foot to score his second goal of the game and seal the win for Bermuda.

The result puts Bermuda in a good position, needing only a point from their next match to win the group and advance to the semi-final as a #1 seed. Bermuda will play Baton Rouge Soccer Club from Louisiana at 12:45 PM on Saturday in their 2nd match.

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