Bermuda Seeking A Victory Against Nicaragua
[Written by Don Burgess]
The excitement is building ahead of tonight’s Gold Cup contest against Nicaragua. A large crowd of Bermuda fans is expected to turn the Red Bull Arena into a home game for Bermuda.
Bermuda has slowly won over doubters by putting in gritty performances against Haiti and Costa Rica, both 2-1 losses. The Gombey Warriors proved to the world that they belonged on the Gold Cup stage.
They scored a goal in each game and held Costa Rica, a region powerhouse, to a one-goal victory. Now there is just one piece of unfinished business, get their first-ever Gold Cup win.
Bermuda and Nicaragua have faced each other four times before, all in 2004, and they split those games.
Nicaragua is also searching for its first Gold Cup win, as in right games its record is 0-8, scoring just one goal while letting in 21. In this tournament, they are still seeking its first goal.
At yesterday’s press conference their coach Henry Duarte hit back at the Nicaraguan media for being too critical of the team’s performance so far.
In a survey of 25 betting houses, 17 favour the Gombey Warriors to win the match with four having favourable odds for a Nicaraguan win, and four for a draw.
Several members of the press pool who have been covering the Group B games, have expressed the sentiment that they believe Bermuda will win.
All that doesn’t matter though, when kick-off happens at 7:36pm [Bermuda Time] it will all be left go be dealt with on the field.
Bermuda’s team includes Nahki Wells, Dante Leverock, Jonte Smith, Reggie Lambe, Dale Eve, Oliver Jalen Harvey, Calon Minors, Roger Lee, Kacy Milan Butterfield, Jaylon Bather, Lejaun Simmons, Donte Brangman, Chikosi Basden, Zeiko Lewis, Willie Clemons, Jahquil Hill, Osagi Bascome, Cecoy Robinson, Justin Donawa, Wendell Tre Ming, Liam Evans, Marco Warren, and Quinaceo Hunt.
The Gombey Warriors have already played Haiti and Costa Rica, and will take on Nicaragua on June 24th in New Jersey in their final game of this Gold Cup.
In an effort to provide comprehensive coverage of Bermuda’s debut in this highly prestigious regional competition, Bernews has a dedicated reporter traveling with the team who is providing updates via Bernews new Sports Facebook group, with the special coverage thanks to the support of Butterfield & Vallis, One Communications, and Security Associates.
lets have it