Bermuda vs Costa Rica Highlights
After a hard fought match, Costa Rica defeated Bermuda by a score of 2 – 1 in their Gold Cup game this evening, with the Gombey Warriors putting on a strong fight against one of Concacaf’s elite.
Nahki Wells scored for Bermuda, converting a penalty to record the island’s second ever Gold Cup goal, and Dale Eve continued his impressive showing, saving multiple goals, including one spectacular save which earned the Bermudian goalkeeper ‘Save of the Game’ accolades from Concacaf.
The entire team made a highly competitive showing against a nation that has made multiple appearances at the World Cup, and following the match, Coach Kyle Lightbourne said the team will keep on working hard to stay at this elite level, noting that “we pushed a World Cup team for 90 minutes.”
Bermuda’s starting line-up included Dale Eve, Oliver Harvey, Jaylon Bather, Dante Leverock, Donte Brangman, Zeiko Lewis, Willie Clemons, Osagi Bascome, Milan Butterfield, Reggie Lambe and Nahki Wells.
Concacaf’s match report said, “A tough test for Costa Rica as it sealed its pass to the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals with a 2-1 win against Bermuda in Group B action on Thursday night at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
“Bermuda’s attack sought to finish various opportunities from the start of the game. In the 2’, Nahki Wells took a right-footed shot from the right side of the box that just missed, followed by a Willie Clemons effort in the 24’.
“But right at the half-hour mark, Costa Rica’s Mayron George opened the scoring for Los Ticos, after Elias Aguilar attempted a header that Bermuda GK Dale Eve was able to save, but left a rebound for George to capitalize on.
“Aguilar was then able to double the lead 2-0 as he found the back of the net in the 54’ with an assist from Bryan Oviedo.
“Bermuda’s attack was not giving up and in the 58’, Celso Borges brought down DF Oliver Harvey, leading to a penalty for Bermuda. Wells converted the spot kick with a right-footed shot that went straight to the center of the goal and past GK Leonel Moreira, making the score 2-1.
“George was looking to add another goal for the Ticos in the 90+3’, but Eve made an incredible save, however in the end, the three points belonged to Costa Rica.”
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 will play their final game of this Gold Cup against Nicaragua on June 24th in New Jersey, and in an effort to provide comprehensive coverage of Bermuda’s debut in the Gold Cup Bernews has a dedicated reporter traveling with the team, with the special coverage thanks to the support of Butterfield & Vallis, One Communications, and Security Associates.
If you want additional coverage, please feel free to join Bernews new Sports Facebook group, where our traveling reporter is providing daily updates and some ‘behind the scenes’ coverage.
I didn’t expect Bermuda to win but I was very impressed with their work effort. If they play like that again 3 points easily against Nicaragua.