Hockey Men Fall to Venezuela Despite Battling Effort
Gareth Tavares
IslandStats.com
Bermuda 0 Venezuela 3
Bermuda's Men's Field Hockey team faced a determined Venezuela side in their third crucial match of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament, hoping to bounce back from their previous defeat. However, despite a battling performance, they succumbed to a 3-0 loss.
Bermuda Starting Line-Up: Justin Dill, Nathan Bothello, Alexander Godet, Gareth Tavares, Makie DeSouza, Hemijah Bean, Donovan Simmons, Jonah Trott, Rees Young, Jordache Rawson, Sven Curley - Substitutes; - Aizaya Smith, Aaron Madeiros, Xyaire Smith, Isaac Davis, Richard Minors, Owen Curley - Venezuela Starting Line-Up: - Gilber Aguilar, Eliver Mujica, Ervis Peraza, Anderson Antique, Nelson Alvarez, Jesus Salazar, Cristian Vargas, Raudin Simanca, Rafael Salazar, Elian Jimenez, Julian Peraza - Substitutes: - Simón Carrera, Cristian Gomez, Yanier Velasquer, Yeiver Lopez, Jhonny De La Torre
Bermuda's hopes of a positive start were dashed early on when Venezuela's Cristian Vargas converted a Penalty Stroke in the 5th minute, putting the South Americans ahead. Venezuela doubled their advantage in the 28th minute through Nelson Alvarez, taking a 2-0 lead into the half-time break.
The third period saw Bermuda determined to claw their way back into the match. They battled hard in midfield and created some attacking opportunities, but the Venezuelan defence stood firm, denying Bermuda a breakthrough. The period ended without any addition to the scoreline for either side.
Venezuela sealed their victory in the 49th minute when Vargas struck again, this time from open play, securing a 3-0 win for his team.
This result leaves Bermuda with a record of one win and two defeats in the qualifying tournament. While the team showed glimpses of their potential, they will need to regroup quickly and address the areas for improvement as they continue their quest for a place in the CAC Games.
