Bermuda Edge Thrilling Shoot-Out Victory Over Panama
Rawson Celebrates Scoring
IslandStats.com
Just a day after securing their first win of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament in Mexico, Bermuda's Men's National Field Hockey team were back in action against Panama in a captivating 5th and 6th play-off encounter that went all the way to a dramatic shoot-out.
Having played Panama in back-to-back matches, familiarity bred a fiercely contested affair that saw Bermuda ultimately emerge victorious with a 4-3 shoot-out win after the teams were locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation time.
Bermuda 2 (4) Panama 2 (3)
Bermuda Starting Line-Up; - Justin Dill, Nathan Bothello, Alexander Godet, Aaron Madeiros, Gareth Tavares, Hemijah Bean, Donovan Simmons, Jonah Trott, Isaac Davis, Rees Young, Jordache Rawson - Substitutes: - Aizaya Smith, Xyaire Smith, Makie De Souza, Richard Minors, Sven Curley, Owen Curley - Panama Starting Line-Up; - Angel Molina, Rodrigo Flores, Juan Miranda, Giancarlo Garibaldi, Eduardo Gordon, Angelo Boodie, Jose Donado, Yomar Martinez, Elvis Salazar, Yeison Suira, Rocendo Villanueva - Substitute: - Jasson Miranda, Adonys Rodriguez, Herald Medina, Victor Acosta, Ariel Coronado, Nelson Reales, Aldahir Ornano
Bermuda made a dream start, taking the lead within the opening two minutes when Jordache Rawson expertly converted a Penalty Corner, sending an early wave of optimism through the Bermudian ranks. However, Panama, who started the day higher in the standings, responded strongly. Substitute Adonys Rodriguez drew Panama level in the 29th minute, and remarkably, just seconds later, Angelo Boodie fired Panama into the lead, turning the game on its head and giving them a 2-1 advantage heading into the half-time break.
Bermuda showed resilience after the interval, and in the 34th minute, Rawson once again proved to be the danger man, scoring his second goal of the game to restore parity at 2-2. Despite both teams pushing for a winner, neither goalkeeper could be beaten in the remaining regulation time, setting the stage for a tense shoot-out to determine the victor.
The shoot-out was a rollercoaster of emotions. Bermuda stepped up first, but Alexander Godet's effort was unsuccessful. Panama's Adonys Rodriguez made no mistake, giving them a 1-0 lead. Hemijah Bean then calmly slotted home for Bermuda to level the scores at 1-1. Panama's Jasson Miranda missed their next attempt, but Makie De Souza couldn't capitalize for Bermuda.
The tension continued to mount as Panama's Juan Miranda saw his shot saved by the Bermudian goalkeeper. Jordache Rawson then stepped up and coolly converted, giving Bermuda a 2-1 lead in the shoot-out. However, Panama's Yeison Suira missed his opportunity to equalize. Xyaire Smith then had a chance to extend Bermuda's lead but missed, allowing Yomar Martinez to level the shoot-out at 2-2.
The drama then moved into sudden death. Panama went first, and Adonys Rodriguez scored his second shoot-out goal to make it 3-2. In a pivotal moment, Rawson was fouled by the Panama keeper, resulting in a Penalty Stroke which he confidently dispatched to level the scores once again at 3-3. Jasson Miranda then stepped up for Panama and missed his second shoot-out attempt. Alexander Godet had a second chance for Bermuda but missed again. Juan Miranda then missed for Panama, leaving the stage set for Hemijah Bean. He held his nerve, slotting the ball past the Panamanian goalkeeper to secure a dramatic 4-3 shoot-out victory for Bermuda.
This hard-fought win, secured in such dramatic fashion, will provide a significant boost for Bermuda's Men's National Field Hockey team as they continue their campaign in the CAC Games Qualifying Tournament. The resilience and composure shown in the shoot-out highlight their determination and will to succeed on the international stage.
