Bermuda’s elite women footballers experienced a weekend of mixed fortunes across the globe, headlined by a historic victory for Leilani Nesbeth in the United States and a goal-scoring masterclass from Keunna Dill in England.
In the National Women's Soccer League, Leilani Nesbeth celebrated a significant milestone as her Chicago Stars side secured their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Kansas City Current. The match, played in challenging windy conditions at the Stars' new home, Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, saw teammate Tessa Dellarose net her first professional goal on her full debut. The result provides a vital boost for Chicago following a heavy defeat to Angel City last weekend.
Over in the United Kingdom, the goals were flowing for Bermuda's international contingent. Keunna Dill produced a standout individual performance for FC United of Manchester, netting twice in a seven-goal thriller against Crewe Alexandra. Dill’s first was a spectacular effort in the 27th minute, and she was on hand again shortly after the interval to level the scores at 2-2. Despite her heroics and the presence of teammate Trinae Edwards, FC United ultimately fell to a narrow 4-3 defeat.
There was better news for Aaliyah Nolan, who was named Player of the Match for Bradford City. Nolan was instrumental in guiding her side to a convincing 3-0 victory over Harrogate Town, reinforcing her status as a key figure in the Bantams' lineup. Jasmine Spence also found the scoresheet in a dominant display for Newport Pagnell Town, contributing to a 7-1 demolition of River City in their East Midlands Division 1 South encounter.
However, it was a tougher afternoon for other Bermudians in the English system. Kenni Thompson and her AFC Bournemouth teammates suffered a 2-1 setback at the hands of Plymouth, while Eva Frazzoni’s AFC Sudbury endured a difficult outing at the Elite Travel Stadium, falling 6-0 to a clinical Fulham side in the FA Women's National League.
Away from the grass, the indoor arena provided one of the most dramatic contests of the weekend as David Bascome’s Baltimore Blast were edged out 10-9 in an overtime barnburner against the Milwaukee Wave. In a match that swung back and forth, Chad Poarch was relentless for the Blast, but Oscar Flores proved to be the difference-maker for Milwaukee, ending the contest with a decisive strike nearly four minutes into the extra period.
|
