Following their 1 – 0 win over Puerto Rico last night in Port Au Prince, Haiti, Bermuda National Coach Naquita Robinson commented on some technical things during the game and also offered comments.
Robinson said, “In the 24th minute Jahziyah Samuels was substituted for Teyah Lindo. The sub immediately paid off as Lindo became the provider for the opening goal as she played a defense splitting path to Aaliyah Nolan who took a touch with her right foot before cutting back onto her left foot and firing a low lethal shot into the bottom right corner.”
“Bermuda controlled the entire match. We were first to every ball and played at a high tempo. Micah Pond at the other end was able to thwart off any attacks the Puerto Ricans managed to have. She made two fingertip saves which frustrated their attackers. In the 87th minute a mix up between Taznae Fubler and Pond allowed Puerto Rico to score what looked like the equalizer but it was ruled off side, continued Robinson.
Robinson went on to say, “Captain Zahra Gibbons, Eva Frazzoni, Marley Christian and the young Leah Smith were outstanding throughout the match. Leah Smith is playing as a left back a position she only plays with the Bermuda Under 20 National team. However she is showing great maturity in that role. She is a player that never gives up.”
Robinson continued, “The team as whole played hard and showed great composure both offensively and defensively. The girls felt confident and shook off any nerves they had in the first 5 minutes. They never sat back and let Puerto Rico play their game. We forced them to make 2 subs within the first 30 minutes. Puerto Rico towards the end of the game became very physical and frustrated. We lost both Nolan and K'Shaela Burch-Waldron allowing Victoria Davis and Tiara smith to enter the match. Both players were up to the task and allowed us to see out the match.”
Robinson concluded, “Friday Puerto Rico play Haiti. If they Draw or lose we will automatically move to the next round. On behalf of the coaching staff I would like to thank Bermuda and those who have been supporting us throughout this campaign.”
Bermuda captain Zahra Gibbons commented, “It felt really good to beat our rivals Puerto Rico whom we've lost to twice in the past two years. It wasn't easy to keep our one goal lead but we all worked together, for each other, and with each other for a positive result. Moving forward to the next game, we need to step up and keep the intensity high when we face the hosts Haiti.”
Aaliyah Nolan Bermuda’s goalscorer said, “It was very exciting to beat Puerto Rico whom we lost to three times in the last two years. Having missed the penalty 2 years ago in Puerto Rico I felt I made up for it. It was really hard keeping the 1-0 lead but we all worked hard and kept our intensity high. We had a good effective communication on the field and were giving each other positive feedback. On Sunday playing against the host Haiti will require focus and high intensity.”
