Bermuda Gombey Warriors U17 Youth team played to a (1-1) draw against Albion SC, in their first match of the Schwan’s USA CUP international youth football tournament featuring 1,000 teams from (22) countries in Blaine, Minnesota.
The Gombey Warriors loose the toss and receive the ball going with a steady wind. (1:40) into the game Albion SC receives a free kick (25) yards out on our left side. The ball is floated into the box and unchallenged, the ball drops on the 6yd box and (#14) puts the ball in the net.
After a slow start the Gombey Warriors starts to pick up momentum with a few good combinations getting forward but are unable to convert into a shot on goal. At (8:20) Bermuda applies high pressure. A bad pass back toward the goalkeeper is intercepted by Zeiko Lewis who calmly slots the ball into the net. Several attacks by the Gombey Warriors end by giving away possession with a bad touch or decision. The Gombey Warriors are in full control of the match; controlling the tempo and dominating procession however are unable to get a shot off. Aaron Nelson was brought into the match for Jair Minors this gave the Gombey Warriors more attacking options going down the right side.
In the second half the Gombey Warriors are going against the wind but are still able to get forward with good passing. Kashai Davis and Zeiko Lewis are looking to be a threat collecting the ball and linking with the midfield players. Troy Tucker received a pass on the edge of the penalty area and tries a fake but is unable to get a shot off. Rakeem Deshields comes powering through but sees his shot go wide. Albion SC gets a quick counter but a well struck shot is saved by Corey Richardson diving to his left to collect it cleanly from the corner. Anthony Hunter enters for Tariq Sabir and Khaleel Brunson for Jayson Simmons. More attack from the Gombey Warriors sees Anthony Hunter have two chances after being slipped through at the back post, first by Kashai Davis and then by Zeiko Lewis but each time the shot was pulled wide of the goal.
The Gombey Warriors have a two against one situation with Kashai Davis on the ball moving to his left and Zeiko Lewis on his right was stopped before the pass could be made. The second last opportunity of the match sees good build up on left from defense, across to the right to an advancing Hunter who gets in behind the defense and delivers a pin point cross to Zeiko Lewis at the back post. Zeiko Lewis is denied a second goal by a stunning save by the goalkeeper. With (2) minutes remaining the Gombey Warriors are still applying pressure and see another two on one 10 yards outside the box, this time Damali Bell on the ball and Zeiko Lewis to his right. Having only the last defender, who was well out of position, to get around the whistle is blown by the referee for full time. The match ends (1-1).
The Gombey Warriors play their second match of the day at (2:55pm) Eastern standard time.
Starting Team:
Corey Richardson, Damali Bell, Jahquille Stowe (Capt), Terrin Smith, Jayshon Simmons, Jair Minors, Troy Tucker (Vice Capt), Rakeem Deshields, Tariq Sabir, Zeiko Lewis; Kashai Davis.
Formation 4-4-2
Yellow cards Jayshon Simmons and Jahquille Stowe.
