The Bermuda Football Association U17 National team played their first practice match against the Reading Rage’s U16 Super Y League team Tuesday evening, to a 1-1 draw in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Bermuda started slowly, however once t hey settled down the moment of the game changed. Quadir Maynard made a perfect cross from the left flank to find Kashi Davis, who made no mistake finding the back of the net, putting Bermuda ahead 1-nill in the first period.  Before the start of the second period, a total of seven changes were made by Coach Ray Jones. The changes were made so the coaching staff could take a look at all 23 players.

The match was evenly poised during the third and final period, as both teams had their chances to score.  With six minutes remaining in the game, Reading scored; a lack of concentration by goalkeeper Shunte Evans, as the ball rebounded off his body right to the feet of Reading’s striker as he calmly placed the ball in goal, to level the score 1-1.  Overall, it was a remarkable performance from the entire team.

Bermuda will play their second practice match this coming Friday, against Reading’s U17’s.

Meantime, Coach Ray Jones and Technical Director Derek Broadley held a one hour and thirty minute session that same morning with the squad. They were taught the technical aspects of accuracy via 20 to 30 yard passes. Broadley, focused on improving the teams shooting ability and increasing the percentage of shots per game. After the early morning session the team watched the Champions League match between Arsenal and Liverpool.

Today, the team will rest in the morning, followed by a review of the match against Reading’s U16’s with the Technical Director. That same afternoon, Coach Jones will put them through their paces with another session.