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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Team Bahamas
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Linz, AUSTRIA - As The Bahamas prepares to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2017, the country's national squad is reaping the benefits of a 6 week training camp based in Basel, Switzerland.
In the team's first competitive matches since April, the squad travelled to Linz, Austria to take part in the Nations Cup.
The first match put team Bahamas up against #36 ranked Czech Republic. The game was evenly contested, with both sides tied up at 2 a piece after two periods of play- Jamaica Premier League professional Lesly St. Fluer netting two goals home for The Bahamas.
In the final period though the Czech Republic would win a penalty kick; the ensuing shot beating an outstretched Torin Ferguson. That goal would be the winner; final score Czech Republic 3, Bahamas 2.
Team Coach Angelo Schirinzi was disappointed with the loss, saying that Team Bahamas was in prime position to win but failed to capitalize on important chances. Despite that, Schirinzi, also the player manager of the Swiss Beach Soccer National Team, acknowledged that there were many positive improvements in the team's play. He added that the third place match was a must win.
Williams celebrates with goalkeeper Torin Ferguson
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The Bahamas' chance at redemption would come the next day as they took on Slovakia. Despite going down 3 goals to one early in the game, Team Bahamas would mount a classy comeback.
With the score tied at 4 late in the final period, a free kick from Kyle Williams would find itself at the feet of St. Fleur. After feigning two Slovakian players with a shot fake, St. Fleur would coolly beat the goalkeeper with a left footed finish. That goal would be the winner, but it wouldn't be the end of Team Bahamas' scoring.
Williams and St. Fleur would team up again, as the latter spotted his teammate making a run past an exhausted Slovakian player. A well timed throw in, and an even better headed finish, gave the boys a lot to smile about. St. Fleur ended the day with a hat trick, while Kyle Williams, Ehren Hanna and Nesley Jean chipped in a goal a piece.
Despite being disappointed in not winning the tournament, Team Bahamas is motivated by the still impressive third place finish and is preparing for the next challenge. A trip to Italy on July 21st to face top European clubs, will be a serious test of The Bahamas' level early on in training camp.
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