Jump ball: Bermuda Hogges’ Tokia Russell attempts to out leap Crystal Palace Baltimore’s John Barry Nusum for the ball. The Hogges lost that game 2-0 on Friday and then also lost to Real Maryland Monarchs 3-2 on Saturday. *Photo courtesy of Crystal Palace Baltimore
By Paul Scope
Our Hogge Heaven optimism was severely dented by two back-to-back defeats in Maryland at the weekend - but the boys showed commendable spirit and finished both games strongly.
We have great faith in the squad but our unique travel demands put us at a disadvantage to the other teams in our division.
We have to fly to all our fixtures and our part-timers have to get time off work to travel, so away games will always be a tough ask.
Kevin Richards, Omar Shakir, Lloyd Holder and Nigel Burgess were unavailable for this trip, which left us short of options at the back and up front.
Jared Peniston filled in at full-back admirably, while debutant strikers Jamie Smith and Antwon Russell were thrown into the deep end.
We look strong in mid-field and held our own in the first game against a good Crystal Palace Baltimore team.
We also dominated the second game against Real Maryland Monarchs for long periods.
With two more mid-field signings planned for this week, the engine room will be fully fueled for the long campaign ahead.
Playing back-to-back games in less than 24 hours - the other teams had just one game - probably would not be allowed in any other league but it means we can make five or six trips rather than nine or 10.
It was unseasonably hot in Maryland and will be worse in June, July and August when we complete our away fixtures.
We are playing at home for the entire month of May and hope the squad and fans will enjoy beautiful Bermuda spring weather.
We have to sign an emergency goalkeeper this week because Timmy Figureido's injury - sustained against Baltimore - will keep him out for around a month. Also, Jason Williams' one-match suspension - for his harsh sending off against the Monarch's - preventing him suiting up against Harrisburg on Friday.
Fortunately, Bermuda is blessed with capable keepers and Nigel Burgess will deputize on Friday, with coach Kyle Lightbourne scrambling to secure a fourth keeper to go on the bench.
Figureido's injury is the first in a 20-year career that has forced him from the field of play - a testimony to his resiliance and fitness. He is a great example to Williams and Burgess thanks to how he prepares for games, despite being the oldest player in the league by more than a year.
Williams made a world-class save against Real Maryland from a point-blank header. It prompted the fourth official to approach the bench and ask: "That's your No. 2?"
Despite the difficulties, there were bright spots to encourage Lightbourne and assistant coach Jack Castle.
Tokia Russell looks very comfortable at this level and may help solve our perennial problem of conceding goals at crucial times. His brother Antwon looked lively in the second game and Keith Jennings, Sammy DeGraff and Steve Astwood didn't have any superior midfield opponents over the two games. We look forward to Hogge Heaven returning in May.
