Lowe: The Hogges can still make the playoffs

FRIDAY, JULY 1: Bermuda Hogges coach Maurice Lowe believes the local Premier Development League outfit can still make the playoffs.

He said: “Mathematically it’s possible. When you look at the standings we have played less matches than most of our opponents.”

The Hogges are currently second from the bottom in the Eastern Conference Mid Atlantic Division, with five points from eight matches.

They remain 23 points adrift of the second playoff spot, but have two games-in-hand on Long Island Rough Riders.

The Hogges are scheduled to play New Jersey Rangers tonight in the first of four matches on a seven-day road trip.

They will then tackle nearest rivals Ocean City Nor’easters and Central Jersey Spartans on Sunday and next Wednesday, before closing out their final road trip of the season against league leaders Reading United AC.

“Hopefully, on this road trip we will be able to catch up on some much needed points.”

The mood in the Hogges’ camp remains buoyant following a 2-1 win over Westchester Flames at BAA Field last weekend — the team’s first of the season and Lowe’s first taste of victory since taking over the helm at the beginning of the 2011 campaign.

“It’s a big relief. It feels really good to get that first win and we are looking forward to getting some more.

Determination

“Having that first victory out of the way has given the players more determination to go on and get more points.

“Everyone likes to win and wants to feel that good feeling again.”

Lowe said the Hogges’ current position in the league doesn’t truly reflect the team’s performances, even though they have the fourth worst defensive record (19) and have scored the least amount of goals (seven).

“Very often our opponents say that we play much better than the standings suggest.

“One-on-one our defenders are really good, but you can’t win a match unless you score.

“Lately we seem to have turned the corner.

“We have been putting a lot of emphasis at the training ground on scoring, and it seems to be bearing some positive results.”

In a league as competitive as the PDL, Lowe said mental lapses in concentration can be costly.

“You don’t get many second chances in this league. If you make an error you get punished for it, and this has been the biggest challenge for us.

“Collectively we have to avoid making those critical errors and our concentration has to be higher.”

During the Hogges’ previous road trip former New England Revolution player Khano Smith made a cameo appearance.

And Lowe is keeping his fingers crossed that Smith will make himself available at some point on the current tour should the opportunity present itself.

“We are still working on that. As you know Khano has been doing a lot of coaching and so if the schedule allows him to join us he definitely will.”

Following their final road trip the Hogges will play their remaining four matches of the season at BAA Field.