‘Don’t ease off now’ say U17 coaches after win

Stay grounded and keep your focus.

That’s the message from BFA National Academy director Richard Todd to the Bermuda Under-17 Women’s team after their superb 1-0 win over much-fancied Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean Football Union Women’s Under-17 World Cup qualifier in Haiti.

Aaliyah Nolan’s 50th-minute winner means it’s two wins from two after the 3-1 win over Dominican Republic. And having already secured a place in Friday’s semi-finals, Bermuda need only a draw from today’s clash with Grenada — who Trinidad demolished 10-0 — to finish top of Group B.

The two finalists will advance to the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers in Jamaica from October 30 where the likes of USA, Mexico and Canada await.

Todd told the Bermuda Sun: “They are playing well. It can be somewhat difficult coming off a 10-0 win for the other team in their first game but the girls held their composure, were not intimidated and had a good game plan. They neutralized Trinidad’s goal threat. It’s definitely a big win to continue their momentum. It keeps the focus on the women’s game and will be an incentive for other girls to get involved.

“There’s a lot of talent in the team and they continue to get better each match.

“Aaliyah Nolan was in the Island Games and seven of them played for the Under-20s [in their World Cup qualifiers].

“I think the frequency of the games has helped the girls a lot. We hope they stay grounded and focus. It would be a huge step to get to the CONCACAF qualifiers. That level would be another marker for the girls.”

In the previous qualifying matches Bermuda came unstuck against Puerto Rico who, along with Haiti, are potential semi-final  opponents.

Bermuda Captain Kali Lespere admitted the chance for revenge would be sweet.

She said: "We now have to keep going and keep the pressure up. Yes, we have already got through to the next round but that doesn't mean we're going to let up and take it easy."

She added: "I'm not going to lie, I'd love to play either [Haiti or Puerto Rico] but because in the last round we played against Puerto Rico and were one up and lost 2-1, I would rather play them and beat them.”