Late Heartbreak for Bermuda U17s in CONCACAF Qualifier
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Puerto Rico 2 Bermuda 1
Bermuda's Under-17 Women's National Team suffered a heartbreaking defeat in their final 2025 CONCACAF Women's Under-17 Championship Qualifier against hosts Puerto Rico at the Estadio José Antonio Figueroa Freyre in Mayagüez. A late goal shattered Bermuda's hopes after they had fought back to level the score.
Puerto Rico Starting Line-Up: - C. Marín, S. O'Neill, Z. Melia (M. Colón 77th), Z. Kern, A. Torres-Rava, C. Adame, J. Russell (S. Centeno 84th), G. Garnett, C. Ferraiuoli, D. Acevedo, P. Foye - Substitute: - A. Cabrera, M. Poidomani, A. Vega, L. Franco, C. Smith, V. Dieguez, I. Todaro, V. Moore - Bermuda Starting Line-up: Taya Rodrigues, Ayshalay Simons (Tayte Glasgow, 30th), Jayla Peets-Butterfield, Milan Gibbons-Thomas, Keyandae Lightbourne, Evans Welch (Cayli Dowling 75th), Azae Burrows, Zelaye Showers, Janiya Sealey (Nila Samuels 75th), Avani Patton, Daley Outerbridge - Substitutes: - Priya Denbrook, Antoinette Barry, Nalini Minors, Semaj Baisden-Scott, Khloe Curling, Saony Trott, Ja’Shay Trott
Puerto Rico took the lead in the 33rd minute when Gabriella Garnett finished expertly with a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner, after receiving a pass from Camila Adame inside the box. The hosts held onto their 1-0 advantage going into half-time.
Bermuda showed resilience in the second half and found an equalizer in the 59th minute. Evans Welch struck a superb right-footed shot from outside the box, sending the ball soaring into the top right corner after a well-worked passage of play involving Keyandae Lightbourne.
With the game seemingly headed for a draw, late drama ensued. In stoppage time, substitute Mía Colón scored the decisive goal for Puerto Rico with virtually the last kick of the game. Colón pounced from close range after a free kick in the box was not cleared, sealing a 2-1 victory for the hosts and securing their top spot in the group. It was a cruel blow for Bermuda, who had battled hard for a result.
