Bermuda's Men's Field Hockey team have made a significant statement in their opening match of the crucial Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament, holding the host nation Mexico to a surprising 2-2 draw.
Facing Mexico on their home turf, many would have expected a comfortable victory for the hosts. However, Bermuda showed immense resilience and determination to secure a valuable point in their opening fixture, raising a few eyebrows in the process.
Mexico 2 Bermuda 2
Mexico Starting Line-up: - Erick Francis, Alonso Frausto, Brandon Rodriguez, Angel Gonzalez, Ivan Gomez, Tonatihu Estrada, Azriel Vazquez, Santiago Camacho, Jesahel Cuate, Dario Uribe, Juan Camacho - Substitutes: - Angelo Castaneda, Yael Nava, Mateo Cano, Yael Gonzalez, Victor Castillo, Angel Delgado, Raul Mejia - Bermuda Starting Line-up: - Justin Dill, Alexander Godet, Aizaya Smith, Gareth Tavares, Xyaire Smith, Makie De Sousa, Hemijah Bean, Donovan Simmons, Jonah Trott, Rees Young, Jordache Rawson - Substitutes: - Nathan Bothello, Aaron Madeiros, Isaac Davis, Richard Minors, Sven Curley, Owen Curley
The first half of the encounter remained scoreless, with both teams battling hard for control. The deadlock was eventually broken in the third period when Yael Gonzalez put Mexico ahead with 13 minutes and 15 seconds remaining. However, Bermuda's response was swift. Just under eight minutes later, Jordache Rawson found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1 with 5 minutes and 21 seconds left in the period.
The elation for Bermuda was short-lived, as Mexico regained the lead just six seconds later. Tonatihu Estrada struck quickly to make it 2-1 to the hosts heading into the final period.
Bermuda showed tremendous grit and defensive resolve in the third period, keeping Mexico scoreless and giving themselves a platform to fight back in the final quarter. Their hard work paid off when Hemijah Bean managed to find the equaliser, bringing the score level at 2-2.
The draw against the host nation in their opening match is a fantastic result for Bermuda and provides a significant boost to their hopes of qualifying for the CAC Games. They will take immense confidence from this performance as they continue their campaign in the tournament.
