Trinidad & Tobago 2 Bermuda 2
Bermuda’s Under-20s displayed immense character to rescue a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Trinidad and Tobago, after a late defensive collapse threatened to derail their Concacaf qualifying opener in Alajuela.
Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - David Martin, Nayan Grant, Emeer Peets, Logan Jimenez, Khari Sharrieff, Jace Donawa, Xahvi DeRoza, Michari Tear-De Leon, Kennahz Fray, Harlem Bean-Fox, Kalen Brunson - Substitutes: - Curtis Jackson Jr., Daniel Powell, Dakari Smith-Davis, D’ari Coddington, Blayze Borgesson, Malachai Belboda, James Morrison, Qur'an Raynor, Isai Gibbons, DaQaio Stewart
In the fifth historical meeting between these two nations at this level, Bermuda appeared on course for a statement victory at the Complejo Deportivo FCRF-Plycem.
Following a resilient opening half hour, Jace Donawa broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. The striker showcased his blistering pace to latch onto a searching long ball, outmaneuvering his marker and calmly slotting past the advancing goalkeeper to give Cecoy Robinson’s side a deserved half-time lead.
However, the second half transformed into a test of Bermuda's resolve as the game swung wildly in the final quarter. Two minutes of defensive misfortune appeared to hand the initiative to Trinidad.
In the 78th minute, a moment of hesitation in the Bermuda box resulted in an own goal under intense pressure from the Trinidadian attack. Barely sixty seconds later, the turnaround was complete; a lapse in concentration at the back allowed Trinidad to regain possession directly from the restart and fire home to take a 2–1 lead.
Stunned but not defeated, Bermuda threw bodies forward in search of a late lifeline. It arrived in the 84th minute via substitute James Morrison. Rising highest in the penalty area, Morrison connected with a pinpoint free-kick delivered from deep in the Trinidadian half, looping a powerful header over the outstretched hand of the goalkeeper to level the scores.
The result maintains the historic parity between the two sides, with their head-to-head record now standing at one win apiece and three draws. For Bermuda, participating in their 14th qualification campaign, the point provides a vital platform as they prepare for Saturday's clash with Sint Maarten. With only the group winner progressing to the Championship in July, every moment of resilience like Morrison’s header could prove the difference in the final standings.
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