Skipper Omar Shakir believes Bermuda Hogges can take a lot of positives out of their recently completed United Soccer League (USL-D2) season.

Hogges endured a rollercoaster campaign which saw them concede fewer goals than in previous years as well as beating teams they have never recorded wins against.

Last term also saw Hogges slump to some low points, including a humiliating 7-2 loss to Richmond on the road.

Yet, Shakir reckons they have shown signs of improvement despite finishing bottom of the league table.

"We can take pride in the fact we continued to achieve things we have not done in the past," said Shakir.

"I believe we also improved our goal average. These things point towards progress. For me, the highlight of the season was the win against Harrisburg and Richmond in front of our home crowd.

"Those victories along with a win and a draw in the next three matches took us to our highest ever position in the league, tied for third.

"Personally, the low point came when we lost 7-2 away to Richmond.

"That was probably my worst performance in a Hogges jersey."

Shakir was part of the stingiest Hogges defence since their inception and is optimistic the future is bright for the side, which finished with one less point than last season.

He said the long-term goals for the club should be first and foremost to improve the level of the game on the Island.

"I think the team as a unit has learned more and more each season and, unfortunately, the new players have to learn faster or risk having less playing time.

"Individually, players learn at different rates and in different ways.

"I'd like to think each player has learned and improved this season. Each season presents new challenges or experiences for a player and we all have to adapt.

"Success depends on your perspective. I believe in setting short as well as long-term goals.

"In the short-term, we need to make sure the franchise is sustainable and the owners are mainly, but not solely responsible for that.

"Obviously, this is easier said than done and there are many variables to consider. If the owners manage to sustain the club over the next three years, I would consider that a success.

"In the long-term, we should be looking to consistently finish in the top half of the table and the players are mainly, but not solely responsible for that.

"Every person involved in the franchise, regardless of pay, must look at themselves in the mirror and ask, "Am I doing the best I can?

"If not, they should take steps to improve themselves, especially us, the players. If anyone cannot commit to improving themselves, and in turn the club, then it might be better to step aside.

"In my opinion, if you do the something over and over and over again expecting a different result, that is the definition of insane."

n Tyrell Burgess' Vancouver Whitecaps FC ended a six-match winless streak with an important 2-0 home victory over Miami FC Blues on Sunday.

Two late goals by Charles Gbeke secured three valuable points for the Blue and White at Swangard Stadium, as the 'Caps moved six points clear of their South Florida rivals for the final play-off spot in the USL First Division standings.

The win also sees the Whitecaps take the regular season series against the Blues.

Bermuda international Burgess came on a substitute in the 64 minute to make his 17th appearance of the USL-D1 season.