Charlotte Eagles coach Mark Steffens has revealed his side will be depleted of three influential players because of visa problems when they face Bermuda Hogges.

The Division Two table-toppers have travelled without Zimbabwean midfielders Joseph Kabwe and Taurai Daka as well as Colombian midfielder Jorge Herrera for tonight’s fixture.

Steffens admitted the international trio would be a major loss for their clash with the Hogges, who he described as being an “unknown quantity”.

“We have had to leave three of our main players at home because we were concerned they would not be able to get back into the country,” he said.

“Herrera is still in Colombia trying to sort out his visa and we are not sure when he will rejoin us. It’s fair to say preparations have not been ideal but it is something we have just had to deal with.”

The Eagles moved two points clear of second placed Richmond Kickers after their 5-3 routing of the Cincinnati Kings last week, but Steffens remains perturbed about his side’s “leaky” defence.

“I think we are fortunate to be top of the table as we have leaked goals left, right and centre this season,” he said.

“I am a bit concerned and hope we can tighten things up at the back tonight.

“The Hogges are a real unknown quantity and we really don’t know much about the way they play or their players.

“They have had a three-week break so they will certainly be fresh and hungry. It should be a very interesting game and hopefully we can continue our winning streak. But I am never overly confident — especially with the way we have been defending.”

Tonight’s game may mark their first visit to Bermuda but one man familiar with the Eagles is former national keeper Dwayne (Streaker) Adams.

The 34-year-old represented the Eagles between 2001 and 2004 and will be in attendance at the National Stadium to renew acquaintances with his former team-mates and coach Steffens.

Adams etched his name into the record books during his debut season as coach of local Premier Division outfit North Village, leading the Reds to the coveted triple crown two seasons ago.

But he proceeded to quit the following year after two years at the helm, citing his inability to motivate his players as the reason for his decision. He currently turns out for Arsenal in the Island Soccer League (ISL).

Charlotte Eagles are different to any other team in the league in that they are part of a missionary organisation.

They are owned and operated by Missionary Athletics International and have offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, where a feeder team for the Eagles is based.

They also have offices in the Ukraine and Czech Republic and started off by running Christian based football camps before setting up an amateur side.

After winning their respective league, the organisation set up a professional team who initially played in the USL Division One for three seasons.

They have been running for 14 seasons and have made the play-offs 12 times. The Eagles travel to Crystal Palace Baltimore on Saturday.