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Island pair embark on pro career

Two Bermudian footballers are hoping to score big tomorrow night when they get their first taste of the Canadian Pro Soccer League (CPSL).

Following three successful practice matches, Domico Coddington and Zane Hendrickson are set to debut for Durham Storm against Vaughan Shooters in the league?s Eastern Conference.

Both players believe this opportunity, which materialised a few weeks ago, could be the beginning of the fulfilment of their dreams to ply their football trade professionally.

Coddington, who turned 20 last Monday, explained that he and Hendrickson played some pre-season games with another league outfit, Hamilton Thunder, last year in February and sparked the interest of their new team?s owner.

They were contacted by the Storm?s head coach, Derrick (Rocky) Bean of Bermuda, and invited to Toronto a fortnight ago for trials. The duo have apparently impressed and, while they are yet to sign contracts, it has been indicated the club wants them for the entire season until September.

Storm drew their first two practice matches and won the third. Coddington netted in the second game while Hendrickson ? North Village?s top goalkeeper ? played the first half of each match, conceding just two goals.

?The owner liked us and he wants to sign us. I?m very happy with how I?ve done. I performed pretty well.

?I let in two goals in three games. One goal came off a deflection and the other goal was a one-on-one situation,? Hendrickson told , surmising that he will start against the Shooters as he has done in every game.

The versatile Coddington, who has been switched around in a few different positions, said he ?might play down in the back or on the wing?.

Both young men are keen to continue their strong showing, knowing that if the right people are keen on them it could be the start of something good.

?We?re looking to get into the MLS (Major League Soccer) and I want to make the most of this,? declared Hendrickson candidly, referring to the top tier of North American football.

The 20-year-old explained that in Canada the MLS is followed by the A-League (in which Bermudian striker John Barry Nusum plays for the Toronto Lynx) and then the CPSL.

?I just want to play well and get some exposure and hopefully this could lead to something else,? stated Coddington who has caught attention locally with his speed and guile in attack for Devonshire Cougars and for the senior national team.

Durham Storm, he disclosed, are eager to rebound from a horrible 2003 season in which they fared extremely poorly, winning only two matches while losing 19.

?We have a new coach and new players and I think we have a good team and we could probably do well this season,? said Coddington.

Regarding his involvement in Bermuda?s World Cup campaign, this promising player said he very much wanted to represent his country and would make himself available if possible for the second-round qualifiers against El Salvador.

?If they want me to come back I would like to. I would never give up the chance to play in the World Cup.?