Revs on cruise control
This was a game that the Revs never looked like losing, despite conceding an early goal, as they dictated play throughout almost the entire 90 minutes.
Bermuda coach Kenny Thompson said afterwards: “<$>I thought the players acquitted themselves very well. They fought under difficult circumstances, having to defend for long periods. So overall we have to be very pleased with the performance in that we haven’t had much time to prepare for this game.
“I think this match provided us with an opportunity now to accelerate our development because the players now know the level that we are at and some of the things we need to improve on.”
Having snatched a late first-half equaliser, Steve Nicol’s men finally took the lead in the 75th minute when casual play from Bermuda’s Shayne Hollis allowed the Revs to regain possession and a cross into the middle found Andrew Doorman who squeezed the ball between the post and keeper Timmy Figureido.
Two minutes later it was all over as another slip-up in defence allowed Jorge Ramirez to fire home from close range.
Bermuda had got off to the best of starts when against the run of play they went ahead in the 11th minute.
On a quick counter-attack, Steven Astwood’s snap shot rebounded into the path of the onrushing Keith Jennings who smashed the ball into the roof of the net from a slight angle.
But half an hour later, it was skipper Jennings who turned from hero to villain as he got the last touch in a goalmouth scramble which put the Revs back in the game with a deserved equaliser.
With the ball bouncing around in the area, Bermuda’s defenders failed to clear and with the half-time whistle beckoning, the unfortunate Jennings deflected the ball into his own net.
Inbetween those goals, New England had dictated play, pinning Bermuda in their own half for long spells.
Figureido might have been the busiest man on the pitch as time and again he was called upon to make desperate saves.
Joe Franchino tested Figureido with a rasping drive that was tipped onto the bar and cleared while the Revs’ Bermudian star, Khano Smith, wearing the captain’s armband, also threatened with a low drive which Figureido saved with his feet.
Smith came in for some harsh treatment from his compatriots, escaping a number of crunching tackles, two of which might have produced yellow cards had this not been a ‘friendly’ encounter.
Meanwhile, the Revs’ Chris Loftus also brought the best out of the Bermuda ‘keeper with a point-blank header while US national team player Taylor Twellman was denied by another fine save.
As New England poured forward, defenders Darius Cox, Kijuan Franks and Blenn Bean all made timely tackles to maintain Bermuda’s slim lead.
But once the Revs had got back on level terms there was little doubt about the final outcome as one-way traffic continued throughout the second-half, Bermuda failing to muster a single shot on target.
New England assistant manager Pauariner said: “<$>I thought in the first half the goalkeeper for Bermuda had a fantastic game. We just couldn’t finish but all in all we moved the ball pretty well and so I thought this was a good night for us.
“I think Bermuda have some very talented players, but if they can get their fitness level up their technique will be able to improve as well.”
The Revs will play fellow MSL side, LA Galaxy, on Thursday night with the Galaxy scheduled to meet Bermudaday later.
Bermuda: <$>Timmy Figureido, Kijuan Franks, Darius Cox, Jelani Scott, Blenn Bean, Chae Simmons, Jahmah Samuels, Keith Jennings (captain), Steven Astwood, Ralph Bean jr, Shakai Crockwell. Substitutes: Keishon bean, Dennis Zuill, Clevon Hill, Jahmali Samuels, Kevin Lambe, Shayne Hollis, Chris Moulder, ClyDarrell.
New England:<$> Doug Warren, Jay Heaps, Michael Parkhurst, Tony Lockhead, Avery John, Shalrie Joseph, Joe Franchino, Khano Smith, Taylor Twellman, Takuya Yamadahris Loftus.
Referee:<$> George O’Brien
