Bermuda Hogges have suffered another major injury blow with midfielder Keith Jennings ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a torn achilles tendon.

The 31-year-old is the second Hogges player to have been struck with a season-ending injury after their veteran goalkeeper Timmy Figureido damaged his knee ligaments last month.

Jennings limped off midway through the second half of Sunday's defeat against Wilmington Hammerheads at the National Sports Centre (NSC) and is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"Keith's loss is definitely a big blow for us because he was a regular member of the team," said Hogges assistant coach Jack Castle. "When I saw him (on Tuesday) he was on crutches and it appears as though he is done for the season."

Castle said midfielder Stevie Astwood was set for a return to the starting line-up after completing a one-match suspension following his sending off against Hammerheads in last Friday's game.

Jennings had been acting as an emergency 'keeper for Hogges who last week failed to sign Southampton Rangers 'shot-stopper Jason Smith as cover for Nigel Burgess, who has not fully recovered from a motorcycle accident.

Coach Kyle Lightbourne said Jennings' injury was a huge disappointment but remained confident he had sufficient midfield cover in his ranks.

"Stevie Astwood has come back from suspension and we also have players like Marlon Rojas and Seion Darell who can play midfield, but obviously it's a disappointing blow to lose Keith," Lightbourne said.

"You always expect injuries but we've suffered some really bad ones so far this season, but I'm not looking to add to the squad and we'll go with what we've got. Both Jamie Smith and Lloyd Holder are fit again and have returned to training."

He added: "A win will take us towards the top of the table and we owe Monarchs one after they beat us earlier in the season."

Hogges play Monarchs tonight at the NSC (8 p.m.).

n Bermuda Under-23s were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Wilmington Hammerheads at BFA Field on Wednesday night. Dandy Town midfielder Nahki Wells came the closest to scoring for the Under-23s when he hit the post soon after Hammerheads had taken the lead.

n Khano Smith's New York Red Bulls crashed to a 5-3 defeat against DC United in the US Open Cup at RFK Stadium on Wednesday night. Bulls were trailing by four goals after just 26 minutes and coach Juan Carlos Osario substituted Smith, Juan Pietravallo and Andrew Boyens at half-time.