Saturday, April 26, 2008

HAMILTON, BER -- It took the Bermuda Hogges 10 games to record their first victory in franchise history in their inaugural campaign last year. On Saturday, the Hogges posted a win in their second outing of 2008, downing Wilmington 2-0.

Of the three wins the first-year club notched last year, Bermuda had just one win at home. Against the Hammerheads the Hogges equaled that marker in their home opener of year two, but they would have to wait a bit to find success.

A strong wind from the north made conditions difficult with a straight down field wind and unusually cold Bermuda temperatures.
Wilmington had the wind advantage the first half and forced several corners and dangerous set plays. Despite a few scares, Bermuda held out until halftime in a scoreless stalemate.

The second half was a different story as Bermuda used the wind to their full advantage.

After 47 minutes, midfielder Kwame Steede scored a wonderful goal. A Keishen Bean headed flick-on found Steede a full 40 yards out and after maneuvering the ball around a defender he volleyed a long distance bullet over the stranded Wilmington goalkeeper John O’Hara.

Bermuda dominated play after that, but Wilmington still had enough to force several fine saves from the Hogges keeper Timmy Figureido.

Close to the final whistle, 2007 USL-2 Rookie of the Year Stephen Astwood rifled another long distance effort over O’Hara with the help of a deflection in the 89th minute.