Antigua Barracuda FC News Release -- www.antiguabarracudafc.com
Friday, April 6, 2012
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Antigua Barracuda FC embark of a mission of expectation and hope, as it carries the burden of a tiny nation into the USLPRO 2012 season. The adventure starts with a double header against the visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds, on Good Friday 6th and Easter Sunday 8th April, at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, the national stadium in Antigua.
This is only the second season the Caribbean side is participating in the league, but many lessons have been learnt.
“Last year was a huge learning experience for all of us," Chairman of Barracuda FC Gordon Derrick said. "We expect to show a lot more character and scale new heights this season as we have a better handle of how to manage the process.
“It will be tough, as there are no easy pushovers in this league, but we are better prepared as a unit.”
The team roster is yet to be finalised, but some notables have returned pending approval from the league. George Dublin will lead the team again this year and will be supported in defence by Karanja Mack, Troy Dublin and Luke Blakely, who signed his first professional contract.
The engine room will boast an impressive line-up of speed, skill, tenacity and energy. Tamorley Thomas, Randolph Burton, Kimoi Alexander, Lawson Robinson, Orlando Mitchum, Akeem Thomas, and Quinton Griffith will make their presence felt for a second year. Taking their initial bow in USL PRO will be English born Matt Aldred and Eugine Kirwan, both of whom are expected to turn a few heads this season.
Peter Byers and Kerry Skepple have proven to be a powerful force in local football and with Ranja Christian and Stefan Smith, both with credible USL PRO experience, much is expected of this potent attack line.
Goalkeeping duties will be decided between Molvin James and Keita Decastro who has the distinction of six consecutive clean sheets in the “Cudas” first season.
The team will be coached by Tom Curtis who expressed delight at the squad assembled so far.
“This is a talented bunch with the right attitude to succeed," Curtis said. "They have shown me a commitment to hard work and a willingness to perform as a unit. That’s the message we want to send, they have looked sharp and ready, and we are confident in our own abilities”, the English born coach asserted.
The games have been relocated to the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, the venue that will also host all FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers in the semi-final round against the United States, Jamaica and Guatemala. Kickoff on Friday is set for 7 p.m., while on Sunday game time is scheduled for 4.30 p.m. Both games will be aired on USL Live.