Antigua Barracuda FC News Release -- www.antiguabarracudafc.com
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium will again host the USL opposition as Antigua Barracuda look to inflict further wounds on the visiting Charlotte Eagles, in two important match-ups for both teams on Thursday and Saturday night.
Barracuda FC took a win and a loss in their two opening fixtures against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, with Stefan Smith scoring twice in a 3-1 victory in their second meeting. Quinton Griffith scored the other goal in that contest, while the Riverhounds took a 1-0 victory in the first meeting between the teams two weeks ago.
On the other hand, goals have been a problem for the Eagles so far as they have only managed one in four outings, Mauricio Salles scoring in their 2-1 defeat to the Harrisburg City Islanders last Friday, while they have conceded seven. That has left the Eagles winless so far this season.
“This is a team that beat us last year but we believe we learnt a few lessons from that experience”, stated Director of Football Fernando Abraham. “It is right that we turn things around this year, and I think we have the right combination to unlock their defense.”
The Eagles arrived on the island on Tuesday afternoon, early enough to get a feel of conditions on the ground and have been engaged in practice sessions to meet their objectives. However, Barracudas coach Tom Curtis is confident going into the match, even as he recalls the team's only meeting in 2011.
“We are in good spirits and fighting fit," Curtis said. "We will use our home advantage and build on the good things coming out of our first weekend of matches. We know we must respect them for they showed us last year they are a good team, but we are a better unit and I am expecting a positive results over the entire weekend.”
The games will kick-off at 8 p.m. on Thursday and 7 p.m. on Saturday,and will both be aired on USL Live through UNATION.