Antigua Barracuda FC News Release -- www.antiguabarracudafc.com
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua - Antigua Barracuda FC will go into the game against Seville FC of Puerto Rico eager to clinch the club’s first points in their inaugural USL PRO season at the Sticky Wicket Stadium on Thursday night at 7 p.m.
The side has been boosted by the addition of Peter ‘Big Pete’ Byers. A local favorite and former USL professional with the Montreal Impact, Byers will bring more attacking options to the line-up as well as his experience to the team.
“Peter has the opportunity to show the world that he still has what it takes to perform at this level,” Barracuda chairman Gordon Derrick said. “He looks fit, trained well with the boys this morning and Coach Curtis like what he sees. We are happy to provide this platform for him if he grabs it with both hands I am confident he will graduate to bigger and better things.”
With less than twenty four hours to go the team went through their paces at the Sticky Wicket Stadium under the watchful eye of Tom Curtis, Head Coach of Antigua Barracuda FC.
Keen to impress after their arrival on Tuesday, Jamaican Internationals Christopher Harvey and Newton Sterling, as well as Kayode McKinnon from Guyana, displayed no sign of fatigue but rather gave spirited displays as they all fitted smoothly into the session.
Asked what he thought these acquisitions would bring to the team, Coach Curtis said, “First it brings competition for places within the squad as players will have to work harder in order to make the lineup. Additionally, they bring experience, having played at this level before and demonstrate also our intention is not just to turn up, but to be very competitive in the process.”
Captain of the team George Dublin highlighted the spirit in the camp after the first game.
“We are buoyant and committed, we want to give the fans something special,” Dublin said. “We have an opportunity to leave home, on our first road trip, with six points and we will be working hard to achieve that objective.
“We must be prepared for whatever Seville throw at us, we must be up to the challenge as we cannot afford to fall to far behind in the standings. We know they can play, but nothing beats preparation.”
The opening encounter saw impressive support for the home team in a festive atmosphere, and as the Easter weekend break approaches, it is anticipated that the fans will come out in similar numbers to give vital vocal support.”
Antigua will face Sevilla again on Saturday at the Sticky Wickey Stadium, with kickoff again scheduled for 7 p.m.