Antigua Barracuda FC News Release -- www.antiguabarracudafc.com
Thursday, June 2, 2011
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Antigua Barracuda FC faces a crucial period in its short time as a professional unit when it takes on the visiting Rochester Rhinos in a doubleheader on Friday and Sunday at the Sticky Wicket Stadium. Both games kick off at 8 p.m. and will be available on USLLive.com.
With two defeats on the road to Rochester and Charlotte, the majority of the players were been engaged in an international friendly in the southern Caribbean island of Grenada where goals from Stefan Smith and Randolph Burton were enough to share the spoils with Gold Cup-bound Grenada.
“This was really good preparation for the boys," Head Coach Tom Curtis, who is also the Technical Director for the Antigua National Team said. "Even with key players missing, we will use this as a stepping stone to give a good performance in front of our fans but it is clear that the participation of Barracuda FC in USL PEO is helping the players to cope and perform better at International level.”
One of the objectives of Barracuda FC is to give the players representing the country and others pushing for national honors the opportunity to consistently play at this level.
“We are serious and deliberate about developing football in Antigua," Director of Football and Team Manager Fernando Abraham said. "Barracuda FC provides another avenue for our players to showcase their abilities at regular intervals. We have the talent and already we can see the players benefitting from this experience. We hope they continue to show this kind of progress.”
This Friday and Sunday tests against the Rhinos will provide yet another chance for the home team, beaten 2-0 in Rochester three weeks ago, to avenge that loss and get back to winning ways. Affected by injuries to key players on the recent road trip, the welcomed break in the schedule allowed the medical staff to work overtime on the many minor knocks affecting players which should see their return to full action.
Team captain George Dublin, who until his injury in the eighth game of the season played every minute of the season, is excited about his likely return to the team.
“I can’t wait to get going," Dublin said, "it’s been very frustrating for me as this is an unaccustomed position, watching from the side lines. We will have to play well against Rochester as they are a very well drilled team and will provide a tough challenge for us, but we will be up to it.”