Spirit plays host to Bermuda

The Washington Spirits’s Advanced Development Program (ADP), comprised of 17 college players from nine different universities and one youth player, took down Bermuda in a friendly match at Segra Field, winning 8-2.

As a part of a week-long training trip to prepare for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the Bermuda National Team trekked to Washington D.C. and competed against the Spirit’s ADP squad on Monday. They also competed against Coppermine United Women’s Team from the United Women’s Soccer League 2 on Wednesday.

“As part of our market scouting and identification program, we’re extremely proud of the youth and college coaches for all the development work they have done and are doing with their respective players,” said Spirit President of Sporting Operations and Chief Soccer Officer Larry R. Best. “Our role as part of the Advanced Development Program is to provide continued development opportunities by bringing these players into an advanced training or match environment that allows for personal growth from an educational standpoint both on and off the field of play.”

During a time of the year when college players are ramping up their training prior to the season, the competition was welcomed.

“I would like to thank the Bermuda Women’s National Team for contacting us on the opportunity to play a match with our Advanced Development Program,” said Best. “Anytime you can play an international match is an incredible experience for our players and the club, so we were excited to host this match.”

Bermuda Women’s National Team Head Coach Naquita Dill-Robinson was very appreciative.

“We haven’t had any international football in a while because of the pandemic, so this was a very good match for us to see where we are, where we need to be, and what we need to work on.”