A significant weekend for Bermudian coaches and players in both the US and UK football leagues
It was a significant weekend for Bermudian coaches and players in both the US and UK football leagues, marked by playoff qualification and vital cup goals.
US Playoff Clinches
In the USL Championship, Khano Smith’s Rhode Island FC officially booked their ticket to the 2025 playoffs. RIFC secured a valuable road point with a 0-0 tie at North Carolina FC. Head coach Smith watched his side put on a resilient defensive display, clinching their second-straight postseason berth.
Across the women’s game, Mia Fishel and her Seattle Reign teammates clinched a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) playoff spot with a 2-1 victory over the Utah Royals at Lumen Field, thanks to goals from Ainsley McCammon and Sofia Huerta.
Cup Drama in England
In the English Women’s National League Cup, Kenni Thompson proved the match-winner for AFC Bournemouth Women. They defeated QPR Women, who employ goalkeeping coach Dashun Cooper, by a score of 1-0. Thompson scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, calmly slotting home from 12 yards after being fouled in the area.
Meanwhile, Shaun Goater was on the touchline as assistant coach for Aston Villa Women, who comfortably defeated Bristol City 3-0 in their Women’s League Cup fixture.
Finally, K’Shaela Burch-Waldron and her Sutton United Women teammates advanced in their National League Cup match, edging Barking 2-1.
