Trip to Bermuda gives Hammerheads new life

A match in the middle of the Atlantic could be just what the Hammerheads needed in an effort to turn their season around.

The get-away-from-it-all trip to Bermuda, after a rough first half of the United Soccer Leagues schedule, served up a much-needed, 1-0 victory Tuesday night over the Hogges.

The Hammerheads, who play host to Cleveland tonight, landed back on the mainland Wednesday night at Wilmington International Airport.

While waiting for their belongings at the baggage claim area, head coach David Irving and assistant coach Anthony Hudson both beamed about an estimated 20 shots on goal against the Hogges defense.

Midfielder Adam Williamson, who scored the match's lone goal, suggested his team could have put the game away early, with a number of scoring opportunities around the Bermuda box.

Williamson said with nine games remaining on the 20-match slate, the Hammerheads are looking at the second half as a new season. The result Tuesday was season's 11th match and improves their record to 2-5-4.

"The facility down there is unbelievable," Williamson said. "A new national stadium - Bermuda grass, obviously. It's faster than anything I've ever played on."

The Bermuda experience

The team, with a limited roster traveling for the international match, arrived in Bermuda on Monday afternoon and toured the island on rented scooters.

Off the pitch, Irving got in a little island golf with the Bermuda coaching staff.

"Obviously, we had a real nice time, but the result was most important," Irving said.

Brian Bell is part of a defensive unit that has recorded three shutouts in the last five matches. As is the case for at least most of the club, this was the 20-year-old's first trip to Bermuda.

"It's beautiful," Bell said. "It was a great experience."

Bell said they talked to locals about the best places for pre-game and post-game meals.

Bermuda's first-year, Second Division club is also the country's national team. A 0-7-1 mark has them sitting in the bottom of the standings.

"All credit to them," Irving said, in talking about the Hogges' organization, the stadium and a "nice" crowd on hand for the match. "They've got a plan. All the best to them because they're really trying to make this thing work."

Player news

Midfielder George Corrie was named to the USL Second Division Team of the Week. Corrie is coming off a leg injury that sidelined him for much of the season's first half. He scored a goal in the Hammerheads' 1-1 draw against the New Hampshire Phantoms on June 15.

Irving reports Derek Popovich has decided to return to his hometown and has been released by Wilmington. Popovich was in his third season with the club, recording three goals and two assists.