The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Coach Alexandre Soares liked the intensity level that the Bahamas men’s national team brought to game two of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Tournament and World Cup Qualifier.

After going to sudden death for a 2-2 (5-4) win over Guatemala in game one on Monday night in the Beach Soccer Facility at Malcolm Park, the Bahamas knocked off Belize 6-2 yesterday to remain undefeated with four points.

“We played better than yesterday. Yesterday we were probably nervous because of the start of the tournament,” Soares said. “The tournament is difficult, but we played very well and we won the game.”

James Thompson scored the initial goal and was followed quickly by another from Jean Francois to snatch a 2-0 lead before Belize answered with their first goal from Kenton Martinez to trail 2-1 at the end of the first period.

“It was a surreal experience. Definitely being able to display the many things we worked on in training, one being my responsibility to score some goals,” Thompson said. “It’s a good feeling to know that the hard work is paying off.”

Thompson added another in the second quarter and Martinez responded as they completed the second period. The Bahamas went on cruise control in the third period and highlighted by back-to-back shots inside the goal post from Kyle Williams and Evelt Julmas, who added his pair, the first on a penalty kick and the other on a defensive play to seal the deal.

“”The first goal was a penalty. The second one, I didn’t know what happened. I was just blocking and I turned around and saw everybody celebrating,” Julmas said. “It was an awesome break for me. I’m proud of it.”

Considering that he didn’t play in the first game, Julmas said he went out and put his best foot forward. Hopefully as the tournament progresses, he hope that he can continue to be effective.

In other games played, Panama def. the Dominican Republic 8-1; the United States def. Trinidad & Tobago 6-2; Costa Rica def,, Turks & Caicos 10-2; defending champions El Salvador def., Guadeloupe 10-1 and Mexico def. Guatemala 6-3.

The Bahamas will play out play in Group B when they ply their third match tonight at 7:30 pm against Mexico. Today’s action will get started at noon with Trinidad & Tobago taking on the Dominican Republic, followed by the USA vs Panama at 1:30 pm; Guadeloupe vs Tucks and Caicos at 3 pm; El Salvador vs Costa Rica at 4:30 pm and Guatemala vs Belize at 6 pm.

The teams will have a break on Thursday and will begin the playoffs on Friday. The finals will be played on Sunday with the two participants advancing to the World Cup.