Antigua Barracuda FC News Release -- www.antiguabarracudafc.com

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua -- An inconsistent start to the 2012 USL PRO season perhaps best describes Antigua Barracuda FC this year. With a record of two wins and two defeats and their next road trip to include the Wilmington Hammerheads and Charleston Battery, two seasoned campaigners in the league, the next two matches will certainly provide a good test of exactly where the ambitions lie for the Caribbean-based team.

This will be the first time Antigua will visit the Carolinas and the team is eager to showcase their talents to an expectant audience. The Barracudas will face the Hammerheads on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. before travelling down to coast to face the Battery on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Both games can be seen on USL Live (www.uslnation.com), the league's free online streaming service. 

"We have selected a group that can compete with the best," said Fernando Abraham, Director of Football. "We expect a stern test, but we are up to it, as we feel we have been unlucky with our campaign so far this year. It is early days yet, and we have a long way to go, but these next few games are important for the confidence of the team and our ambitions for this year".

The squad selected features a group of battle-hardened players, mixed with a youthful bunch that are destined for bigger and better things.

Its no secret, that a portion of this squad will be competing against the U.S. Men's National Team on June 8th in Tampa, Fla. and while the country is viewed as huge underdogs, these small steps in USL PRO provide the platform to sharpen these players for the bigger stage.

The defense will be marshalled by the experience of George Dublin, while in midfield, much is expected of Quinton Griffith. Pace and power dominate the front line with Peter Byers and Stefan Smith, who have scored five goals between them.

Coach Tom Curtis, in only his second USL season, regards this chapter as an important one in the overall scheme of things.

"These next two games and those leading up to our matchup against the United States, will play a pivotal role in our preparation for the semifinal rond of the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifying, but we must demonstrate our capacity to cope at this level, and our ability to adjust to the next stage when that time comes," Curtis said. "These opportunities are valuable for our team who only a year ago first ventured into the professional ranks. It won't all come together at once, but we have a fine bunch of players, capable of upsetting anyone, on any given day."