The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER splitting their first two games in their first trip to play in the United States last month, the University of the Bahamas Mingoes men's soccer team are off again this weekend.

And head coach Dion Godet said he's confident that they should be able to improve on their performances when they play against Florida National University on Friday and Broward College on Sunday.

"This trip is a climb up the mountain in the sense that we are playing against Florida National University who, up to last night, were undefeated for the season, having also played the Cayman Islands under-23 national team," Godet said.

"During the pre-season, they played the division one Florida Gulf Coast University, which is also a pretty good team, and they drew them. So this the first game is going to be a climb up the mountain."

As for Sunday's game, Godet said they feel they should have a better opportunity to win against Broward College.

But he admitted that a win against Florida National University will be another feather in their cap.

The Mingoes are coming off their first trip last month when they split their two games, losing their opener 3-0 to Florida College but bounced back to take their frustrations out on Johnson University with their 7-0 shutout.

In the latter game, the Mingoes got a goal from Barry Smith, Mario Louis, James Darville, Michael Butler, Denzel Deveaux, Tristian Arnold and Devonte Dean.

Going into the trip, Godet said his Mingoes played a friendly game to prepare for the game and they were able to walk off the field with a 12-2 decision. "We're looking good. The team is starting to develop a new attitude where we are in more possession of the ball," he said. "We are trying to encourage them to pass and kick the ball."

Godet, assisted by Harvey Munnings, said the more they play in the US against the college teams, they will have to learn to hold the ball a little more before they go to the net to score.

The Mingoes will have the return of Stuart Hanna to their line-up.

Hanna was their top goal scorer last year and they will also have one of their top defenders back as well.