HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC):

Bermuda's national team flew to the Cayman Islands yesterday, buoyed by a confidence-boosting 1-0 win in the United States over Miami FC Blues, ahead of their Digicel Caribbean Cup campaign.

An early strike from college utility-man Jason Davis was enough to see off the United Soccer League Division One outfit, who play in the division above the Bermuda Hogges.

Bermuda's technical director, Derek Broadley, said Saturday's friendly match was played in blistering heat and had served as an "excellent workout" for the squad.

"We played very well especially in the first half," Broadley told reporters here.

Fitness levels tested

"The heat was absolutely unbelievable and we only had 12 players, whereas they had a squad of 20, which they rotated. It really tested our fitness levels."

Bermuda's trio of Under-20 internationals, Tumani Steede, Roger Lee and Casey Castle, all featured for the senior national team for the first time, and Broadley said he was delighted with their performances.

"Obviously we gave everyone a run-out and I was pleased with our newcomers Tumani, Roger and Casey who gave a good account of themselves.

"Miami used some of their reserve and academy players, but it was still an excellent workout for our players."

Bermuda, known as the Gombey Warriors, played without Khano Smith, Reggie Lambe, Keishen Bean, Stevie Astwood and Damon Ming, who joined up with the squad on Sunday.

Due to a lack of numbers, coach Kenny Thompson made a second-half cameo appearance.

Bermuda face Antigua and Barbuda in their opening match of the Digicel Caribbean Cup tomorrow.

Antigua and Barbuda are seen as Bermuda's biggest threat to topping the group, which also includes the Caymans and St Maarten.

Bermuda's last Digicel Caribbean Cup campaign saw them comfortably negotiate the first phase before finishing third in a four-team group in phase two and being eliminated by eventual winners Haiti in a play-off - the last hurdle before the finals.