Solid defender and laser-focused striker share honours

By Cayman Sports Buzz
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: 10 May 2017

L-R: Daniel Wilson, Futbolista World Manager Celso Montoya, Gunnar Studenhofft, Cayman Sports Buzz Editor Ben Meade.

A team with no defence stands no chance on the pitch and without a formidable striker, scoring goals won’t be easy. Just ask the head coach of the Cayman Islands National U15 Team, Bruce Sigsworth.

Although his team lost two of its three games in the just concluded 2017 Cayman Airways Invitational U15 Youth Football Cup – the squad’s first tournament as a unit, there were two players whose performances give Sigsworth something to smile about.

Gunnar Studenhofft led the team in goals, scoring twice in the team’s 6-0 win over Alchemy DSC from Minnesota and another in the team’s 5-1 loss to Cavaliers Soccer Club from Jamaica. Daniel Wallace was solid at right back, playing with high energy and denying attackers who bore down on him.

“Their level of football matched the level of the other teams regardless of what else was happening with the team as a whole,” Sigsworth said.

“Gunnar stands out straight away with his dogged determination. Sometimes being a lone striker is a difficult role at first but he keeps going. Daniel brought into his game more of an attacking side and keeping the ball better. That’s something we have been working on him with and that’s something he brought into the game.”

: Gunnar Studenhofft

: Daniel Wallace

With that assessment, they’ve been named joint Cayman Sports Buzz Footballers of the Week presented by Futbolista World. “They really stood out as being deserving of this award and I think they will move and continue to go from here,” their coach said.

Wallace, who plays in the local league for Academy Sports Club, said it was a good experience playing in the tournament, which served as a stepping stone towards the CONCACAF U15 Championships this August.

“At first, it was kind of scary but we fought through it and we gave it a good try,” he said.

“I felt very confident playing [because] my attacking with the team improved [a lot]. I thank Coach Bruce, the staff and my parents, and most of all, God, for giving me this opportunity to [play for the national team],” the defender said.

Studenhofft, who plays for Cayman Athletic, was also full of praise for the defender: “Without Daniel, we wouldn’t have come this far.” He added that if the team follows the coaches more, they should have an improved showing in their next outing this summer.

About his goals: “All I do is look up and head straight for goal. I don’t look back, I just go straight – that’s what my mom tells me.” That’s a lesson he shared with us previously, when he won our award earlier in the season.

Both players were presented with certificates, Futbolista World sports shirts, and gift certificates to be used toward new gear at Futbolista World. They have also been entered into a draw to win an additional prize from Futbolista World at the end of the season.

Wallace (2) and Studenhofft (9) with other Cayman Islands starting players.

Each week, Cayman Sports Buzz will select a player for the Footballer of the Week honour based on their performance in any of the following leagues: Cayman Premier League, CIFA Women’s Premier League, CIFA First Division, CIFA youth leagues and the CUC Primary Football League/Girls Primary Football League.

At the end of the season, Cayman Sports Buzz will be presenting a more substantial award to the Footballer of the Year.

About Artiem Solutions and Cayman Sports Buzz:

Artiem Solutions is a 100% Caymanian-owned boutique communication consultancy firm launched in the first quarter of 2016. In August, the company launched Cayman Sports Buzz (www.caymansportsbuzz.com), a website dedicated to the exclusive coverage of local sports in the Cayman Islands.

About Futbolista World:

Located on the island of Grand Cayman, Futbolista World (www.futbolistaworld.com) specializes in selling authentic high quality football merchandise and providing excellent customer service. Our store provides players, coaches and fans with the latest authentic football gear from top brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma and more. Our aim is to inform and inspire others by promoting our passion for football and offer quality merchandise at affordable prices.