Hibernian defeat American side Strikers two-nil in a blustery affair at Rugby Avenue.
Hibs made the early break through when Fraser Murray waltzed through the Strikers defence before poking the ball past Nathan Heintz in goal.
Strikers looked to respond, some strong running from captain Bond-Flaza won a corner, which was subsequently headed over the bar by Carlos Tejeda. Tyler Marquez nearly scored one of the goals of the tournament, but a deflection prevented his long range strike from heading into the top corner.
Strikers pressure continued and they Americans felt aggrieved not get a penalty when forward Onofre went down in the box after breaking through a couple of Hibs challenges.
Christian Perez was next to try his luck, his strike forcing a smart save from Patrick Martin in the Hibs goal. Hibs tried to extend their advantage just before half-time, however Ryan Porteous could only head wide from a free kick.
After the break Hibs looked to put the game beyond doubt, and they did shortly after the restart. A deep free kick from full back Yeats was hammered home on the volley by Jamie Gullan, a strike that Heintz was powerless to deal with.
Perez tried his luck from a free kick, but it was comfortable dealt with by Martin. With the two goal advantage, Hibs began to sit deep and let Strikers try to force the issue. Tejeda had a wild strike from range which went well wide, before Perez just couldn’t reach Marmion’s cross into the box.
With Strikers pressing, Hibs were dangerous on the counter attack. Callum Donaldson raced onto a through ball, however his lobbed attempt was agonisinglyover the crossbar. Porteous had another opportunity just before the final whistle, however his header smashed off the crossbar.
Report by Andy Gray (AndyGrayNI)