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Post by Admin on Sept 8, 2023 4:22:48 GMT
trinidadexpress.com/sports/local/it-s-their-time/article_e73f08b2-4d18-11ee-bf61-c322a971021f.htmlAngus Eve: It's their timeBROTHERS IN ARMS: Trinidad and Tobago’s Aubrey David, right, and national head coach Angus Eve at yesterday's pre-match media conference at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, ahead of this evening’s CONCACAF Nations Cup match against Curacao at the same venue. ANGUS EVE enthusiastically believes that this evening’s CONCACAF Nations League match against Curacao represents a new beginning for the national team. Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s footballers begin their Nations League campaign from 6 p.m. at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, before flying off to Central America to meet El Salvador on Sunday. Eve is looking for his Soca Warriors to recover from a disappointing CONCACAF Gold Cup, in which they suffered huge defeats to the USA and Jamaica. Subsequently, he has decided to omit seasoned campaigners like Alvin Jones, Joevin Jones, Sheldon Bateau and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, replaced them with younger prospects. He is of the view this is the way forward while looking towards T&T’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. “We now believe that this is their time to be on the bigger stage,” stated Eve. “The home game are the ones you want to win and it will do a world of confidence with these young players we are now putting our faith in.” Eve made mention of the likes of 19-year-old striker Nathaniel James and Michel Poon-Angeron and Jesse Williams, both 22, as players who have had limited playing time and not being given their chance with the national team. Eve explained that one of the considerations in leaving out 29-year-old right-back Alvin Jones is that his Club Sando team has not played since the Caribbean Club Shield six weeks ago. Eve pointed out that both the young Williams, who plays at right-back, and versatile defender Shannon Gomes have been featuring regularly with their American clubs and he wanted to give them a chance to show their worth. “Poon-Angeron has been through the process,” noted Eve. “Now is their time to shine.” The T&T head coach also refused to be drawn deeply into controversy surrounding the abrupt requirement of 33-year-old former captain Kevin Molino and the player’s subsequent criticism of Eve’s approach. Eve said he has to be focus on the players in his squad and shielding them from other issues. “That is Kevin’s decision, not mine,” Eve stated, while describing Molino as a stalwart of the team. “Kevin is an individual and has the right to feel the way he feels about any situation.” Meanwhile, Curacao’s interim coach Dean Gorre, who has been on the job for just over a week, describes his team as being in transition. But he is fairly experienced, having served in the role of Curacao’s Technical Director. Gorre has 12 Dutch-linked players in his squad, including captain Leandro Bacuna, the Netherlands-based Groningen midfielder who was part of the Curacao team when they lifted the Caribbean Cup in 2017. Facebook Twitter Email PrintCopy article link Save
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Post by Admin on Sept 8, 2023 4:26:33 GMT
"Natty" scores on his debutIan Prescott GOING DOWN: T&T midfielder Kaile Auvray, right, falls dramatically after a strong tackle from Curaçao’s Kevin Felida during first half action in their CONCACAF Nations League encounter last evening at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. —Photo: ROBERT TAYLOR trinidadexpress.com/sports/local/natty-strikes/article_3fd688de-4de5-11ee-bdda-0b7e368e206d.htmlNATHANIEL “Natty” JAMES made a dream debut as Trinidad and stole a late and dramatic 1-0 home win over Curacao in their opening League A match of the 2023-2024 CONCACAF Nations League last night, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Playing his first senior international, the 19-year-old Club Sando striker was on spot, when burying a low shot past keeper Trevor Doornbusch in the 87th minute. Another relative newcomer and substitute left-back Andre Raymond made the cross, Ryan Telfer headed it down, and James needed just a second to decisively drive the ball in. At the other end, it also took another piece of brilliance from goalkeeper Denzil Smith, another relative newcomer to keep T&T ahead, the Club Sando keeper pulling off a match-saving stop in the 90th minute. T&T’s exhilarating moment only came after a full shift of hard defending. It was one where the Soca Warriors were forced to defend heavily, especially in the first half, before being more dangerous in the second. Only one goal was ever going to win the match and it went to the home team. The Soca Warriors went in after the first half goalless, thanks mainly to a strong defensive performance. Curacao dominated possession, showing the benefit of having experienced and quality footballers like captain Leandro Bacuna, who played last season in the English Premier League with Watford and others who have been with top clubs worldwide. T&T offered nothing up front for the first quarter-hour, until Telfer ran onto Neveal Hackshaw’s precise over-the-top pass, got by defender Juriën Gaari, but lost composure when it was time to strike. Curacao deliberately probed the wide positions, with right-back Shannon Gomez put under constant pressure by Kenji Gorre, the Qatar-based midfield who played five years at Swansea in England and another three with Portuguese giants Boavista (2021-2023). Likewise, left-winger winger Kaile Auvray spent a lot of the first half defending, something he does not particularly like. But T&T did not break, and even with almost two-thirds possession, Curacao had almost no menacing shots at rookie goalkeeper Smith. What the Soca Warriors did well, was win free-kicks and corners; Curacao stopping every attempt to go forward made by the elusive Auvray and diligent, hard-working striker Malcolm Shaw. As a result, captain Aubrey David got the chance to loop three headers over the bar from Telfer’s corners, and when Shaw spectacularly scored with a bicycle kick late in the first half, the goal was disallowed, defender Justin Garcia adjudged to have climbed all over his marker before redirecting a header towards Shaw. Typically, it was Auvrey’s forward running which almost gave the Soca Warriors a breakthrough, when cutting inside and just missing the far corner in the 52nd minute. Twenty minutes later, substitute Reon Moore was sprung by Telfer’s pass down the middle but put a lot shot wide, possibly the best chance of the match, until James’ late winner. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: 22. Denzil Smith (Gk), 2.Aubrey David (C), 3.Ross Russell (6 Andre Raymond -69), 7.Ryan Telfer, 14.Shannon Gomez, 17.Justin García, 8.Daniel Phillips, 15.Neveal Hackshaw, 18.Andre Rampersad, 20. Kaile Auvray, 19. Malcolm Shaw (13 Reon Moore-69th). Subs: 1 Christopher Biggette, 21.Jabari St Hillaire, 4.Jesse Williams, 12.Kareem Moses, 5.Kevon Goddard, 10.Duane Muckette, 11. Nathaniel James, 16.Michel Poon-Angeron, 23 Kristian Lee-Him, 9.Brent Sam. Facebook Twitter Email PrintCopy article link Save
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Post by Admin on Sept 8, 2023 4:32:10 GMT
Brown called up to Jamaica's national team for Concacaf Nations League
Tuesday, Sep 5, 2023, 05:00 PM www.whitecapsfc.com/news/brown-called-up-jamaica-nations-leagueVANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Javain Brown has been called up to Jamaica's men's national team for two Concacaf Nations League matches this month. The Reggae Boyz will first take on Honduras on Friday, September 8 at 6 p.m. PT and then play Haiti on Tuesday, September 12 at 5 p.m. PT. Both matches will take place in Kingston at Jamaica's National Stadium. Jamaica are in League A, Group B of the Nations League, which also includes Cuba, Grenada, and Suriname. The defender was last called up to Jamaica for the Concacaf Gold Cup in July, which saw the Reggae Boyz make it to the semifinal before falling to Mexico. In total, the 2021 MLS SuperDraft selection has represented his country at the senior international level 24 times since making his debut for Jamaica against Trinidad & Tobago in 2017. After joining the national team program at the U-17 level, the Kingston native made five appearances for the U-20 national team and four appearances at the U-23 level, including three matches at the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru. This year with the 'Caps, Brown has scored one goal and added three assists in 20 starts and 24 appearances across all competitions. All-time, Brown has tallied two goals, as well as nine assists, in 63 starts and 80 appearances for the 'Caps across three seasons. JAVAIN BROWN
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Post by Admin on Sept 8, 2023 4:49:22 GMT
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: TT vs CURACAO
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Post by Admin on Oct 14, 2023 6:39:28 GMT
Classic! Soca Warriors rally for 3-2 win over GuatemalaIan Prescott Rubio Mendez Guatemala's Rubio Mendez, left, bears down on goal in the 13th minute during the Concacaf Nations League Group A match against Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad. (PHOTO BY DANIEL PRENTICE/STRAFFON IMAGES. DANIEL PRENTICE It was an instant classic. National youth striker Nathaniel "Natty" James grabbed an 89th minute winner from a free kick, as Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors rallied from two goals down to defeat Guatemala 3-2 in their Group A, CONCACAF Nations League A match, last night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. A point playing away to already relegated Curacao on Tuesday will guarantee T&T a first-ever quarter-final spot, joining Group B leaders Jamaica, as well as the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada -- the quartet having earned automatic qualification --as the top four ranked CONCACAF nations. Last night, Rubio Méndez (12') and Oscar Santis (31') put Guatemala into an early 2-0 lead, which was erased by Alvin Jones' penalty (36'), Reon Moore's (54') close up equaliser for 2-2, and finally James' (89') expertly taken free kick. Coming on as a late second-half substitute, James left Guatemalan goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen firmly planted to the spot when drilling in from the set-piece, capping a dramatic come-from-behind victory for the Soca Warriors, who also came from behind to win in El Salvador last month. With victories over Curacao (1-0), El Salvador (3-2) and Guatemala (3-2), T&T is the only League A nation still with a 100 per cent record. Other results last night saw Panama getting an injury-time winner in defeating Curacao 2-1 while Martinique won 1-0 at home against El Salvador, leaving T&T topping Group A (9 points) ahead of Panama (7 pts), Martinique (6 pts) and Guatemala (4 pts) . Already relegated El Salvador and Curacao remain with zero points. Early on, the officials did neither T&T nor the standard of CONCACAF officiating full justice, by allowing Rubio Mendez a clearly offside goal. T&T dominated the early exchanges and it was quite a surprise when Guatemala took the lead. Mendez (R) was miles ahead of the defenders when touching in a shot across goal from Derby County striker Nathaniel Mendez-Laing. And Santis pinged a low shot off the far post for 2-0 on the second attempt after defender Alvin Jones blocked his initial shot. But five minutes later when Noah Powder was brought down, Jones converted the penalty for 2-1 Moore missed a couple chances before forcing in a rebound, following Ryan Telfer's corner-kick and Neveal Hackshaw's header on goal, to restore parity at 2-2, before James' heroics sealed full points for the home team. There were nervous moments at the back end and it took some luck as well, as the Soca Warriors survived a late Guatemala onslaught. A second Rubio goal was ruled offside; Guatemala had a shot come off the underside of the crossbar; and both T&T goalkeepers, injured Denzil Smith and second-half replacement Christopher Biggette, both came up with match-saving stops. Every Soca Warrior played a part in an exhilarating victory and a match played as a final, as promised by coach Angus Eve. At the end, they earned a standing ovation from an appreciative and ever-growing audience, who now seem interested in watching the national team play football again. Facebook Twitter Email PrintCopy article link Save
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Post by Admin on Nov 20, 2023 19:46:08 GMT
Nicaragua seal League A promotion with 4-0 beating of Barbados; Bermuda, Montserrat, Belize also victorious in League BBy Sports Desk November 18, 2023 Email Nicaraguan players celebrate a goal against Barbados www.sportsmax.tv/football/regional/item/133579-nicaragua-seal-league-a-promotion-with-4-0-beating-of-barbados-bermuda-montserrat-belize-also-victorious-in-league-bNicaragua will contest League A in the next edition of the Concacaf Nations League, as they sealed promotion with a 4-0 beating of Barbados in Group B of League B on Friday. A Montserrat victory over Dominican Republic allowed Nicaragua to secure their ascent on the penultimate matchday, while the defeat for Barbados confirmed their relegation to League C for the next Nations League edition. Over in Group C, Bermuda jumped into first place with a victory against St Vincent and the Grenadines, while Belize climbed out of the relegation spot with a goal on the last play of the match, leaving all to be decided on the final matchday. Montserrat vs. Dominican Republic Montserrat took a 2-1 victory at home to Dominican Republic at the Blakes Estate Stadium in Plymouth. Montserrat’s Brandon Barzey opened the scoring in the 37th minute, with a header at the far post. Kaleem Strawbridge was influential in the build-up, as he played off a give-and-go before crossing the ball across the box. Heinz Morschel of the Dominican Republic went close with a shot from a distance in 40th, but Corrin Brooks, in goal for Nicaragua, proved equal to the task. Strawbridge extended Nicaragua's lead in the 57th with a curling attempt from edge of the box that kissed the left upright on its way in. Edarlyn Reyes pulled one back for the visitors in the 75th with a power strike inside the box. Jean Lopez provided the service to the left post for Reyes to control and finish with aplomb. Dominic Richmond nearly got a third for Montserrat in the 85th, but the substitute’s strike went just outside of the left post. Barbados vs. Nicaragua Nicaragua earned a 4-0 win over Barbados at the Wildey Turf Stadium in Wildey, Barbados to win Group B and clinch promotion to League A. The visitors were awarded a penalty kick after Bancy Hernandez was taken down inside the box. Junior Arteaga buried the 22nd-minute 12-yard kick to put Nicaragua in front. Nextaly Rodríguez extended the lead in the 43rd with a long-range hit from right field that found the left netting. Luis Coronel added his name to the scoresheet in the 55th, with a hit on the volley from outside the box. Henry Nino supplied the assist from deep in midfield. Jacob Montes added a fourth in the 59th, after protecting a through ball and seeing it into the box and past goalkeeper Liam Brathwaite. Tajio James almost had a consolation for Barbados in the 80th, but Nicaragua's goalkeeper Cesar Salandia blocked the attempt with his right leg to deflect it over goal, preserving his clean sheet. Bermuda vs. St Vincent and the Grenadines Bermuda won 3-1 over St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Dame Flora Duffy National Sports Centre in Devonshire Parish, Bermuda. With the win, Bermuda assumed pole position in Group C by a point over French Guiana. An elaborate build up from the home team led to a Ne-Jai Tucker strike inside the box in the fifth minute to grab the early ascendancy. Djair Parfitt was denied by the left post in the 16th, as the hosts almost doubled the lead during a rainy stretch. Bermuda's goalkeeper Dale Eve kept the score intact with a strip in 26th, to deny Cornelius Stewart. Nazir McBurnette put St Vincent and Grenadines back on level terms with a 34th-minute strike from midfield that took a deflection and curled to the right, leaving Eve no chance at a save. But Kane Crichlow regained the lead for the hosts in the 44th, by pouncing on a second chance strike after a block from goalkeeper Lemus Christopher. Eve then made a crucial save during the only minute of first half stoppage time to deny a Kyle Edwards from crossing the goal line. Parfitt scored what would be an insurance goal in the 50th with a strike to the right corner of goal, completing the 3-1 scoreline. Belize vs. French Guiana Belize took a dramatic 1-0 victory French Guiana at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan. French Guiana’s Arnold Abelinti had eyes for the opening goal early with a header inside the box in the second minute but was denied by Belize's goalkeeper Charles Tillett. Abelinti had an opportunity inside the box in the ninth but could not get the power behind it to open the scoring. One of the better opportunities for the hosts came as Eldon Reneau tried to find Gilroy Thurton at the far post in the 20th on a long free kick attempt. Tillett had a busy first half with a key save in the 35th on a Thomas Nemouthe powerful strike from distance. Nemouthe then had a shot towards goal in the 52nd, as French Guiana continued to apply pressure. French Guiana's custodian Donovan Leon cut off a cross towards from Norman Anderson into the box in the 77th to keep the score line even, as Horace Avila was prowling inside the penalty area. A corner kick provided the opportunity for the game-winner in the 90+6, as Eugene Martinez headed the ball in to take the full three points for Belize.
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Post by Admin on Nov 20, 2023 19:48:11 GMT
Canada's late win in Jamaica puts Copa América within reach: "We have to finish the job"
Ben Steiner Saturday, Nov 18, 2023, 03:18 PM www.mlssoccer.com/news/canada-s-late-win-in-jamaica-puts-copa-america-within-reach-we-have-to-finish-thKINGSTON, Jamaica - With a veteran-laden squad, the Canadian men's national team battled to a 2-1 victory at Jamaica Saturday morning in the first leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals tie. The victory marked Canada’s first in Jamaica since 1988 and set the stage for Tuesday's return leg at Toronto FC's BMO Field, where the aggregate winner will automatically qualify for the 2024 Copa America in the United States and advance to the Nations League Finals in March. After an immense downpour postponed Friday night’s kickoff to Saturday morning, both sides had to readjust and reorganize in what still proved to be a critical matchup, despite Canada struggling to find their footing early. “It was tough, but we had to adapt... that’s what this group is about, too. We don’t look for excuses; we look for solutions, and together, we had to dig deep,” Canadian center back Steven Vitoria said post-match. “Our brotherhood had to be dug out, and now we have a big win and want to bring that momentum back to Toronto.” While both sides had to tackle the delayed kickoff, Les Rouges prevailed after early worries and took the lead just before the break when Jonathan David finished off a classy move inside the box from Cyle Larin to beat three-time Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake at the far post. Although Canada controlled most of the final hour, Jamaica found their way back into the game in the 56th minute, when a quick set-piece and a finish from Shamar Nicholson left Canada’s defenders unaware, looking for an offside flag or whistle to indicate a restart. Stephen Eustáquio scored the match-winner with five minutes remaining, finishing on a first-touch after Vancouver Whitecaps fullback Richie Laryea drove the ball down to the touchline before pulling it back. “We wanted to come out of here with a result, and we knew that if we achieved that, it would put us in a good position for the second leg in Toronto on Tuesday,” interim head coach Mauro Biello said, following his first win at the helm of the CanMNT. “We’re going to have a difficult game in Toronto, but that first phase is mission accomplished for us, so we switch our focus to recovery, get the players ready, and focus on performing in that game." Laryea shines Despite his Audi MLS Cup Playoffs ending earlier than he had hoped with Vancouver, Laryea proved to be one of Canada’s top contributors on Saturday, providing the assist on the final goal while being one of the top defensive players. Although he often slotted into a back three alongside Vitoria and Inter Miami CF’s Kamal Miller while Canada were in possession, allowing Whitecaps teammate Sam Adekugbe to push into attack, he proved vital in all aspects. Through 90 minutes, he made 25 successful passes on 48 touches while making two tackles and winning six of eight duels. He also recovered seven loose balls, and his speed saved the CanMNT from several defensive mishaps. The 28-year-old’s versatility is critical to Canada’s approach, and finding his feet under Biello allowed Canada to play positively in the second half, as he contributed to both sides of the ball, eventually proving critical. Past issues remain evident While Canada found both goals off of two strong chances, there were several worrying points for Biello’s men, particularly early, as they struggled to settle into the match, with past weaknesses showing in critical moments. The center-back duo of Vitoria and Miller has proved strong in the past, but they have often struggled to deal with direct aerial balls. That factor nearly cost Canada on Saturday. In the 14th minute, Leon Bailey found himself clear on goalkeeper Milan Borjan, getting on the end of a lofted ball over the top, which snuck past Vitoria’s head and eluded the recovery runs of both defenders. Yet, Canada was able to force the ball out to wide areas through the final 60 minutes, minimizing the potential issue. While Jamaica constantly pressured Canada’s center backs, the Canadian midfield also struggled in transition through the first half, with Alphonso Davies drifting centrally and failing to play through balls to runners off the ball. Similarly, Eustáquio struggled to control spaces when forced out wide. When he and Davies swapped to more natural roles in the second half, Canada controlled play, developing their eventual winning tally. “If you’ve been watching him for a while, he’s been doing well, and he’s in great form, so when a player like that is coming out for their club teams with that type of form, and they’re able to transform it into the national team, it’s great,” Biello said of Eustáquio. “I’m happy for him and the boys in their commitment to this win.” With no decision on the permanent head coaching role expected to be made until early 2024, this window is critical to Biello’s efforts in securing the role while pushing Canada towards the Copa America and further opportunities for young players ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil. “This win is special. For me representing this country, it’s an honor, and it’s an honor every day to be able to work with this group and make our fans and country proud,” Biello said. “We showed a lot of resilience today to come out here on top. Now we have to finish the job back home.” Ben Steiner - @bensteiner00
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Post by Admin on Nov 20, 2023 19:52:59 GMT
TOUGH LOSS ...10-man Soca Warriors beaten by 3 USA goals in final 10 minutes.Ian Prescott Nov 17, 2023 Comments Ian Prescott Aubrey David TEXAS TANGO: United States forward Folarin Balogun, left, and Trinidad and Tobago defender Aubrey David battle for possession of the ball during a CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final first leg match last night, in Austin, Texas. -Photo: AP Stephen Spillman trinidadexpress.com/sportsextra/tough-loss/article_de3c0d78-8544-11ee-9b7d-4349428e86ec.htmlThe chance of Trinidad and Tobago senior men's football team advancing out of the two-match 2023 Concacaf Nations League A quarter-final series against the defending champions United States, took a dent following a fighting, but devastating 3-0 loss last night in Austin Texas. Despite applying pressure for much of the match, the Americans did not look like they would score and it was goalless for 81 minutes, with Trinidad and Tobago battling for life , a man short since midfielder Noah Powder was sent off in the 37th minute. T&T gave a disciplined, and at times almost heroic defensive display, but tired and leg-weary, they gave up three goals in an eight-minute spell near the end. Ricardo Pepe (82'), Antonee Robinson (86') and Giovanni Reyna (89') got the goals for the Americans. The Soca Warriors did not get a shot on the American goal, but defended solidly, and wing backs Shannon Gomez and Andre Raymond were particularly impressive. Everyone worked hard, Powder made a bad decision, and on coming Neveal Hackshaw became a traffic warden, his continued lack of fitness and pace, forcing him to direct team-mates to do the covering he should be doing. Goalkeeper Denzil Smith was again impressive. American coach Greg Behalter had expressed some concern after a goalless first half. "The chances weren't really there," Behalter stated. "They (T&T) are still very compact. We gotta get the first goal." The Americans finally did, and their manager would have been hugely relieved when the Soca Warriors finally broke in the 82nd minute, Pepe squeezing a cross in at the near post despite a touch from goalkeeper Smith. Robinson was given too much space above the penalty area and unleashed a bullet four minutes later for 2-0. Tired and beaten, the Soca Warriors conceded a third, goal from Reyna's boot. Earlier, T&T’s work was made tougher by Power's dismissal. He allowed the USA outside-back loads of space, and putting the left-back Raymond under pressure. Wanting to be up front, rather than helping Raymond at the back, Powder was already looking the weak link, when he was sent off early, after picking up two silly yellow cards.. His dismissal gave his team-mates more work, but they were still able to get to half time goalless, with goalkeeper Smith having very few saves to make at that point. It wasn't until ten minutes into the second half that the Americans got their first shot on goal, but by then the pressure was mounting, and it took every inch of Smith's frame to touch away a long-range effort from AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah, and a header from Fulham defender and USA captain Tim Ream also went wide. The Americans were relieved to have won a 60th minute penalty when Jamaican referee Oshane Nation pointed to the spot, as Daniel Phillips went to ground when tackling Juventus midfielder Weston Mckennie. But advised to have a look by the VAR official, the Jamaican rescinded his earlier decision, after realising that T&T's Scotland-based St Johnstone FC midfielder Phillips had gotten a touch on the ball. Meanwhile, Smith again came up big with a flying save from PSV Eindhoven's Sergiño Dest with just about 18 minutes of regular time to go. But by the end, his defenders had run their legs into the ground and Smith found himself the target as if on a shooting range. Three of many shots eventually got past him. The two teams meet again in the second-leg, where the Soca Warriors will hope home support will prove decisive in Port of Spain on Monday, from 8 p.m. Facebook Twitter Email PrintCopy article link Save
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Post by Admin on Nov 20, 2023 19:57:32 GMT
A fighting chanceFazeer Mohammed 18 hrs ago Comments 3 min to read Fazeer Mohammed Fazeer Mohammed Noah Powder HEADER: USA’s Kevin Paredes, left, goes up to contest Trinidad and Tobago’s Noah Powder to head the ball during first half action in their first leg CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final clash, in Austin, Texas, last Thursday night. The hosts won 3-0. —Photo: AP trinidadexpress.com/sports/local/a-fighting-chance/article_eb6051be-873b-11ee-afcd-6bd7935fdcac.htmlDon’t be misled by the headline. I can’t see the national side overcoming the 3-0 deficit against the United States at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, to qualify directly for next year’s Copa America. However this reference to a fighting chance has two dimensions today: what the first game in Texas showed us about Trinidad and Tobago football, and why it is up to the majority of nominal adults here to really behave like mature adults and do what that maturity requires us to do in creating better—not easier, better—opportunities for the generations which follow us. Look, I was breaksing for the sort of cut-tail on Thursday night in Austin that would have surpassed the 6-0, 7-0 and 6-0 scorelines of the last three senior men’s international encounters with the Americans. Having finally located the coverage almost 15 minutes late, it was more than a pleasant surprise to see that we weren’t already a goal or two behind. Then came the sending off of Noah Powder eight minutes before halftime, and as much as the determination of the entire squad to defy the heavily-favoured home side had been admirable up to that point, they were bound to capitulate at the start of the second half. Yet they kept on fighting, and while the Yanks started to find more openings to create the scoring opportunities which they couldn’t in the first half, this much-criticised squad was still trying desperately to hang on. Well, they didn’t and while those three goals in the final nine minutes could be attributed to the inevitable fatigue of ten players taking on 11 for almost an hour, it has to be noted again that giving up possession so easily and so often, with or without a full-strength side, only puts increasing pressure on a defence that has always been suspect and lacks the regular high-level experience which would make them far more accomplished in such demanding roles. Yet if there is despair, it’s not because Trinidad and Tobago looked completely out of their depth. Nor is it because the Copa America qualification dream is over as there will still be a chance for two of the losing quarter-finalists from this CONCACAF Nations League to get to the continental event in 2024. No the despair is that we are bound to squander this latest chance to build something substantial in national football, not just to win trophies and titles or World Cup qualifications but to establish a culture of discipline, productivity and excellence across the board via one element of sport. Why the negativity, you ask? Because, boss, this is what we do and do extremely well. Every time we achieve something meaningful, like actually getting to the World Cup in 2006, we mess it up. And not just partially mess it up but completely screw up everything to the point where we lose time and sabotage youthful aspirations as the unfailingly corrupt manipulators bury their snouts in the trough when, if they possessed of any semblance of integrity, they would be burying their hands deeper in the dirt to continue the process of proper cultivation. Tonight’s game comes 34 years and a day after the single most momentous sporting occasion on home soil and look at what transpired after that 1-0 loss which qualified the Americans for their first World Cup finals in 40 years. If you don’t know go and find out. I don’t have the space. Suffice to say that corruption is so entwined in our DNA that there are many who saw and still see the deliberate over-selling of tickets for November 19, 1989, apparently to raise revenue for the TTFA, as a justifiable act of patriotism. And that despair for our young people grows ever deeper when you realise that so many of them just want to experience the delight of playing sport. Yesterday, at the home ground of the Aranjuez Sports Club we had the usual turnout of eager pre-teen footballers for the Sunday morning coaching clinic when we were anticipating an almost complete no-show because parents especially would have wanted to stay at home to watch the cricket World Cup final. It was even more heartening to see two teams of young cricketers doing what had to be done to get a match underway at the same venue. When you thought they would have been preoccupied with events in Ahmedabad, they were rolling the pitch and marking the creases themselves so that within minutes of the football coaching clinic wrapping up at 10.30 am, the first ball was being bowled even as Travis Head was powering Australia past hosts India to a comprehensive sixth World Cup success almost half a world away. Our youth deserve that fighting chance, notwithstanding our very best efforts at continuously destroying their dreams.
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Post by Admin on Nov 20, 2023 20:10:59 GMT
Eve promises 'positive' football vs USA in 2nd legJELANI BECKLES 13 HRS AGO newsday.co.tt/2023/11/20/eve-promises-positive-football-vs-usa-in-2nd-leg/National football coach Angus Eve talks to his players during a training session in Austin, Texas last week ahead of the 1st leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal vs USA. - TTFA Media SOCA Warriors head coach Angus Eve said it will be a different approach in the second leg of the 2023 Concacaf Nations League quarter-final match against the US as they try to overcome a 3-0 deficit. The second leg of the quarter-final will be played at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo at 8 pm on Monday. The winner will advance to the semifinals and also earn a coveted spot in the 2024 Copa America which will be held from June 20 to July 14 in the USA. The loser will still have a chance of qualifying for Copa America via a play-in versus the losers of the other quarterfinals. TT went down in the first leg in Austin, Texas on Thursday and are expected to play a more attacking style if they are to pull off a remarkable comeback. Eve started off with an ultra defensive mindset in the first leg with a plan to bring on attacking players like Levi Garcia, Nathaniel James and Real Gill in the second half. The approach seemed to be working as TT, despite not threatening the US goal and hardly venturing into ther half, were frustrating the hosts who struggled to breakdown TT's resolute defence. However, Eve's second-half plan had to be shelved as TT were reduced to ten men in the 37th minute, after Noah Powder received a second yellow card for a rash tackle in the opposing half. TT opted to maintain a defensive formation in an effort to hold on for a draw. Amid tiring legs, USA finally broke their resistence in the 82nd minute and fired in three late goals. In an interview with the media ahead of Monday's match, Eve said the hosts will express themselves a bit more. He said, "Usually, away from home any team in any country plays in a different manner and when you are home you tend to play in a different manner, so when you come to the game tomorrow you will see...We will be a little more positive, most definitely, because we want to win the game." Eve said nobody thought they would advance so far in the tournament. "We are so excited to be here. We just want to go out and represent our country well. We want to project a lot of pride and determination when we go into these games. "These are the games we want to play in the rebuilding stage where we are at and exposing young players...to gain contracts on the outside, that is our primary goal and to continue to develop TT football." Eve said the spirit the Soca Warriors showed in the first leg proved his players have the ability to compete with the US, the number-one ranked Concacaf team and 11th ranked in the world. "The game that they just played they would have felt a little bit more comfortable on the park, a little bit more comfortable in the environment playing the number-one team in Concacaf and the number-ten or 11-ranked team in the world. They know now they could play and compete, so I think we are going to see a different game tomorrow." TT player Andre Raymond liked the determination his teammates on Thursday. "For me it was a pleasure to hold the (US) team (for so long). Unfortunately, we did not get the result we wanted, but coming home we have the advantage now and I think we can press forward for the result we want." TT will be wihout the services of Powder, who is serving a suspension for his red card, as well as midfielder Neveal Hackshaw, also suspended for accumulation of yellow cards. Included in the squad in their absence are midfielders Duane Muckette and Kevon Goddard., Sunday marked the 34th anniversary of the US 1-0 defeat over TT at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, which earned the Americans a spot at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Eve was asked about November 19, 1989. "I have been talking to (former national defender) Brian Williams and the boys. Yesterday they had an event that unfortunately I could not go to. We know how the people in TT remember the Strike Squad. I myself was coming into the team. It was a very traumatic time for us because we had so many dreams and aspirations at that time that we would have been in Italia 1990. Unfortunately, it did not happen."
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Post by Admin on Nov 20, 2023 20:12:32 GMT
Birthday boy Levi Garcia out US clash with injurySTEPHON NICHOLAS 2 HRS AGO Levi Garcia in TTFA training on Sunday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. - TTFA newsday.co.tt/2023/11/20/birthday-boy-levi-garcia-out-us-clash-with-injury/BIRTHDAY BOY Levi Garcia is out for the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against USA, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. The star Trinidad and Tobago forward played around 30 minutes on Thursday in the second half of the first leg in Austin, Texas, which TT lost 3-0. TTFA communications officer Shaun Fuentes said Garcia, who turned 26 today, came into camp with a slight abdominal bruise incurred weeks ago, but was cleared to play by his club as he had improved significantly. Garcia played and scored in AEK Athens' 3-0 over Lamia on November 12, before the international break. However, during a training session on Sunday, Garcia felt further discomfort in his abdomen. Dr Akash Dhanai, TTFA team doctor, confirmed an abdominal strain and a decision was made not to risk the striker. TTFA contacted the club and Garcia will return to Greece for further assessment and treatment. Garcia had missed TT's entire Nations League campaign prior to that match after injuring his quadricep during a Uefa Champions League qualifying match in late August. He later re-aggravated that injury after returning to action in September. The AEK Athens forward missed the Greek club's UEFA Champions League playoff against Royal Antwerp, which the Belgian club won 3-1 on aggregate. Trendingview all
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Post by Admin on Nov 24, 2023 9:35:18 GMT
TTPFL Awards
Some more of our awardees 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾
Christopher Biggette ~ Best Goalkeeper (DF)
Duane Muckette - Best Midfielder (AC POS)
Nathaniel James - Best Forward (absent) (CS)
Nathaniel James - Golden Boot (absent) (CS)
Brent Sam - Golden Boot (Knockouts) (DF) Lloyd Andrews - Manager of the Season
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