Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Tallman on October 02, 2012, 05:55:54 PM
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Bulls value Leston Paul's leadership
http://www.gousfbulls.com/mediaPortal/embed.swf?catid=10509&id=1065479&img=http://image.cdnllnwnl.xosnetwork.com/pics32/640/YB/YBRJUTFQAMLIIQB.20111010175328.jpg&server=http://www.gousfbulls.com/XML/titanv3/&pageurl=http://www.gousfbulls.com/mediaPortal/&jtv=7700&skin=7700&gaa=UA-8528056-2&sitename=jtvs.7700.usfbulls&adpath=N12906217&nlwa=http://track1.neulion.com/jtvsp/7700/
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Nice story man. Nuff respect to the youth. Big up to these multitalented T&T socawarriors who will hopefully open doors for others.
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MLS extends 2013 Combine invite to 54 college players
houstondynamo.com
http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2012/12/mls-extends-2013-combine-invite-54-college-players
It’s an East Coast-heavy MLS Combine scheduled for January, with players from the ACC and Big East dominating the 54-strong list of seniors scheduled to take part, which was unveiled by MLS on Tuesday.
NCAA College Cup runners-up Georgetown are well represented, with three players scheduled for the event which takes place Jan. 11-15. Midfielder Ian Christianson will be joined by defenders Tommy Muller and Jimmy Nealis.
Indiana University, who topped the Hoyas for the title, have just one representative in goalkeeper Luis Soffner.
The highest-profile names are the Big East trio of Dillon Powers and Ryan Finley (Notre Dame), and UConn’s Carlos Alvarez. All three are expected to be first-round picks, as is Maryland’s John Stertzer.
Below is the initial list. Generation adidas signees as well as several overseas talents will be added to the final Combine group:
Leston Paul Midfielder USF
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Paul invited for MLS Combine.
By Shaun Fuentes.
Former national under-20 and under-17 captain Leston Paul was on Tuesday named among 54 NCAA Division 1 college seniors invited to participate in the 2013 adidas MLS Player Combine that will take place from January 11-15 in Fort Lauderdale.
Paul completed an outstanding season for University of South Florida and will be hoping to make a good impression at the Combine as he attempts to secure his first professional stint.
Read More (http://www.socawarriors.net/foreign-based/foreign-based-news/college-news/12019-paul-invited-for-mls-combine.html)
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What Scouts Say: "He's a good one ... Central midfield player who has athleticism ... In 2012 he had a little bit more freedom to get forward and making runs ... He can make runs into the box ... Great soccer IQ and passes well ... Dangerous and puts himself in dangerous spots in midfield ... He causes you problems ... Very good at unbalancing other team ... Gets himself into great spots, comfortbale on the turn, connects well and has soft feet ... Has a feisty nature to him ... Good pedigree ... He's got legs to get around and has athleticism ... Is he good enough on the ball? ... Has some technique .. Going to need discipline and maybe locking him into a position as a defensive midfielder might help ... Can he be disciplined? How is he tactically? Will he work and if he does can he make an impact? ... Has some ability but faded in and out."
http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/leston-paul
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Leston, do yuh thing, be assertive and positive and this will work out. So far yuh on track. You bet on a degree before going pro, and you're getting it in 3 years. I think that's a fair trade-off because you've been essentially in a strong semi-pro environment and it has provided you a "good look". I'm looking at how MLS receives you as a test case for our national players. But that is a longer assessment that will have to wait until the end of season 1. Meanwhile, this is a positive step for Gold Cup inclusion.
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I'm looking at how MLS receives you as a test case for our national players.
Elaborate. A few of our players have already gone this route. What's unique about his case?
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I'm looking at how MLS receives you as a test case for our national players.
Elaborate. A few of our players have already gone this route. What's unique about his case?
Aside from Stern, it's difficult to find a player who cemented a role with a team and then moved on to consistently greener pastures. In large measure, most of our players bounce around the league in a surplus to requirements format. Some have bounced overseas and bounced back, but we're still not at a level of decided respect for the Trinidadian player yet. We're not the only "strong" CONCACAF nation in this boat, but MLS represents one of the few viable tickets available to us. Generally, Mexican players don't go the MLS route. Costa Ricans essentially don't. Hondurans have made a beeline for Europe and have not looked back. Few Salvadorans, Panamanians and Guatemalans militate in the MLS. Of those countries, it would be rare for a player to come through the college draft. Jamaica is the closest adherent of our model re: MLS.
The other thing I'm looking at is that the present-day MLS now has a here to stay vibe. The way they handle the draft and combine has become more and more streamlined. Things have become more difficult to penetrate. When Leston opted to take the USF route there were no guarantees that this MLS opportunity would manifest at all. Iz a real testament to the calibre of player he is that he has this opportunity. Whereas his destination was consciously established beforehand, I think it's fair to say that several of the others who arrived in the MLS via college ended up there in a less determinant manner. Ah doh want to say haphazard ...
If Leston can establish himself as a professional in the MLS and be treated in a manner that having a US passport would likely bring him if he had one, I'll be overjoyed. But, I have doubts.
Frankly, aside from our riches of internal TTFF chaos, I think our players playing in the US works against us during WC qualifying. The wealth of data that US coaches share with the federation is formidable. For me, Leston's background and personal trajectory may allow him to buck the typical ride, but I have reservations about this.
Basically, if the man could get a consistent look in kinda like Dane Richards did in NY, I would be happy.
Speaking of which ... this also highlights ending up in the right collegiate environment (Sancho and James) ... when yuh hear how the coach @ Clemson used to undermine Stuart Holden's confidence etc. is a wonder that yute ever end up at Bolton. (Richards is a Clemson product).
Bottom line is I think Leston offers our best chance of redefining our profile in the MLS (weighed against the few players we've had enter via the college draft).
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good luck skipper
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I'm looking at how MLS receives you as a test case for our national players.
Elaborate. A few of our players have already gone this route. What's unique about his case?
Aside from Stern, it's difficult to find a player who cemented a role with a team and then moved on to consistently greener pastures. In large measure, most of our players bounce around the league in a surplus to requirements format. Some have bounced overseas and bounced back, but we're still not at a level of decided respect for the Trinidadian player yet. We're not the only "strong" CONCACAF nation in this boat, but MLS represents one of the few viable tickets available to us. Generally, Mexican players don't go the MLS route. Costa Ricans essentially don't. Hondurans have made a beeline for Europe and have not looked back. Few Salvadorans, Panamanians and Guatemalans militate in the MLS. Of those countries, it would be rare for a player to come through the college draft. Jamaica is the closest adherent of our model re: MLS.
After Stern, the only other player who I would say cemented a place on a team was Ansil Elcock.
Here is a list of our players (may have missed some) who have played or been on the books of MLS clubs:
Shawn Boney (L.A. Galaxy)
Chris Birchall (Columbus Crew, L.A. Galaxy)
Cordell Cato (Seattle Sounders)
Daneil Cyrus (Sporting Kansas City)
Keon Daniel (Philadelphia Union)
Craig Demmin (Tampa Bay Mutiny)
Ansil Elcock (Columbus Crew)
Kevan George (Columbus Crew)
Cornell Glen (San Jose Earthquakes, L.A. Galaxy, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, New York/New Jersey Metrostars)
Brian Haynes (Dallas Burn)
Thorne Holder (Philadelphia Union)
Julius James (Columbus Crew, DC United, Houston Dynamo, Toronto FC)
Avery John (DC United, New England Revolution)
Stern John (Columbus Crew)
Darin Lewis (New York/New Jersey Metrostars)
Yohance Marshall (L.A. Galaxy)
Carlyle Mitchell (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Travis Mulraine (DC United, San Jose Earthquakes)
David Nakhid (New England Revolution)
Adrian Narine (San Jose Earthquakes)
Anthony Noreiga (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Andrei Pacheco (Columbus Crew)
Randi Patterson (New York Red Bulls)
Collin Samuel (Toronto FC)
Scott Sealy (FC Dallas, San Jose Earthquakes, Kansas City Wizards)
Osei Telesford (Chicago Fire)
Keyeno Thomas (Colorado Rapids)
Sheldon Thomas (L.A. Galaxy)
Rick Titus (Colorado Rapids)
Mickey Trotman (Miami Fusion, Dallas Burn)
Dimelon Westfield (New England Revolution)
Evans Wise (New England Revolution, Tampa Bay Mutiny)
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http://p.mlssoccer.com/SAu5a/video/1313684/1313684_2013-01-05-175524.640hq.mp4
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leston is not even not even in the mock draft :o
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leston not even projected to be drafted ...
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leston is not even not even in the mock draft :o
He's just not good enough. Dont be surprised, we hype our players up too much.
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The man was invited...let us see what happens.
He is listed in the mock draft here at number 42 out of 75
http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/2013-mls-draft-big-board_aid28313
and here is he is listed also on a team and is considered for the draft.
ADI ZERO
Goalkeeper (1): James Belshaw (Duke)
Defenders (5): Taylor Kemp (Maryland), Dylan Remick (Brown), Andrew Farrell (Louisville), Dylan Tucker-Gangnes (Washington), Drew Beckie (Denver);
Midfielders (7): Kyle Bekker (Boston College), Nico Clavijo (unattached), Paul Leston (South Florida), Danchrisandre Delgado (San Diego), Lebogang Moloto (Lindsey Wilson), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame), T.J. Nelson (Southern Methodist);
Forwards (5): Luke Spencer (Xavier), Emery Welshman (Oregon State), Ashton Bennett (Coastal Carolina), Erik Hurtado (Santa Clara), Charlie Rugg (Boston College)
Coaches: John Trask (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and Don Gemmell (Texas Rush)
It is true that he is NOT a FIRST ROUND draft projection...ok, so he not int eh second either, but...he can impress in teh Combine and make it. That has happeend before where projected draftees lost stock and some gained...let us wait and see, either way he will end up playing professionally in the USA if not the MLS the lower developmental leagues.
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The naysayers will find that they are wrong.
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Someone said that he is not even in the mock draft, but yet his name is in a squad listed above. What is that list about then? And what is the big deal about hyping our players. They are ours. They came from our system, whether you like it or not. Some of you came thru the same system also. Just at a different time.
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The man was invited...let us see what happens.
He is listed in the mock draft here at number 42 out of 75
http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer-articles/2013-mls-draft-big-board_aid28313
and here is he is listed also on a team and is considered for the draft.
ADI ZERO
Goalkeeper (1): James Belshaw (Duke)
Defenders (5): Taylor Kemp (Maryland), Dylan Remick (Brown), Andrew Farrell (Louisville), Dylan Tucker-Gangnes (Washington), Drew Beckie (Denver);
Midfielders (7): Kyle Bekker (Boston College), Nico Clavijo (unattached), Paul Leston (South Florida), Danchrisandre Delgado (San Diego), Lebogang Moloto (Lindsey Wilson), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame), T.J. Nelson (Southern Methodist);
Forwards (5): Luke Spencer (Xavier), Emery Welshman (Oregon State), Ashton Bennett (Coastal Carolina), Erik Hurtado (Santa Clara), Charlie Rugg (Boston College)
Coaches: John Trask (University of Wisconsin-Madison) and Don Gemmell (Texas Rush)
It is true that he is NOT a FIRST ROUND draft projection...ok, so he not int eh second either, but...he can impress in teh Combine and make it. That has happeend before where projected draftees lost stock and some gained...let us wait and see, either way he will end up playing professionally in the USA if not the MLS the lower developmental leagues.
none of the mockdarft MLS website has in the top 38 though out the combine after all games played .. ok he may get a supplemental pic if lucky
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Who is Uriah Bentick? listed from T&T and in the superdraft
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Uriah Bentick is a boss left back, solid and have a powerful shot.
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Uriah Bentick is a boss left back, solid and have a powerful shot.
Thanks
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Uriah Bentick is a boss left back, solid and have a powerful shot.
always liked the youth and wonder what happen to him,he should be a walk on the senior team by now :beermug:
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Who is Uriah Bentick? listed from T&T and in the superdraft
He was in the U-20 team that went to the 2009 World Cup in Egypt, and played in all of the games. Went to Liberty University, whose alumni include Darryl Roberts and Osei Telesford.
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SALT!!! We go hadda wait on de Supplemental Draft.
Sean de Silva was also eligible.
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The AdiZero squad was the most successful squad at the Combine. The team was stacked! They didn't lose a game!
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Paul maybe never really improved since he went to UofF .... jason Johnson and bennett was no where near Ja under 17/20 teams was bekker was on the Canadian under 20 that was beaten by us in Trinidad Welshman never made a Canadian youth team ...
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I had an opportunity to work with Deshorn Brown the Jamaican who went to Colorado at number 6 and Stephen Okai the Ghanaian who went to Philadelphia at number 31 at the University of Mobile when i was the Grad. Asst. Coach there. Brown transferred to UCF this past season, he still has one more year of college. He is a dangerous player, possess speed, physical ability and can score for fun. In his freshman and sophomore year at Mobile he amassed 53 goals in those 2 seasons. Okai was named NAIA Player of the Year 2012, he is a three time First team All American. Good players to keep an eye on.
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Leston Paul welcomes new challenge at El Salvador’s Pasaquina.
ttproleague.com.
Three-time Pro League winner and two-time Caribbean Club champion medal winner Leston Paul is eager to suit up for new club Deportivo Pasaquina of El Salvador.
The 27-year-old ex-Central FC combative midfielder said he put pen to paper to a one year deal last Tuesday, agreeing to his first overseas contract with the Salvadorian Primera Divisón outfit—cutting short his stint at North East Stars after just five games.
“I think this move can open doors to a bigger club or even a bigger league; which is my main goal,” the Mayaro-born former Trinidad and Tobago FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cup captain told ttproleague.com.
“A move [outside of Trinidad] was on the cards for some for some time, not necessarily here (at Pasaquina). [But] I think it’s good for me personally to test myself in another league and continue improving as a player.”
Paul, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography out of University of South Florida, won three consecutive Pro League titles including back-to-back Caribbean crowns between 2014 and 2017 with Central FC, but switched to the Stars were he enjoyed an unbeaten run of four consecutive wins and a draw.
C.D. Pasaquina meanwhile, have transferred their miserable form of last season into the 2017/18 Salvadoran Primera Divisón, losing their opening match last weekend against Isidro Metapán 3-0—for their fifth straight loss spanning back to last season.
Paul, who has team up with Trinidadian defender Dwayne James at Pasaquina, is hoping to transfer his winning touch to a club still attempting to root themselves in the Salvadoran top flight.
Head coach Omar Sevilla added Brazilian forward Jackson de Oliveira and Paul to improve his side’s offence, but must do without the Trinidad and Tobago international when Pasaquina host CD Audaz on Saturday due to pending international transfer certificate (ITC).
“Pasaquina are one of the smaller clubs in El Salvador and they are trying to improve the team every season to have better results,” explained Paul, who hopes to have his transfer completed ahead of Pasaquina’s trip to Municipal Limeño on August 12.
“The ambition of the club is to make the playoffs [which fields the top four teams at the end of the regular season] and from there anything is possible, hence the reason they signed De Oliveira and myself for the season.”
Despite turning to a new chapter and location in his professional career, Paul said his commitment to the Trinidad and Tobago team and the final phase of the CONCACAF Hex in FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying is unchanged.
“My commitment to the national team is the same as it was since I ever started playing international football,” asserted the Manzanilla-born footballer. “I am one hundred percent committed to the goal of the national team. The (only) changes over the past few days are my new team and location.”
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WATCH: A brace from Leston Paul earns Pasaquina FC a 3-3 draw with Santa Tecla FC. Goals are at 57s and 4m20s.
https://www.youtube.com/v/8IFNGU7joQo?start=57
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Tallman that league pays better than our local league but it cannot be stronger !!
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Tallman that league pays better than our local league but it cannot be stronger !!
First of all it is harder by a long shot. It’s on the same level as Guatemala and Honduras. Alianza beat both Platense (Honduras) and Antigua GFC (Guatemala) just this past season in Concacaf also losing the match with Olimpia (in the last minute, after Olimpia had easily crushed Alajuelense of CR) while the TT Pro league teams were busy collecting 4-5 goals per match.
Second how come Willis Plaza who scored dozens in TT Pro and India, was terrible in Alianza and couldn’t score?
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Dragon last season with Jamal Jack while being in relegation zone and dead last had two very close matches with Portland Timbers which were both lost 2-1 well into injury time. Portland was using all its starters. Meanwhile W Connection was taking 12 goals over two matches with Pumas reserves
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These are the CVs of some foreign players in El Salvador. There are players with South America first division experience and some with Copa Libertadores experience. Not quite like the amateur Caribbean players in TT Pro from Barbados, St. Kitts, Grenada, etc
https://www.transfermarkt.com/wanderson-silveira/profil/spieler/195993
https://www.transfermarkt.com/sergio-souza/profil/spieler/74272
https://www.transfermarkt.com/lorenzo-frutos/profil/spieler/416223
https://www.transfermarkt.com/ricardinho/profil/spieler/389934
https://www.transfermarkt.com/james-cabezas/profil/spieler/105710
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Tallman that league pays better than our local league but it cannot be stronger !!
A 2016 CONCACAF league ranking (https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/7/27/12209088/2016-rankings-best-top-club-soccer-leagues-in-concacaf-mls-liga-mx) placed them three spots above the Pro League.
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Tallman that league pays better than our local league but it cannot be stronger !!
A 2016 CONCACAF league ranking (https://www.brotherlygame.com/2016/7/27/12209088/2016-rankings-best-top-club-soccer-leagues-in-concacaf-mls-liga-mx) placed them three spots above the Pro League.
That ranking is directionally correct but Panama league is not higher than the other Central American leagues. Quality wise this is the ranking:
1. Costa Rica
2. Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Panama
6. Nicaragua
7. Belize
Money wise this is the ranking:
1. Guatemala
2. Costa Rica
3. Honduras
4. El Salvador
5. Panama
6. Nicaragua
7. Belize
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WATCH: Highlights of Leston Paul - Trinidad and Tobago and CD Pasaquina midfielder
https://www.youtube.com/v/_w7vhdltWnQ
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Back with Central FC.
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Leston Paul has joined Memphis 901 FC.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DuElNgsW4AEgNon.jpg:large)
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WATCH: Leston Paul with the assist on Memphis 901 FC's second goal in their 3-1 win over Charlotte Independence.
https://www.youtube.com/v/5vVitFR4LxA?start=97
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WATCH: Leston Paul | 2020 Season Highlights | Memphis 901 FC
https://www.youtube.com/v/Iti_WDGyei0
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WATCH: Leston Paul displays strength and tenacity in providing a sublime assist during Memphis 901 FC's 3-2 loss to Sporting Kansas City II.
https://www.youtube.com/v/zR4DDveVCQk?start=71
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Leston Paul made his club leading 50th appearance for Memphis 901 FC on September 22nd 2021.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E_7amuQUUAchU9B?format=jpg&name=large)
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Memphis 901 FC midfielder Leston Paul has been called "the heartbeat of the team" by coaches & fans alike. From his rise as a Trinidad & Tobago National Team player (yes, he played in THAT match vs. the US in 2017) to helping build a winning soccer team in Memphis, Leston sat down with Tim Van Horn, allowing fans to get to better know the quiet, but strong on-field leader. (https://omny.fm/shows/my-3-subs-a-soccer-odyssey/leston-paul-the-adventures-of-captain-901)
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Good stuff, well deserved.
I think if he had skipped post-secondary and gone straight to professional he might have surpassed even players like Molino in terms of impact on the game. But that education will pay dividends long after his playing career. T&T needs good leaders this to clean up and rejuvenate sports
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Memphis 901 FC re-signs team captain Leston Paul
By Sarah Jent (memphis901fc.com)
Memphis 901 FC announced on Wednesday the re-signing of midfielder and team captain Leston Paul for the 2022 USL Championship Season pending league and federation approval.
“Leston is the only remaining player that has been with this Club since day one and is our Club’s fearless leader,” said Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “He epitomizes what it means to ‘Defend Memphis’, gives everything he has day in and day out and is a tremendous example to the rest of this team.”
Paul will return to 901 FC for a fourth season in Memphis after a move from Trinidad and Tobago’s Central FC in 2019. Since arriving in Memphis, Paul has been a constant presence in the middle of the pitch with 60 appearances and over 4000 minutes.
The Trinidadian veteran has also made multiple appearances for Trinidad and Tobago at the international level and brings a wealth of knowledge to the middle of the pitch.
Memphis 901 FC is coming off its first playoff appearance in team history in 2021 and is set to begin its fourth season in USL Championship in March. Additional information about the 2022 season will be released in the coming weeks.
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WATCH: Leston Paul - 2021 Season Highlights
https://www.youtube.com/v/xaMX5p5yluc
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Captain Leston Paul has now amassed 100 appearances for Memphis 901 FC. Leston achieved the milestone whilst playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Detroit City FC. 👋
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5OKV9rXYAALpxG?format=jpg&name=large)
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Becoming the Skipper: Leston Paul captains Memphis with focus on here and now
By Josh Clayton (memphis901fc.com)
The day in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago, would go down in USMNT infamy.
On October 10, 2017, The Soca Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago would hold off the United States in the final match of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying to win 2-1 in one of the biggest upsets in international soccer history.
With a look back at that match any American soccer fan can see future 901 FC Sporting Director Tim Howard in goal for USMNT, but Memphians might recognize the man patrolling the central midfield, wearing No. 23 for the side in red.
Leston Paul played all 90 minutes in that contest, and not long after the landmark victory for Trinidad and Tobago, he had agreed to move to Memphis to become one of the first Beale Street Boys.
“I was in Trinidad and was playing with Central FC. The owner of the team at the time knew the (then-Memphis) GM Andrew Bell. Andrew reached out to him and told him there was a new team forming in Memphis,” Paul said. “He reached out and they came to Trinidad, the GM and the Head Coach. We met and sat down, they came to watch a game. It was a new project and they hoped to build something for the future and I was up for it.”
Since joining the startup soccer club for its inaugural season in 2019, Paul has seen a lot in the Bluff City. He was there for the 9-18-7 record in the first year. He was there for the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2022. He was there when they knocked off an MLS team for the first time in club history in this year’s Open Cup.
Paul is the only player that has been with 901 FC since the beginning, and reflects on his time proudly after reaching his 100th cap with the club earlier this month.
“I came in and in the first year it was a bit rocky as a new franchise. We had a base where we were trending upwards compared to the first year. Every year we were building and getting better and went a step further,” he said. “It’s something that I want to be a part of just seeing that the team is growing every year and it’s a blessing to be a part of that.”
Becoming the Skipper
Paul quickly developed a leadership role with the club and was asked to become the permanent team captain ahead of the 2021 season. He knew the title came with more than just wearing the armband every match or leading the team out of the tunnel.
“Straight away I was like I would never turn this down,” he said. “It’s just making sure that the guys are comfortable and everyone is bought into what we’re doing. You have a team of 20-something players and everyone would come in with different ideas and different playing styles with different goals.
“Me being the captain is more than just on the field. I feel like I’ve done a great job of taking care of off the field stuff and making sure that everyone gives 100% when it’s game time.”
Those captain duties were limited entirely to off the field for most of 2023.
Paul has played over 7,000 minutes since 2019 only missing time for international duty, but this season has been different as the veteran missed extended time due to injury for the first time in his career in the first half of the season.
“It’s been tough because this is the first time in my 10-year professional career that I’ve been sidelined for this amount of time,” he said. “Dealing with injury, personally, has been tough with not being able to be here every day to drive the guys because I had to focus on my rehab and individual stuff.”
‘Every Game is a Final’
When Paul had to spend time away from the training ground, he’d get reports and feedback on how every session went, connecting with his teammates even if they couldn’t hear his voice everyday. Finally, Paul’s long-awaited season debut came on July 2 and he’s since moved back into the starting lineup to wear the captain’s armband nightly.
With six matches remaining in the regular season, Memphis is fighting for a top four position in the USL Championship to grab a home field advantage in the first round of the postseason. The veteran maintains that the club’s focus remains on the next practice and the next match, then let the chips fall where they may.
“We want to win as many games as possible and see what happens at the end of the season. Hopefully, we get a home field playoff game. It’s one game at a time and you don’t want to look forward too much and just look at taking care of Hartford,” he said. “Every game is a final in our minds. We go in with that mindset to win.”
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Memphis 901 FC signs Captain Leston Paul to contract extension through 2025
By Josh Clayton (memphis901fc.com)
Memphis 901 FC announced on Wednesday Leston Paul has signed a contract extension with the club through the 2025 season, pending league and federation approval.
The team captain will return for his 11th professional season and sixth season with the club on a player contract while additionally assuming an expanded leadership role, shadowing the coaching staff with eyes toward a managerial future.
“Eventually when I’m done playing, I want to move into coaching and now coming down to the last couple of years of my playing career, I think it’s the right time to start transitioning into that phase and shadowing the staff,” Paul said. “I think it’s a good place for me to start, being here for the past five years. I’m thankful for the opportunity and look forward to grasping it with both hands.”
The Trinidadian midfielder is the only player that has been with the club since its inaugural season in 2019, appearing in 107 matches with over 7,000 minutes on the pitch for 901 FC. Paul has served as team captain since 2021.
“I see Leston as a vital part of our plans, having been with the club since day one,” Head Coach Stephen Glass. “As well as his contributions to the team on the pitch, we’re looking forward to bringing Leston closer to the coaching staff in order to help him as he plans for the long term in his career.”
Paul returns with a strong Memphis midfield including Bruno Lapa, Samuel Careaga and Emerson Hyndman along with new addition Zach Duncan.
“I’m looking forward to having a great group of guys who are bought in to the culture and philosophy of the club and the city,” Paul said. “I’m going into my 11th professional year. I’ve been around the game for a while, but I think this is something new for me and I’m open and ready to learn.”