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Offline Flex

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #30 on: July 15, 2017, 03:52:48 PM »
Rangers stun Central; Stars’ Neptune, Samuel fire late to earn point against Connection.
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St. Ann’s Rangers moved to the top of the food chain last night in Couva, albeit occupying a bottom three position, after handing three-time reigning champions Central Sharks their first defeat of the 2017 season with a 1-0 score in the first game of the double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

Josh Toussaint’s second-half strike coincidently earned Rangers their first ever win over Central, and first win of the season in six attempts to move two spots off the bottom but level on 4 points with ninth-positioned Defence Force, who must take on seventh-placed Morvant Caledonia United today from 4pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium.

W Connection (13 points), leaders only by goal difference, in the feature game of the night, allowed a two-goal lead to slip late and had to settle for a point in a 2-2 draw with second-positioned North East Stars, who have a game in hand against Central FC.

Neil Benjamin Jr. fired Connection ahead after one minute and 23 seconds before setting up another, scored by Marcus Joseph six minutes from the half to cushion Savonetta Boys before the break.

However Jameel Neptune and Kordell Samuel, both pre-season signings from Morvant Caledonia, fired back late for North East Stars in the top-of-the-table clash to secure a point.

“A point against Connection or any of the top teams is a valuable point,” said Stars head coach Derek King afterwards. “We weren’t disciplined in our tactics in the first half, allowing Connection to capitalize with their speed in the wide attacking areas. But we changed things tactically in the second half and it limited their chances. In the end I am happy with the effort of our guys and the result; they did really well.”

King knows W Connection all too well. The former Trinidad and Tobago international began his professional life at the Savonetta Boys under current coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier in 1999, but later joined rivals Joe Public. A knee injury, however, in 2002 curtailed a promising career, forcing the defender to move into coaching at an early age. King went on to enjoy success as a club coach – most notably leading the Eastern Lions to a historic five-title haul in 2009, including the Pro League title as the youngest winning coach – and had stints at the national level, most recently as assistant coach with the T&T Men’s Senior Team.

“But I’ve told my players five games unbeaten doesn’t mean we have achieved anything,” continued the relatively new North East Stars coach with just five games under his belt. “While it’s the best start for the club as far back as I can remember, it is a short season – just two rounds – and we have to continue to work, stay disciplined, and keep pushing forward.”

North East Stars had fallen behind before fans had settled back into their seats following Rangers’ shock win over Central FC.

Benjamin with an untidy finish, lifted the ball over North East Stars goalkeeper Akel Clarke when he met a low Kurt Frederick cross from the left with less than two minutes played.

Benjamin then failed to double his tally and that of his team on 24 minutes when he failed to make contact at the back post to another low cross from left—this time Suriname international Dimitri Apai the provider.

But in a play started by Marcus Joseph and ended by the forward’s head, Connection were two goals in front. Joseph initiated the attack with a brilliant pass to Benjamin, who raced past three yellow shirts with ease before feeding a cross towards the back post for Joseph to head past Clarke on 39 minutes.

Benjamin was however replaced injured soon after the restart and Connection, a side loaded with talent, were made to pay late despite the late inclusion of forwards Isaiah Hudson and Jamal Charles.

Neptune capitalised on a parry by goalkeeper Julani Archibald nine minutes from time by sending an early strike into the Connection net, slicing theSavonetta Boys’ advantage in half.

The visitors however, should have had the ball in the back of the Connection net as early as 36 minutes but veteran forward Kerry Baptiste spilled wide on a perfect Akeem Garcia cross.

Then in the first of four added-on minutes, Leston Paul, with possibly his last kick in North East Stars colours, launched a free kick into the area and Samuel with a glancing header put the ball past Archibald and into the Connection net for a 2-2 finish.

Paul, who has been selected in a provisional 25-man Trinidad and Tobago squad to prepare for an international friendly against Ecuador on July 26, is expected to travel to Honduras in the coming week for a possible move to that country’s top-flight league.

King however, has a suitable replacement for the 27-year-old Paul. Duane Muckette, who had returned to the United States due to illness of his mother, is expected to return to the Stars for the first time this season and the former Portugal-based midfielder will be a huge asset to an already talented bunch according to King.

Another coach with high praise for his bunch was St. Ann’s Rangers coach, Anthony Streete.

Rangers driven by solid performances from Anselm “Worm” Jackson, Shane Sandy and Omari Lezama among others, had taken a deserving lead on 57 minutes against Central, moments after the Couva Sharks thought they found the back of the net.

Central forward Tyrik John briefly contested referee Crystal Sobers decision not to award his team a goal in the 55 minute, arguing that the ball had instead found a hole in the net. But video replay showed the official was accurate in her decision and that Tyrik, the son of legendary Trinidad and Tobago forward and current Central assistant coach Stern John, had wasted inches wide off the low Carlos Edwards’ cross.

Tyrik, who skied an attempt on the half-hour mark, had another effort, hooking a Gordon cross towards goal, however Biggette was positioned for a comfortable take. But the Rangers second choice goalie and younger brother of number one choice Cleon John was forced into a brilliant save moments later.

There were no arguments, however, over Josh Toussaint’s goal. The Rangers forward, set alive in the box by a lifted Micah Lansiquot pass, escaped two Central defenders before unleashing a left-footed strike off the underside of the bar to beat the Sharks goalkeeper Stephon Seepersad.

Seepersad avoided Central further embarrassment, with a point-blank save to deny Rennie Britto in the 85th minute then putting behind an angled free kick from the veteran winger a minute late.

But despite the efforts of Seepersad and some solid defending from Taryk Sampson on the night, Central, held to a goalless draw by Morvant Caledonia last Tuesday, were left stunned and without a win in their last two outings, while Rangers were celebrating following an incredible performance.

“Tactically, we planned for this game,” said Streete, the proud Rangers coach. “We really did our homework on the training field and I think the players grab out instructions. We knew once we score it would be hard for them.

“The discipline in the players tonight to work for each other was a plus. Before we were getting individual football but tonight we put it together. I think we (also) had a little more possession and that [gave] us a little more positivity in the game.”

Elsewhere on Friday night Point Fortin Civic held Police FC goalless at the Mahaica Oval.

Today, third-place San Juan Jabloteh will also host Club Sando from 5pm at the Barataria Oval (Recreation Ground).

Results

Central FC 0 vs St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Josh Toussaint 57’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

W Connection 2 (Neil Benjamin Jr 2’, Marcus Joseph 39’) vs North East Stars 2 (Jameel Neptune 81’, Kordell Samuel 90’+1), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Point Fortin Civic 0 vs Police FC 0, at Mahaica Oval.

Game 1

Central FC: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK), 5.Keston George, 6.Carlos Edwards (Capt.), 10.Johan Peltier (11.Jabari Carasquero 72nd minute), 12.Taryk Sampson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 18.Tyrik John, 19.Nathaniel Garcia, 26.Mickaeel Jem Gordon, 40.Sean Bateau, 46.John Charles (3.Vashami Allen 80th minute).

Unused substitutes: 30.Prince Walter (GK), 13.Rhondel Gibson, 17.Jesse Joseph, 29.Ross Dowden, 44.Kerville Jeremiah.

Coach: Dale Sunders

St. Ann’s Rangers: 22.Christopher Biggette (GK), 4.Shane Sandy (Capt.), 6.Omari Lezama, 9.Jair Edwards (23.Kathon St. Hillaire 55th minute), 10.Josh Toussaint (17.Hakeem Baird 75th minute), 12.Rennie Britto, 15.Keshawn Hutchinson, 16.Stephon Smith, 19.Anselm Jackson, 20.Aquil Selby, 21.Micah Lansiquot.

Unused substitutes: 1.Cleon John (GK), 7.Sedale Mc Lean, 14.Xae Pierre De Fou, 28.Shem Alexander, 32.Marvin Lee.

Coach: Anthony Streete

Referee: Cyrstal Sobers

Game 2

W Connection: 16.Julani Archibald (GK) (Yellow Card), 2.Kurt Frederick, 3.Gerard Williams (Yellow Card), 4.Maurice Ford (Yellow Card), 5.Triston Hodge (Yellow Card), 7.Neil Benjamin Jr. (Yellow Card) (17.Qian Grosvenor 48th minute), 10.Dimitri Apai (32.Isaiah Hudson 77th minute), 13.Hughtun Hector (Capt.) (23.Jamal Ray Charles 77th minute), 16.Alvin Jones, 19.Briel Thomas, 99.Marcus Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK), 21.Rondell Paul, 24.Jameel Antoine, 26.Isaiah Garcia.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier

North East Stars: 30.Akel Clarke (GK), 3.Kevon Villaroel, 4.Kerry Baptiste (13.Kyle Bartholomew 71st minute), 6.Leston Paul, 11.Rundell Winchester, 12.Elton John, 14.Jomoul Francois (17.Korell Samuel 60th minute), 15.Seon Thomas (8.Adrian Noel 46th minute), 22.Jameel Neptune, 20.Yohance Marshall, 23.Akeem Garcia.

Unused substitutes: 1.Jabari Bryce (GK), 9.Dwight Quintero, 16.Giovani Abraham, 19.Jalani Felix.

Coach: Derek King

Referee: Rashby Mc Phie

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #31 on: July 16, 2017, 07:00:33 AM »
Club Sando snatch late win against Jabloteh.
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San Juan Jabloteh were left with their heads in their hands a second time in a row, letting it all slip at the death against visiting Club Sando at the Barataria Oval on Saturday.

Sando meanwhile, celebrated their third straight win with a 2-1 come-from-behind result to move two spots up into third but level on 10 points with Jabloteh and three points adrift of leaders W Connection and North East Stars.

Jabloteh had taken the lead through well-executed strike from an unlikely source, Jevon Morris, but Akim Armstrong quickly levelled the visitors in the first half.

It was not until deep into stoppage time, however, that substitute Nical Stephens stood out the visiting hero after his cross-cum-shot was spilled into the net by Jabloteh goalie Javon Sample to send Sando owner Edison “Eddie” Dean into wild celebrations.

Both sides had cancelled out each other for long periods with the exception of a couple half chances falling to Jabloteh forward Julio Noel and former San Juan Kings winger Tyrone Charles and Armstrong with ambitious attempts on the other end.

The duo though, combined on 38 minutes to level Sando when Armstrong headed past Sample off a right side Charles corner.

Jabloteh had three minutes earlier taken the lead when Morris, from the right of the area, sent a powerful drive past goalkeeper Kelvin Henry and into the far bottom corner of the Sando net following a move involving captain Damian Williams and Vurlon Mills.

Jabloteh head coach Keith Jeffrey, looking for the lead again, replaced Aaquil Campbell, Julio Noel and Jesus Perez with Jairo Lombardo, Kadeem Hutchinson and Kennedy Hinkson, all in the second half.

Lombardo, a Panamanian winger, had the best effort for Jabloteh when his 30-yard left footed strike flashed inches away from Henry’s top corner with fifteen minutes left.

Sando though, would snatch the victory in the third and final minute of stoppage time through the ambition of Stephens.

Angus Eve had replaced Kevon Piper with the Vincentian utility player with stoppage time left and it proved a masterstroke for the Sando coach, who made earlier changes with Adan Noel and Keyon Edwards replacing Armstrong and Keron Cornwall and three times earlier should have had the go-ahead goal.

Edwards failed to make contact to Adan’s low feed across the goalmouth in the 82nd minute, and sixty seconds later the latter saw his strike from the right brilliantly matched by a fully-stretched Sample. Edwards later returned the favour but Adan headed wide at the goalmouth.

Nevertheless, Sando celebrated a third straight win, while Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia United remain winless in five, with their latest a goalless draw down at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Saturday.

The Pro League will break next weekend, on the request of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), to allow for the national team’s preparation for a July 26 international friendly against Ecuador in Guayaquil.

Pro League action will, however, resume on the weekend of July 28-29.

Results

Defence Force 0 vs Morvant Caledonia United 0, Larry Gomes Stadium;

San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Jevon Morris 35’) vs Club Sando 2 (Akim Armstrong 38’, Nical Stephens 90’+3), at Barataria Oval.

Teams

San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK), 3.Josiah Trimmingham, 6.Akeem Benjamin, 11.Damian Williams (Capt.), 12.Kion Joseph, 13.Julio Noel (22.Kadeem Hutchinson 79th minute), 15.Jesus Perez (23.Kennedy Hinkson 80th minute), 17.Vurlon Mills, 18.Jevon Morris, 20.Aaquil Campbell (16.Jairo Lombardo 67th minute), 27.Nathan Lewis.

Unused substitutes: 5.Shakiyl Phillip, 21.Domique Douglas, 30.Shemel Louison.

Coach: Keith Jeffrey

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK), 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper (5.Nical Stephens 89th minute), 10.Keron Cornwall (15.Keyon Edwards 67th minute), 11.Akim Armstrong (35.Adan Noel 80th minute), 13.Tyrone Charles, 16.Leslie Joel Russell, 17.Jared London (Capt.), 18.Trevin Latapy, 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jay-son Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 4.Rondell Payne, 9.Akeem Redhead, 12.Michael Basdeo, 33.Enrique Changiah (GK).

Coach: Angus Eve

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

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Offline Flex

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #32 on: July 26, 2017, 05:04:53 AM »
Earl Jean calls on Gov’t and corporate T&T to continue Pro League support.
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W Connection’s Kurt Frederick becomes latest among overseas exodus.

W Connection left full-back Kurt Frederick is the latest Trinidad and Tobago Pro League player to move to overseas, having been signed for six months with an option for permanent acquisition by Costa Rica first division powerhouse LD Alajuelense.

Frederick is one of a few new signings by Alajuelense, who recently snapped up the services of Defence Force and Trinidad and Tobago international forward Jamille Boatswain, on the heel of the 2017/18 Liga de Fútbol de Primera División (Liga FPD) season which kicks off on Sunday 30 July and the inaugural Scotiabank CONCACAF League which begins in early August.

Frederick, a versatile 26-year-old St. Lucia international, joined Connection in 2010 and quickly established himself as a regular starter for head coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier and one of the most talented left full-backs in the Pro League.

Frederick now joins a long list of players from the Pro League currently attached to clubs on several continents, such as Kevin Molino (Minnesota United/USA), Mekeil Williams (Colorado Rapids/USA), Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders/USA), Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes/USA), Jelani Peters and Aikim Andrews (Toronto FC II/Canada), Jomal Williams and Shahdon Winchester (Murciélagos/Mexico), Jerrel Britto (Honduras Progreso/Honduras), Daneil Cyrus, Jan-Michael Williams (Juticalpa/Honduras), Boatswain (Alajuelense/Costa Rica) and Dwayne James (Pasaquina/El Salvador), Sheldon Bateau (FC Kairat/Kazakhstan), (FK Suduva/Lithuania), Lester Peltier (FC Alashkert/Armenia), Keston Julien (AS Trencin/Slovakia), Willis Plaza and Carlyle Mitchell (East Bengal/India).

North East Stars and Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Leston Paul is also believed to have received a contract offer in Central America while other Pro Leaguers are on the radar of North and Central American clubs.

“It shows what the Pro League is doing for players and that’s why the (Trinidad and Tobago) government and corporate Trinidad should continue to support the Pro League,” said a very emotional W Connection assistant coach Earl Jean. “It can help a lot of the young men off the street, some of them without solid educational backgrounds.”

Jean, a former St. Lucia and Connection forward who had stints in Portugal, England, Scotland and even China during his career, said the benefits of the Pro League are important “not just for Trinidad (and Tobago) but for Caribbean football.”

“We (at W Connection) can see the fruits of the labour,” continued Jean. “We can also speak for other clubs. All those players who have earned contracts abroad -- at present and in the past -- to improve their way of life came from the programmes of clubs in the Pro League.

“It’s creating more employment for players outside of Trinidad (and Tobago) where they are obviously making US dollars and bringing the currency back into the country and spending it here which also helps the economy. It’s a benefit for the country as well as offering young men from all [spheres] of life the opportunity to do well for themselves and their families.

“Players must take the opportunity presented to them,” Jean urged. “If the players are not taking these chances that are on offer then they only have themselves to blame.”

Alajuelense, national champions 29 times in the club’s 98-year history, are one of the most successful clubs in Costa Rican history alongside fellow Liga FPD clubs Herediano and Saprissa who have 33 and 26 national championships, respectively.

“Frederick’s chance has arrived,” added Jean. “He always wanted the opportunity and it’s now for him to make it into something bigger. He has developed so well and I can say he is the best left-back around the Caribbean.

“He is presented with a good opportunity at Alajuelense, a lovely place to play and everybody at Connection are happy for him. We want him to make it permanent and make a new life, a better life for him and his family. He will also have Boatswain there to help with the transition.”

Jean said in continuing with the success of W Connection on and off the pitch, the latest player move is again a benefit for both the club and player.

“It shows that clubs are taking interest in what we are doing and by extension the Pro League,” said the Connection assistant coach. “It’s always sad when we are losing a quality player, but it’s a while now that a few clubs have been watching him.

“We have won a lot in our history as a club and we are always trying to finish in the top two in our domestic league, and moving on players is a norm at Connection. It’s always better for the players and we can say that more players should be going out soon because they are on the radar of clubs abroad.

“What we do is develop players to get abroad and with the continued interests, it’s saying the work is continue and the benefits will continue.”

With a smaller roster due to financial constraints, Jean said Connection must dig deeper for younger talents from within their youth academy, and across Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #33 on: July 29, 2017, 07:46:05 AM »
Akeem Garcia fires NE Stars top of Pro League.
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North East Stars moved to the top of the Pro League standings for the first time this season last night and had with it a live performance from Carenage-born reggae artiste JaMelody to celebrate following a hard-fought 3-2 win over visitors Police FC at the Arima Velodrome.

Akeem Garcia, an Arima resident and former Trinidad and Tobago youth winger, ended with an assist and his first goal for his new club after Police—a side desperately trying to steady a rollercoaster ride this season—had twice equalised in the first half through Elijah Belgrave and Jameel Perry following the hosts’ opening item from Rundell Winchester then an Elton John converted penalty.

The win saw Derek King’s side on 16 points, and with a game in hand against three-time defending champions Central FC, hurdle previous leaders W Connection (13 points) at the summit after stretching their unbeaten record this term to six in as many matches, five of them ending in wins.

Connection, though, will look to restore the lead today (Saturday) when they host Defence Force from 4pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium, following which Central FC and Club Sando will battle from 6pm at the Couva venue.

Also today, MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers will take on Morvant Caledonia United from 4pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium.

North East Stars were brilliant and after just nine minutes took the lead through the lightening-paced Tobago-born winger Winchester, who fired past a hapless Police custodian Adrian Foncette from the right for his third goal this season after neat pass from Garcia on a counterattack had left the Lawmen backline beaten.

Police were no rollovers despite a L-D-D-W-L-D record prior to kick-off, and utility player Belgrave levelled the scores 1-1 when he beat goalkeeper Akel Clarke off a Kadeem Boyce corner from the right ten minutes later.

That see-saw effect would continue till the break.

Elton John, wearing the North East Stars armband, wrong-sided Foncette on 38 minutes from the penalty spot to restore his side’s advantage after Police defender Jibri Mc David was adjudged to have brought down winger Kishun Seecharan in the box.

Then Police, who earlier had a goal ruled out for an infringement, levelled again, putting the score at 2-2 on the stroke of half-time when Jameel Perry pounced on a rebound to fire into an open net after Clarke had initially gotten glove to chipped attempt from Kareem Freitas.

Jameel’s brother and late Police substitute Kareem Perry went close in stoppage time but the attacker’s effort skidded off the bar to the relief of the home fans, many of whom stayed back for the live-performance of JaMelody, whose songs include “Never Let You Down”, “Be Prepared”, “Beautiful” and “I Wanna Love You”.

But North East Stars were in front after taking the lead a third time three minutes into the second half.

Garcia, a former San Juan Jabloteh and W Connection attacker who was side-lined through injury for the past two years, completed another counterattack by the Stars with a cool finish beyond Foncette, who was hung out to dry again.

Winchester had led the attack before finding Kyle Bartholomew on the left, and the former Morvant Caledonia and Rangers winger whipped in a low cross towards Garcia, who capitalised.

Foncette denied Garcia twice late while substitute Adrian Noel wasted overbar after replacing midfielder Duane Muckette, who returned for the first time this season and in time as a replacement for Trinidad and Tobago international Leston Paul, who is expected to move to El Salvador.

Results

North East Stars 3 (Rundell Winchester 9', Elton John 38' pen., Akeem Garcia 48') vs Police FC 2 (Elijah Belgrave 19', Jameel Perry 45'), at Arima Velodrome.

Teams

North East Stars: 30.Akel Clarke (GK), 7.Kishun Seecharan (3.Kevon Villaroel 90th minute), 10.Duane Muckette (8.Adrian Noel 78th minute), 11.Rundell Winchester (17.Kordell Samuel 75th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 13.Kyle Bartholomew, 15.Seon Thomas, 19.Jalani Felix, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia, 20.Yohance Marshall.

Unused substitutes: 1.Jabari Bryce (GK), 4.Kerry Baptiste, 9.Dwight Quintero, 14.Jomoul Francois.

Coach: Derek King

Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK), 3.Ryan O'Neil (Yellow Card), 4.Kadeem Boyce, 6.Jibri Mc David (Yellow Card), 9.Jameel Perry, 10.Kareem Freitas, 19.Christon Thomas (7.Kareem Perry 62nd minute) (Yellow Card), 20.Elijah Belgrave, 21.Todd Ryan (Capt.) (32.Keion Wilson 71st minute), 40.Xavier Wheeler.

Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK), 5.Kenaz Williams, 8.Kurdell Brathwaite, 23.Shaquille Williams, 38.Kevin Lewis.

Coach: Richard Hood

Referee: Crystal Sobers

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #34 on: July 30, 2017, 08:11:52 AM »
Reon, King and Serrette bang the goals as D/Force maul 10-man W Connection; Central held by Sando.
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Reon Moore opened his Defence Force account with a double on Saturday afternoon as the Tetron Boys ended a five-game winless spell with a 4-1 hammering of a depleted 10-man W Connection in the first game of a Pro League double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Moore, who joined Marvin Gordon’s side in the pre-season, opened the scoring and completed the rout while teammates Dylon King -- another summer signing -- and Kellon Serrette each had a goal against Connection for only the Army/Coast Guard combination’s second win from seven outings to move two spots up into sixth.

Connection’s Couva rivals and three-time defending Pro League champions, Central FC, in the second game, were held to a late 1-1 draw by Club Sando and remain winless in three consecutive games ahead their round-of-16 first-leg clash against Panama’s Deportivo Árabe Unido from 8pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Thursday in the Scotiabank Concacaf League, which also involves San Juan Jabloteh.

Kaydion Gabriel fired Central ahead in the 66th minute when he pounced on a rebound after goalkeeper Kelvin Henry kept out the initial shot by Jason Marcano, only to see the ball off the upright and into the path of the Sharks’ left-back.

Sando head coach Angus Eve reacted with a double-change, replacing Keyon Edwards, who skied an attempt overbar in the first half and saw his second-half attempt cleared at the goal mouth, and Tyrone Charles with Jared London and Adan Noel respectively.

It proved a masterstroke by the former North East Stars and St. Ann’s Rangers coach when Noel’s cross in the final minute of regulation time was driven into the back of the Central net by Akim Armstrong to stretch Sando’s undefeated run to five games.

Sando improved their third position to 11 points, one more than Jabloteh, who have a game in hand, and two less than second-placed Connection (13 points).

North East Stars (16 points) who took the lead for the first time this season on Friday night with a 3-2 win over Police, stretched their unbeaten run to six games from as many this season.

Yesterday, however, Connection, in an attempt to regain the top spot were without regular defenders Triston Hodge, Maurice Ford and Alvin Jones, who were part of Trinidad and Tobago’s 3-1 international friendly loss to Ecuador in Guayaquil last Wednesday, while first choice goalkeeper Julani Archibald was rested out.

Grenada international Jason Belfon debuted in goal for Connection and it was a baptism of fire for the ex-Sando ‘keeper.

Reon Moore, a former North East Stars winger, put Defence Force ahead on 27 minutes. The lanky attacker turn his marker brilliantly on a Jerwyn Balthazar pass before entering the area and firing past Belfon with confidence.

Balthazar, though, failed to continue beyond the half-hour mark and was replaced by T&T international Hashim Arcia, who led the attacks in absence of the regular captain.

Belfon matched a Kerry Joseph free kick ten minutes into the second half with a diving save to his left, but the debuting Connection goalie was hung out to dry three times in the final thirty minutes.

Dylon King later made it 2-0 in the 64th minute with a brilliant solo goal—his first for Army--as Connection’s troubles tripled.

Connection hardman Briel Thomas had brought down Arcia inside the Defence Force half, but King, a former Morvant Caledonia and Rangers attacker, continued the play with a gallop from his own half down the left and into the Savonetta Boys’ box before curling a low strike past Belfon and into the far corner.

Thomas, the 22-year-old Dominica international, who earlier received a yellow card for dragging down Arcia outside the box, wasn’t spared by referee Rashby Mc Phie, who returned to the point of the second foul and gave the Connection midfielder his marching orders.

Serrette then put the match further out of Connection’s reach with a 3-0 lead in the 76th minute, redeeming himself with a neat chip over Belfon from above the area following a miss at the goal mouth two minutes earlier.

King and Moore then combined two minutes from time with the latter picked out free in the left of the area and rounded a hapless Belfon before hitting into an open net for a 4-0 score.

Connection forward Marcus Joseph, however, improved his personal tally to four goals with his new club after seven outings with a consolation item in stoppage-time and joins teammate Neil Benjamin Jr. at the top of this season’s scorers’ list.

Defence Force goalkeeper Sheldon Clarke had matched an earlier attempt from Joseph but was unable to preserve his clean sheet when the Connection striker unleased a left-footer into the far bottom corner for a 1-4 finish.

“Today we really executed the things we (did) in training over the last two weeks,” said Defence Force head coach Marvin Gordon. “Defence Force (are) a work in progress; we have a young team and it’s all about letting them believe in themselves. Today we stuck to the game plan. W Connection were same old W’, they don’t change their style (…) and what I did over the last two weeks was ask my guys to play more attacking so we can force W’ to defend and they don’t like to defend. I think the plan worked

“I think today the younger players coming into the Defence Force really showed their worth today. I think we are getting fitter and it’s all a work in progress going forward."

Results

W Connection 1 (Marcus Joseph 90’+1) vs Defence Force 4 (Reon Moore 27’, 88’, Dillon King 64’, Kellon Serrette 74’), at the Ato Boldon Stadium;

Central FC 1 (Kaydion Gabriel 66’) vs Club Sando 1 (Akim Armstrong 90’), at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers vs Morvant Caledonia United (did not play--to be rescheduled)

Game One

W Connection: 33.Jason Kendell Belfon (GK), Gerard Williams, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr. (Capt.), 10.Dimitri Apai, 11.Malik St. Prix (13.Hughtun Hector 35th minute), 19.Briel Thomas (Y+Y=Red Card), 21.Rondell Paul (Yellow Card), 23.Jamal Ray Charles (17.Qian Grosvenor 46th minute), 26.Isaiah Garcia, 30.Shaquille John (32.Isaiah Hudson 71st minute), 99.Marcus Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 12.Jevaughn Humphrey, 20.Daniel Diaz, 24.Jameel Antoine.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier

Defence Force: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 3.Jamali Garcia, 4.Dave Long (8.Christopher Durity 82nd minute), 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 16.Kellon Serrette, 17.Curtis Gonzales, 18.Reon Moore (Yellow Card), 19.Thurlani George (Yellow Card), 23.Kerry Joseph (39.Akil Morris 72nd minute), 45.Dylon King (Yellow Card), 99.Jerwyn Balthazar (Capt.) (10.Hashim Arcia 32nd minute).

Unused substitutes: 1.Andre Marchan (GK), 6.Rodell Elcock, 9.Devorn Jorsling, 15.Shaquille Bertrand.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Referee: Rashby McPhie

Game Two

Central FC: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK), 5.Keston George, 6.Carlos Edwards, 7.Jason Marcano, 8.Sean De Silva (Capt.), 10.Johan Peltier (44.Kerville Jeremiah 87th minute), 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 18.Tyrik John, 19.Nathaniel Garcia, 26.Mickaeel Jem Gordon, 40.Sean Bateau (13.Rhondel Gibson 62nd minute).

Unused substitutes: 30.Prince Walter (GK), 11.Jabari Carasquero, 17.Jesse Joseph, 24.Jules Lee, 29.Ross Dowden.

Coach: Dale Saunders

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK), 4.Rondell Payne (5.Nical Stephens 77th minute), 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper, 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Akim Armstrong, 13.Tyrone Charles (35.Adan Noel 73rd minute), 15.Keyon Edwards (17.Jared London 73rd minute), 18.Trevin Latapy, 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jay-son Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 33.Enrique Changiah (GK), 9.Akeem Redhead, 12.Michael Basdeo, 14.Ruhsawn Murphy.

Coach: Angus Eve

Referee: Gordon Maloney

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #35 on: August 03, 2017, 01:35:21 AM »
Skeene refutes claims that Pro League is dying.
T&T Newsday Reports.


DEXTER SKEENE, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the TT Pro League, has refuted claims made in a daily newspaper yesterday that the top-flight local football competition is on the decline due to financial constraints.

In a media release issued yesterday, Skeene said, “The TT Pro League continues to strive to become self-sufficient. The League has survived difficult times before and will survive these rough times.

“This current period that is as rough and tough as they come from an economic perspective,” Skeene pointed out. “It is a test of the League’s resilience, commitment and dedication to its vision and mission of becoming a sustainable and viable football industry, one that provides legitimate careers for young persons with football talent.” The ex-national striker noted that the challenges and difficulties faced by the League are similar to those faced by the local business community.

“I believe we will rise to overcome this temporary situation and we will emerge from these tremendously trying circumstances to become a vibrant, successful football League that is not dependent on the Government for its finances and revenue,” Skeene said. “The TT Pro League will overcome.

We will prevail.

Without a vision the people perish.” He ended, “Predictions and rumours of the demise of the TT Pro League are indeed premature. The League is having ongoing discussions with proposed sponsors, the Sport Company and the Ministry of Sport, and is assured of the support of the Minister, the Chairman and board of the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago.”

RELATED NEWS

Pro League remains positive.
ttproleague.com


The following is press statement from TT Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene refuting the premature predictions and rumors of the demise of the TT Pro league.

The TT Pro League continues to strive to become self-sufficient. The League has survived difficult times before and will survive these rough times.

Football is the number one participation sport that touches all classes, creeds, races, communities and villages.

This current period that is as rough and tough as they come from an economic perspective. It is a test of the League’s resilience, commitment and dedication to its vision and mission of becoming a sustainable and viable football industry, one that provides legitimate careers for young persons with football talent.

The League is focused on developing the model based on strategically positioning of the games within the communities occupied and identified by the teams. Having a more community focus is a critical success factor and ultimately a key performance indicator to the success of the teams building their respective fan bases and revenue streams from gate receipts, sponsorship, naming rights, merchandising and broadcast rights.

Given our individual and collective commitment to the League and an understanding of the broader economic challenges and difficulties we realize that the tests facing the League are no different to those of the business community.

This is a time for the League to stay focused and positive and continue to work together.

I believe we will rise to overcome this temporary situation and we will emerge from these tremendously trying circumstances to become a vibrant, successful football League that is not dependent on the government for its finances and revenue.

The TT Pro League will overcome. We will prevail.  Without a vision the people perish.

Predictions and rumors of the demise of the TT Pro league are indeed premature. The League is having ongoing discussions with proposed sponsors, the Sport Company and the Ministry of Sport, and is assured of the support of the Minister, the Chairman and board of the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

Upcoming Pro League Games

(Friday 4 August 2017)

St. Ann’s Rangers vs Point Fortin Civic—6pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium
Morvant Caledonia United vs W Connection—8pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium

(Saturday 5 August 2017)

Club Sando vs Defence Force—4pm, Manny Ramjohn Stadium

(Monday 7 August 2017)


Police FC vs Central FC—6pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium

(Tuesday 22 August 2017)

San Juan Jabloteh vs North East Stars—5pm, Barataria Recreation Ground

« Last Edit: August 03, 2017, 04:13:09 AM by Flex »
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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #36 on: August 06, 2017, 04:21:39 AM »
Bartholomew delivers double as Civic snap winless spell; Rangers let it all slip late and Connection held by Caledonia.
ttproleague.com.


Former Trinidad and Tobago youth forward Matthew Bartholomew, who had not scored a top flight goal as far back as the previous two Pro League seasons, shook off the rust with a double as Point Fortin Civic rallied from a one-goal deficit to edge St. Ann’s Rangers 2-1 on Friday night in the first game of a Pro League double-header at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain.

The result, which saw coach Reynold Carrington’s charges rise off the bottom but only ahead of Rangers for ninth, also snapped a ten-game winless run by Civic in all competitions stretching back to four games into last season.

But it didn’t come a surprise as Civic’s previous three outings ended in drawn results against Club Sando (1-1), Defence Force (0-0) and Police FC (0-0) respectively.

W Connection, on the opposite end of the spectrum in second, faced hosts Morvant Caledonia United in the second game and in search of maximum points to go level on points with leaders North East Stars, who have two games in hand against Central FC and San Juan Jabloteh.

But the Savonetta Boys were lucky to come away with a point as that encounter ended in a 1-1 draw after Morvant Caledonia were denied twice by the frame.

Connection forward Marcus Joseph, with his fifth goal of the season, broke the deadlock on 56 minutes, heading past goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel at the near upright off a well-placed Hughtun Hector free kick.

That lead however, lasted only ten minutes with Morvant Caledonia captain Kareem Joseph celebrating the equaliser. Connection goalkeeper Jason Belfon had pushed Kareem Baptiste’s shot onto the upright, only to see the ball ricocheted off Joseph’s leg at the goal mouth and into the net.

It was the end of Belfon’s luck after the Grenada international’s post was rocked twice in the first half.

Morvant Caledonia midfielder Kerry Daniel rattled the Connection crossbar from 30 yards out on the half-hour mark, and six minutes later the upright stood in the way of a Lester Joseph strike from the edge of the area.

But the greatest chance of the half fell to Kelrick Walters two minutes from the interval, however the Dominica international midfielder failed to control a Daniel feed at the goalmouth with Belfon at his mercy.

Earlier on the night, Rangers and Civic, two cellar-placed teams but boasting a number of young talents looked complete for draw until the final minute of regulation time.

Bartholomew, who levelled Civic in the first half, completed his double by burying substitute Juma Clarence’s low cross past goal keeper Christopher Biggette for the 2-1 victory.

Rangers, who three weeks ago stunned three-time defending Pro League champions Central FC, grabbed the lead with just 13 minutes played after attacker Anslem “Worm” Jackson controlled a deflected Keshawn Hutchinson cross in the middle of the area before beating Civic goalkeeper Akini Adams.

But Bartholomew levelled the visitors six minutes later, firing from the right off a rebound to beat Biggette, who had parried Keron Neptune’s initial shot away from goal.

Moments later Darnell Hospidales saw his free kick crash off the post after Bartholomew was brought down above the area as the excitement progressed.

Civic though, were forced into two premature changes with teenaged attacking midfielder Judah Garcia and defender Trent Lougheed retiring hurt and replaced by Jamal John and Jerren Jackie respectively before the break.

Carrington’s side created a few second half openings including an angled shot from Trinidad and Tobago Under-20 creative midfielder Justin Sadoo that had Biggette reacting to danger. Sadoo’s national U20 teammate and Rangers’ winger Kathon St. Hillare created the best chance on the opposite end but fired overbar.

And just as the match looked destined for draw, Bartholomew delivered the Civic ninetieth-minute winner which was preserved two minutes into stoppage-time by Adams, who acrobatically tipped overbar a deflected Omari Lezama free kick.

Results

St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Anslem Jackson 13’) vs Point Fortin Civic 2 (Matthew Bartholomew 19’, 90’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kareem Joseph 66’) vs W Connection 1 (Marcus Joseph 56’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Game One

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers: 22.Christoher Biggette (GK), 4.Shane Sandy (Capt.), 6.Omari Lezama, 12.Rennie Britto (9.Jair Edwards 85th minute), 15.Keshawn Hutchinson, 17.Hakim Baird, 19.Anslem Jackson, 20.Aaquil Selby, 21.Micah Lansiquot, 23.Kathon St. Hillare, 32.Marvin Lee (14.Xae Pierre De Fou 55th minute).

Unused substitutes: 1.Cleon John (GK), 3.Kareem Eastman, 8.Jordan Devonish, 11.Kazim Donald, 33.Osaze Springer.

Coach: Anthony Streete

Point Fortin Civic: 1.Akini Adams (GK), 4.Andre Ettienne (Capt.), 7.Steven Joseph, 9.Matthew Bartholomew, 10.Jabari Mitchell, 11.Keron Neptune (21.Juma Clarence 66th minute), 18.Trent Lougheed (32.Jerren Jackie 39th minute), 27.Darnell Hospedales, 33.Justin Sadoo, 34.Judah Garcia (8.Jamal John 26th minute), 53.Stephan Campbell.

Unused substitutes: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK), 6.Glen Sutton, 25.Shaquille Dublin, 99.Kevin Moodie.

Coach: Reynold Carrington

Referee: Joel Cox

Game 2

Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK), 5.Joshua Sylvester (29.Kelsey Benjamin 67th minute), 6.Taje Commissiong, 7.Kelrick Walters (14.Simeon Bailey 73th minute), 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.), 15.Otev Lawrence, 17.Kerry Daniel, 18.Maestro Mensah, 20.Kareem Baptiste, 22.Joshua Alexander (24.Michael Ten-Pow 79th minute), 23.Lester Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 31.De Journ Cahrles (GK), 8.Anthony Charles, 11.Quincy Ballah, 13.Rufuson Pierre Louis.

Coach: Jamaal Shabazz

W Connection: 33.Jason Belfon (GK), 3.Gerard Williams, 4.Maurice Ford, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr., 10.Dimitri Apai (12.Jevaughn Humphrey 83rd minute), 11.Shirvone Malik St. Prix (20.Daniel Diaz 71st minute), 13.Hughtun Hector (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 21.Ronell Paul, 24.Jameel Antoine, 32.Isaiah Hudson (26.Isaiah Garcia 75th minute), 99.Marcus Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 18.Julani Archibald (GK), 6.Caleb Gasper, 17.Qian Grosvenor, 30.Shaquille John.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #37 on: August 06, 2017, 11:33:29 AM »
Noel fires Sando second with late winner against Defence Force.
ttproleague.com.


Adan Noel arrived off the bench to grab the winner as Club Sando stretched their undefeated run to six games, with their latest a 2-1 victory over Defence Force on Saturday.

The result also saw Angus Eve’s men leapfrog W Connection, for second on the Pro League 2017 standings by goal-difference as both teams are level on 14 points and two adrift of leaders North East Stars, who have two games in hand against Central FC and San Juan Jabloteh.

Connection were slowed for a third straight time on Friday night by a 1-1 draw against Morvant Caledonia United, who will host Sando next Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 8pm.

Noel, a 22-year-old former Trinidad and Tobago Under-17 and Under-20 forward, grabbed the winning item – his first professional goal – with three minutes left and only seven minutes on the pitch after Defence Force forward Kellon Serrette had levelled Kevon Piper’s stunning goal at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella.

Defence Force, coming off a 4-1 win over W Connection, had kept the game scoreless before the break with defender Curtis Gonzales heading behind at the goal line to keep out a lofted Akim Armstrong try on 20 minutes, and goalkeeper Sheldon Clarke pulling off a reflex save to put behind a Nical Stephens attempt from close up.

The Tetron Boys however, had enjoyed the most possession in the opening half hour, but Trevin Latapy, Nicholas Thomas and company were solid at the back for Sando, spoiling every raid by the visitors.

A lapse in sharpness in the 78th minute, though, saw Serrette’s glancing header from inside the six-yard area beat Sando goalkeeper Kelvin Henry, levelling the scores at 1-1 off a right side Kerry Joseph cross.

Defence Force head coach had boosted his team’s attack with the introduction of veteran marksman Devorn Jorsling and winger Shaquille Bertrand after a sublime volleyed drive by Piper -- free at the back post -- off a Jarod London cross had beaten goalkeeper Clarke in the 58th minute.

However it was Eve’s changes that delivered for Sando on the other end in the 87th minute when substitute Akeem Redhead’s through-ball allowed Noel a free run behind the defence and the ex-College of Charleston and W Connection youth forward took one touch through the legs of an advancing Clarke.

It was enough to see the ball into the back of the net and Sando celebrated their fourth win in the last six outings.

Contrastingly, Point Fortin Civic registered their first win of the season thanks to a double from forward Matthew Bartholomew on Friday night, edging Rangers 2-1 to rise off the bottom, but only hurdling the St. Ann’s club for ninth on the ten-team PL table.

Pro League 2017 action will continue on Monday when Police FC take on serial champions Central FC from 6pm at the training field of the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Central will look for booster ahead of their travel to Panama where they would try to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit against CD Árabe Unido on Thursday for a place in the Scotiabank CONCACAF League quarterfinals later this month.

Jabloteh meanwhile, will first attempt a similar feat on Tuesday when they welcome Santos de Guapiles from 8pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Tuesday, but the San Juan Kings face a mountain of a challenge against the Costa Ricans who won 6-2 in the first leg.

Results

Club Sando 2 (Kevon Piper 58’, Adan Noel 87’) vs Defence Force 1 (Kellon Serrette 78’), at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

Teams

Defence Force: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 3.Jamali Garcia, 4.Dave Long, 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 10.Hashim Arcia, 16.Kellon Serrette, 17.Curtis Gonzales (Yellow Card), 18.Reon Moore (9.Devorn Jorsling 68th minute), 19.Thurlani George (Yellow Card) (15.Shaquille Bertrand 68th minute), 23.Kerry Joseph (39.Akil Morris 84th minute), 45.Dylon King.

Unused substitutes: 1.Andre Marchan (GK), 6.Rodell Elcock, 8.Christopher Durity, 20.Levi Serries.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK), 5.Nical Stephens, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper (12.Michael Basdeo 88th minute), 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Akim Armstrong (9.Akeem Redhead 85th minute), 13.Tyrone Charles (35.Adan Noel 80th minute), 17.Jared London (Capt.), 18.Trevin Latapy, 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jay-son Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 33.Enrique Changiah (GK), 14.Rushawn Murphy, 15.Keyon Edwards, 29.Kareem Williams Blake.

Coach: Angus Eve

Referee: Marlon Peruse

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #38 on: August 13, 2017, 05:59:03 AM »
Civic stun Stars late; Sando edge Cale’ to take lead and D/Force rally to draw after Police sees red.
ttproleague.com.


Club Sando are the new Pro League leaders after edging Morvant Caledonia United 1-0 in the second game of a double-header on Friday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium to move top of the ladder with the help of bottom-half Point Fortin Civic.

Sando, thanks to a first-half Keron Cornwall strike, improved their points tally to 17, one more than previous leaders North East Stars, who earlier on the night surrendered a 1-0 loss at the death against hosts Civic at the Mahaica Oval.

Civic punished the Stars on a spill by goalkeeper Akel Clarke in stoppage time with Kevin Moodie, for his first top flight goal, hitting in the net from close up to snap visitors unbeaten run of six games, while improving coach Reynold Carrington’s side to five games unbeaten—the last two ending in wins.

The result moved Civic two spots up into seventh, to join three-time holders Central FC, and Defence Force, who rallied late to hold 10-man Police FC to a 2-2 draw in the first game of an electrifying Hasely Crawford Stadium double-header, on nine points, while North East Stars (16 points), with two games in hand, dropped into second with their first loss of the season.

Third-place W Connection (14 points), however, could return to the summit on Saturday when they travel to the St. Augustine Secondary School Ground against MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 4:30pm on Saturday (today), while Central and San Juan Jabloteh returns to action against each other from 6pm at Barataria Oval on Tuesday.

Stars head coach Derek King came to the defence of his first choice goalie, Clarke, over the spill.

King said the Guyana international shot-stopper isn’t one hundred percent fit following a shoulder injury picked up in the Stars previous game on July 28 in a 3-2 win over Police, but was used against Civic as second choice Jabari Bryce, of the Trinidad and Tobago Under-20s, is side-lined with an ankle injury, and 18-year-old newcomer Darren Wilson is “not yet ready” for his professional debut.

“The game was even, both sides having chances,” King said on Friday night from Point Fortin. “But as I’ve told my players: ‘If you don’t play as you should on the day you can be punished.’ The league is very competitive and no team will be easy, top or bottom. I also think not being competitive for almost two weeks -- while other teams were active -- took the momentum out of us. Training is one thing but it can never substitute for match fitness.

“Civic were also high in confidence with their recent results ending in draws and most recently a win, and they were playing at home.

“It’s now for us to rebound from this in time to face Central next Friday (in a rescheduled game),” ended King, the 2009 PL winning coach.

Sando, the new leaders, are now undefeated in their last seven games with five of them ending in wins for coach Angus Eve—the latest a revenge result over Morvant Caledonia who had beaten them at the start of the season.

Revenge, it is said, is a dish served cold, and Eve had five former Morvant Caledonia players in his artillery—Akim Armstrong, Nical Stephens and Tyrone Charles in the starting line-up and Joel Leslie Russell and Keyon Edwards off the bench.

But it took a single Cornwall strike to put Sando back on winning ways against a side they had beaten six out of seven times in all competitions, dating back to the southerners’ debut 2015/16 season at the top flight.

Cornwall’s hit towards goal from just inside the area took deflection to beat goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel and Sando were in front after teammate Kevon Piper drilled an attempt just wide of the far upright early on and Armstrong, the ex-Morvant Caledonia captain, hitting the bar.

The item was recorded by referee Crystal Sobers as an own goal and Cornwall, one of the string pulling masters of the Sando midfield, remains with just two goals to his name this term.

Earlier on the night Reon Moore, however, grabbed his third goal of the season with a solid drive past Police FC goalkeeper Adrian Foncette to put his Defence Force side 1-0 ahead after 27 minutes at the Port-of-Spain venue.

But a sublime strike from Police midfielder Kareem Perry and into the far netting of Andre Marchan’s net nine minutes later on the other end, off a headed clearance, from the top right of the box, pulled Police level at 1-1.

The Lawmen were fired up in the oldest rivalry of Trinidad and Tobago but it wasn’t until the 58th minute that coach Richard Hood’s players took a 2-1 advantage through striker Kareem Freitas.

Freitas fired powerfully past a Marchan from close range at the end of a quick move initiated by Foncette’s long feed from the opposite end.

And ten minutes later Freitas had another attempt cleared out by defender Curtis Gonzales after goalkeeper Marchan spilled into the path of the speedy Police forward in the middle of the area.

But Freitas, who had earlier entered referee Rashby Mc Phie’s bad book for time wasting, was shown his second yellow card in less than a ten-minute span and the eventual red less for what was deemed, by the official, a dive in the Defence Force area fifteen minutes from time.

Hood showed his bravery by adding fresh legs utility player Christon Thomas upfront as a replacement for Jameel Perry who was denied by the upright in the 8th minute.

However Defence Force stormed back with coach Marvin Gordon calling on his big guns—Devorn Jorsling, Jerwyn Balthazar and Hashim Arcia—off the bench and found the equaliser through veteran Balthazar seven minutes from time.

The crafty midfielder drilled a low rebound past a hapless Foncette, who had made back-to-back saves to twice deny Hashim Arcia.

Two-all it stood at the final whistle, the first drawn result between the armed forces in the last three seasons.

Results

Police FC 2 (Kareem Perry 36’, Kareem Freitas 58’) vs Defence Force FC 2 (Reon Moore 27’, Jerwyn Balthazar 83’), at the Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Morvant Caledonia United 0 vs Club Sando 1 (Own Goal 25’), at the Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Point Fortin Civic 1 (Kevin Moodie 90’+1) vs North East Stars 0, at Mahaica Oval.

Game One

Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK), 3.Ryan O'Neil, 4.Kadeem Boyce, 7.Kareem Perry (38.Kevin Lewis 85th minute), 8.Kurdell Brathwaite, 9.Jameel Perry (19.Christon Thomas 81st minute), 10.Kareem Freitas (Yellow Card+Yellow Card=Red Card), 12.Nequan Caruth, 13.Dillon Kirton (Yellow Card), 20.Elijah Belgrave, 21.Todd Ryan (Capt.) (Yellow Card) (2.Jasimar Ashers 92nd minute).

Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK), 5.Kenaz Williams, 23.Shaquille Williams, 32.Keion Wilson.

Coach: Richard Hood

Defence Force: 1.Andre Marchan (GK), 3.Jamali Garcia, 4.Dave Long (99.Jerwyn Balthazar 62nd minute), 5.Jerome Mc Intyre (Yellow Card) (9.Devorn Jorsling 67th minute), 16.Kellon Serrette, 17.Curtis Gonzales (Capt.), 18.Reon Moore (Yellow Card), 20.Levi Serries (10.Hashim Arcia 62nd minute), 26.Justin Garcia, 39.Akil Morris, 45.Dylon King.

Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 6.Rodell Elcock, 15.Shaquille Bertrand, 23.Kerry Joseph.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Referee: Rashby Mc Phie

Game Two

Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK), 6.Taje Commissiong, 8.Anthony Charles, 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.), 15.Otev Lawrence (Yellow Card), 17.Kerry Daniel, 18.Maestro Mensah (Yellow Card), 20.Kareem Baptiste (26.Ralph Parris 60th minute), 22.Joshua Alexander (11.Quincy Ballah 60th minute), 23.Lester Joseph (10.Sheldon Holder 68th minute), 29.Kelsey Benjamin.

Unused substitutes: 31.De Journ Cahrles (GK), 5.Joshua Sylvester, 13.Rufuson Pierre Louis, 14.Simeon Bailey.

Coach: Jamaal Shabazz

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK), 5.Nical Stephens, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper (35.Adan Noel 71st minute), 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Akim Armstrong, 13.Tyrone Charles (15.Keyon Edwards 79th minute), 17.Jared London (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 18.Trevin Latapy (Yellow Card) (16.Leslie Joel Russell 74th minute), 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jay-son Joseph (Yellow Card).

Unused substitutes: 33.Enrique Changiah (GK), 9.Akeem Redhead, 12.Michael Basdeo, 21.Malique Quow.

Coach: Angus Eve

Referee: Crystal Sobers

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #39 on: August 13, 2017, 11:00:43 AM »
Benjamin a hat trick hero as W Connection return to the summit with 5-1 win over Rangers.
ttproleague.com.


A forthright after losing the top spot to North East Stars, W Connection are back at the top of the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017 standings but tied on 17 points with overnight leaders Club Sando.

Neil Benjamin Jr. scored three times on Saturday, to lead this season’s scorers’ list with 7 goals, as Connection hammered cellar-placed MIC-IT St. Ann's Rangers 5-1—a result that put coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier's side ahead of Sando albeit only on 'Goals For' (18-15).

The top, though, could shuffle again by next Friday when North East Stars, who tilted Connection for the lead on July 29, take on three-time defending champions Central FC in a highly anticipated rescheduled fixture on Friday 18 August from 8pm at the Arima Velodrome.

For now, however, in descending order, Connection, Sando and North East Stars (the latter with 16 points and two games in hand) occupy top three, while San Juan Jabloteh (10 points) and Central (9 points), in fourth and fifth respectively with three games in hand, will face each other on Tuesday from 6pm at Barataria Oval.

Benjamin fired Connection ahead in the 28th minute after powering into the right of the box at the St. Augustine Secondary School Ground, only to see Rangers level it at 1-1 a minute later through Xae Pierre De Fou, whose shot ricocheted off the post and two defenders before finding the back of goalkeeper Julani Archibald's net.

Connection argued with referee Marlon Peruse that right full-back Alvin Jones shot had found a hole in the upper netting three minutes from the half, but video relay confirmed the official’s decision that the ball flew over bar with goalkeeper Biggette making an excellent save with his legs.

Biggette’s was exposed again three minutes into the second half but Marcus Joseph, free inside the box, headed wide of the upright off a right side Benjamin cross.

But by the time Trinidad and Tobago Under-20 attacker Isaiah Hudson celebrated his first ever top-flight Connection goal in the 61st minute, the visitors were in full control and later completed their fifth win of the season after dropping points in the last three outings.

Hudson beat Biggette with a low drive from inside the left of the area to give Connection a 2-1 lead.

Benjamin then made it 3-1 in the 70th minute with a half volley past Biggette for his second on the afternoon after controlling substitute Jameel Antoine’s feed into the area.

Rangers defence were no match again in the 80th minute when their former player Antoine started and completed an attack, finding the ceiling of Biggette’s net for his first Connection goal to put his side in a commanding 4-1 score.

Ironically Antoine’s previous goal was for Rangers in a 3-3 draw with Club Sando on February 3.

Two minutes later another Connection substitute Daniel Diaz, who assisted in Antoine's goal, hit wide with the goal at his mercy.

But the diminutive attacker redeemed himself with a strong run into the Rangers area to set up Benjamin for a simple tap in—the latter completing his hat-trick six minutes from time and Connection finishing 5-1 winners.

Rangers will look to rebound against Morvant Caledonia United on Saturday 19 August from 4pm when they return to the St. Augustine Secondary School Ground in a rescheduled Round One fixture.

Results

St. Ann's Rangers 1 (Xae Pierre De Fou 29') vs W Connection 5 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 28', 70', 84', Isaiah Hudson 61', Jameel Antoine 80'), at St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.

Teams

Ann’s Rangers: 22.Christoher Biggette (GK), 3.Kareem Eastman, 4.Shane Sandy (Capt.), 6.Omari Lezama, 14.Xae Pierre De Fou (20.Aaquil Selby 59th minute), 15.Keshawn Hutchinson, 17.Hakim Baird, 19.Anslem Jackson, 21.Micah Lansiquot, 23.Kathon St. Hillare, 33.Osaze Springer (32.Marvin Lee 78th minute).

Unused substitutes: 1.Cleon John (GK), 10.Josh Toussaint, 11.Kazim Donald, 12.Rennie Britto.

Coach: Anthony Streete

W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK), 3.Gerard Williams, 4.Maurice Ford, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr., 10.Dimitri Apai, 13.Hughtun Hector (Capt.), 16.Alvin Jones, 19.Briel Thomas (24.Jameel Antoine 45th minute), 30.Shaquille John (26.Isaiah Garcia 46th minute), 32.Isaiah Hudson (20.Daniel Diaz 74th minute), 99.Marcus Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK), 6.Caleb Gasper, 12.Jevaughn Humphrey, 21.Ronell Paul.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier

Referee: Marlon Peruse

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #40 on: August 15, 2017, 05:36:59 AM »
All Pro League matches suspended.
T&T Guardian Reports.


All Pro League matches have been suspended, including the San Juan Jabloteh vs Central FC fixture originally carded for today at the Barataria Oval, until September 8, 2017.

This has become necessary to assist the T&T senior men’s national football team’s preparations for the upcoming Jamaica friendly on August 24, and the final phase of FIFA World Cup 2018 CONCACAF qualifiers, beginning with hosting Honduras on September 1 then away to Panama on September 5 as explained by Pro League Chairman Sam Phillips who told Guardian Media Sports yesterday: “We at the League want to give the national team and coach Dennis Lawrence all the support we can, once we see that there is a possibility to qualify. We have a mathematical chance and we just want to support that effort.”

The Pro League’s decision to suspend the league however, may be seen as a reversal to a previous stance by the League to not allow national team games to affect the progress of the competition, an agreement reached by the Pro League Board of directors and then coach Stephen Hart.

Hart contended that match practice and having players active was what mattered more than having them available.

But Phillips was quick to point out that that agreement was not written in stone: “There were different occasions where the board agreed to stop the league. For instance that if a club has four or more players missing from any one club there would be a postponement. Or matches would continue as scheduled to give younger players a chance to play. But when he (Lawrence) first came into the job he had an discussion and agreement the TTFA board and Pro League clubs where most of the players play. This decision is just honoring that agreement. Also, remember there are more local players playing in the national team now than then.“ Phillip said.

Asked whether the stoppage was in leniency to the clubs, many of who had complained about having thinner squads this season Phillips responded: “That may be so but that did not prompt the decision. This decision was made since Mr. Lawrence came in.”

Three-time defending T&T Pro League champions, Central FC and San Juan Jabloteh, will both be seeking to get their domestic campaign back on track when matches resume, as both local clubs were booted from the Scotiabank Concacaf League competition at the round-of-16 hurdle.

As it stands, Jabloteh is fourth on the ten-team table with ten points from six matches, 11 adrift of top duo, W Connection and Club Sando who have both played nine matches, while North East Stars is next with 16 points and two matches in hand on the leaders.

Central FC is a further point behind Jabloteh in fifth spot from six matches as well, and if the two teams are to have any chance of making a charge for the title, then that clash will be no better time to pick up a win.

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #41 on: August 15, 2017, 07:07:47 AM »
Quick! Someone call Guinness and inquire whether this suspension of play constitutes a "record". Who voluntarily suspends a "professional" league for THREE weeks for matches scheduled on the international calendar how long ago? Especially when a decision was made to restructure the "professional" league's playing calendar how long ago?

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #42 on: September 07, 2017, 03:35:01 PM »
Central to square off with former players at Arima Velodrome on Pro League resumption
ttproleague.com.


Theobald, Julius James near N/E Stars moves.

North East Stars have sent a stark warning to Pro League challengers, including three-time defending champions Central FC who they face on the resumption on Friday, with 2006 FIFA World Cup midfielder Densill Theobald and 2001 FIFA U17 World Cup defender Julius James close to completing moves to east Trinidad.

James, 33, who spent almost his entire professional life across leagues in the United States including the MLS, represented Central in the latter half of last season before returning to the US with Sacramento Republic, and 35-year-old former household name of Morvant Caledonia United, Theobald, who is eager to suit up for his new club, are awaiting international transfer from USA and India respectively.

“We have added some experience with Theobald and Julius James around younger talents like Duane Muckette and others,” said North East Stars head coach Derek King, whose side are also in the process of completing the signings of W Connection midfielder Kevon Goddard and former Morvant Caledonia, San Juan Jabloteh and St. Ann’s Rangers goalkeeper Jesse Peters in the mid-season transfer window.

North East Stars will host Central for the first time at the iconic Arima Velodrome from 8pm on Friday in a much anticipated rescheduled clash following a month-long break to assist the Trinidad and Tobago national team preparations for recent FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.

Also on Friday, Point Fortin Civic, who snapped the Stars’ unbeaten run of six games on August 11 with a late 1-0 win in front of home fans in Point Fortin, will host San Juan Jabloteh from 6pm at Mahaica Oval in another of three rescheduled fixtures on the weekend inclusive of Morvant Caledonia United’s visit against MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 4pm on Sunday at the St. Augustine Senior Secondary Ground.

“It’s very important against Central,” King expressed. “(…) because if we win we go on top [the standings].”

Stars (16 points), with a 5W-1D-1L record this season, are third on the standings and a win for King’s men would see them hurdle W Connection and Club Sando, both tied on 17 points, for top spot while fifth-placed Central, with three games in hand, are hoping to improve their position and nine points.

“This is one of two games we have in hand,” continued King. “We have to make them count. Our players are focused and eager to get back into action after a month. We worked on match fitness with a number of practice games with some good results and I am hoping we can translate it into a good result against Central. But after analysing all games this season, we are aware that no game in the league is easy and if you slip up on any given day it can end in a bad result.

“It’s also important we try and give a good performance that Arima will love and hopefully a result that will reward the nice support we have been receiving. I am expecting the support to continue on Friday in Arima. Every time I go through Arima people always ask: ‘When the team (North East Stars) playing again?’”

This season North East Stars could boast as many as eleven former Central starters including Yohance Marshall, Kerry Baptiste, Rundell Winchester, Elton John, Kevon Villaroel, Kishun Seecharan, Adrian Noel, Dwight Quintero, Seon Thomas and goalkeeper Akel Clarke, once Julius James is cleared for action.

That figure could have been higher had Trinidad and Tobago internationals Leston Paul and goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams not made moves to Honduras and El Salvador respectively.

Winchester, however will miss Friday’s game against his former employers due to yellow card accumulation, while team captain Elton John (thigh) and pre-season forward signing Cordell Samuel (ankle) are doubtful for the affair through injury.

“Central are coming to play their best,” continued King. “They have a good team with some quality and experienced players such as Jason Marcano, Keston George, Johan Peltier and others. We can’t afford to underestimate them. It’s also the kind of game with a lot of emotions on either side as players face their former teammates. It should be entertaining for football fans.”

Central, a shadow of their historic three-peat league-winning team of last season, are winless in their last three league games and five in all competitions. The ‘Couva Sharks’ started new campaign with just seven regulars—Sean De Silva, Jason Marcano, Johan Peltier, Kaydion Gabriel, Keston George, Nathaniel Garcia and Mickaeel Jem Gordon—of last season.

In contrast, last season’s table-propping Point Fortin Civic are currently unbeaten in five with the last two ending in wins for coach Reynold Carrington. Civic, already three points more than their overall tally last season under previous coach Dick Furlonge, are seventh on the standings, tied on 9 points with fifth and sixth-placed Central and Defence Force.

Civic will look to extend their unbeaten form against fourth-placed Jabloteh, a side on with 10 points and on a four-game losing spell in all competitions, but like Central, have three games in hand.

Upcoming Fixtures

(Friday 8 September 2017)

Rescheduled Round One Match Day Two fixture

Point Fortin Civic vs San Juan Jabloteh, 6pm, Mahaica Oval;

Rescheduled Round One Match Day Eight fixture

North East Stars vs Central FC, 8pm, Arima Velodrome.

(Sunday 10 September 2017)

Rescheduled Round One Match Day Eight fixture

St. Ann’s Rangers vs Morvant Caledonia United, 4pm, St. Augustine Senior Secondary Ground.

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #43 on: September 09, 2017, 02:15:09 PM »
N/E Stars held by rivals Central; Jabloteh edge Civic as both sides see red on Pro League resumption.
ttproleague.com.


Mickaeel Jem Gordon spoiled North East Stars’ first return to the Arima Velodrome -- after six weeks -- on Friday night to earn rivals and three-time reigning Pro League champions Central FC a late 1-1 draw in a highly anticipated rescheduled fixture on the 2017 resumption.

Duane Muckette had broken the deadlock twelve minutes into the second period for the hosts but the 23-year-old Tobago-born Gordon levelled the game with a minute left for Stern John’s side.

John, Trinidad and Tobago national team assistant coach, held the same position at Central, but was elevated for his head coach debut in absence of the Couva Sharks’ Pro League and Caribbean Club Championship-winning coach Dale Saunders who decided to step away due unpaid wages.

Central (10 points) meanwhile, continue to occupy fifth on the standings after fourth-placed San Juan Jabloteh (13 points) edged Point Fortin Civic 2-1 earlier on the day at Mahaica Oval in another rescheduled fixture to now sit within four points of frontrunners W Connection, Club Sando and North East Stars who, in descending order, are all tied on 17 points.

Jesus Perez grabbed the Jabloteh winner in the 75th minute after Civic defender Glenn Sutton had levelled Nathan Lewis’s 49th-minute opening item in the 69th minute.

The result snapped Jabloteh’s four-game losing spell in all competitions while ending the seventh-placed Civic’s five game undefeated stretch.

Both sides, however, were reduced to 10 men with goalscorer Sutton and Jabloteh’s Kennedy Hinkson shown direct red cards in virtually the final play of the game for violent conduct.

There were no such heated moments at the Arima Velodrome although North East Stars are a side equipped with almost a dozen former Central players.

But with goalkeeper Akel Clarke absent; Rundell Winchester unavailable through card suspension, and regular team captain Elton John on the injury list with Cordell Samuel, head coach Derek King’s starting line-up included just four – Kevon Villaroel, Kishun Seecharan, Jomoul Francois and Yohance Marshall – former Central players.

King handed debuts to mid-season signings in 2006 World Cup midfielder Densill Theobald, central midfielder Kevon Goddard from W Connection, and former Jabloteh, Morvant Caledonia United and St. Ann’s Rangers goalie Jesse Peters, while ex-Central defender Julius James, who spent nearly all of his professional life in the United States, had to look on from the spectators area due to pending international clearance.

Central meanwhile depended on stalwarts Jason Marcano, Sean De Silva, Kaydion Gabriel and Gordon with season signings Taryk Sampson, Sean Bateau and goalkeeper Stephon Seepersad among the first eleven that also included rising talents Jesse Joseph, Jules Lee and Taryk John.

North East Stars were closest to opening the scoring after just seven minutes through Muckette but Seepersad was equal to the ball, putting the strike behind off the crossbar.

Seepersad made another save on the half-hour mark to keep out a strike at his near post from Seecharan, after the Stars’ winger dribbled past four Central shirts before entering the left of the area.

Muckette had a much better opening in the 56th minute and disappointed when by spilling overbar on a low cross from Akeem Garcia. But the former Trinidad and Tobago youth player redeemed himself a minute later with a powerful strike past Seepersad before being immediately replaced injured by Kerry Baptiste.

Moments earlier Gordon left his coach John screaming at the touchline after failing to capitalise on two opportunities on the opposite end.

But a devastating breakdown at the back by North East Stars with a minute left, resulted in a free Gordon heading into an open net off a Gabriel cross after an overlapping run on the right in support of Marcano.

North East Stars had themselves to blame including a point-blank headed miss by substitute Kerry Baptiste off a Theobald free kick on the hour mark. Baptiste, the evergreen poacher, also put an equalising opportunity off target in stoppage-time and leaving the rivalry to be settled when both teams meet again on September 19.

North East Stars and Central will return to play on Tuesday in two other rescheduled fixtures when they visit Jabloteh and Police FC, respectively, at the Barataria Recreation Ground (5pm) and Police Barracks (6pm).

Action in the Pro League however continues on Sunday when Morvant Caledonia United visit a new-look MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 4pm at the St. Augustine Senior Secondary School Ground in another rescheduled fixture.

Results

Point Fortin Civic 1 (Glenn Sutton 69’) vs San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Nathan Lewis 49’, Jesus Perez 75’), at Mahaica Oval;

North East Stars 1 (Duane Muckette 57’) vs Central FC (Mickaeel Jem Gordon 89’), at Arima Velodrome.

Teams

North East Stars: 1.Jesse Peters (GK), 3.Kevon Villaroel, 7.Kishun Seecharan, 10.Duane Muckette (4.Kerry Baptiste 60th minute), 13.Kyle Bartholomew (16.Giovani Abraham 71st minute), 14.Jomoul Francois (9.Dwight Quintero 46th minute), Kevon Goddard, 20.Yohance Marshall (Capt.), 21.Densill Theobald, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia.

Unused substitutes: 8.Adrian Noel, 15.Seon Thomas, 19.Jelani Felix, 91.Darren Wilson.

Coach: Derek King

Central FC: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK), 7.Jason Marcano (Capt.), 8.Sean De Silva, 12.Taryk Sampson, 13.Rondell Gibson (11.Jabari Carasquero 75th minute), 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 17.Jesse Joseph, 18.Taryk John, 24.Jules Lee (29.Ross Dowden 90th minute), 26.Mickaeel Jem Gordon, 40.Sean Bateau.

Unused substitute: 44.Kerville Jeremiah

Coach: Stern John.

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #44 on: September 12, 2017, 01:42:05 AM »
Romain gets debut win as Rangers coach over former employers Morvant.
ttproleague.com.


Neil Gerard Mitchell scored on debut to give his new side MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers and new head coach Adrian Roman a 1-0 victory over Morvant Caledonia United on Sunday at the St. Augustine Senior Secondary School Ground.

The narrow result which puts bottom-of-the-table Rangers level on 7 points with Morvant Caledonia and Police FC, also put to rest a haunting 5-1 loss the St. Ann’s club suffered against current Pro League leaders W Connection at the same venue in their previous outing on August 14.

Since then assistant coach Romain has been promoted as head coach while his predecessor Anthony Streete, who led the side off the bottom of the table last season, will continue to serve on as assistant coach.

Mitchell, with his first top flight goal since January 2016 in a 2-2 draw for former club North East Stars against San Juan Jabloteh, handed Rangers victory by putting a low drive off the post to find the back of Morvant Caledonia goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel’s net in the 78th minute to redeem himself after hitting the upright in the first half.

Rangers’ substitute and MIC-IT student, Jabari Mayers, had played Mitchell on goal but the former Trinidad and Tobago youth midfielder, after rounding Samuel, failed to find the exposed net just over the half-hour mark.

Mayers himself was twice guilty of wasting on excellent scoring opportunities. The lanky attacker struck over back off a perfect cross from Hakim Baird, another MIC-IT student, in the 37th minute. Then three minutes from the break Mayers struck the side netting with only Samuel to beat after he was set free behind the defence by Baird.

Morvant Caledonia also had their chances but overlooked Trinidad and Tobago international and Rangers shot-stopper Cleon John stood in the way of Guyana international Sheldon Holder twice in the second half.

New Morvant Caledonia signing Sedale Mc Lean failed to punish his former club thanks to another save by John midway through the second half and Lester Joseph was unable to convert the rebound.

Jason Spence, administrative manager of the Rangers, insisted that changes in the coaching department was not a result of the heavy defeat against Connection. He instead pointed to the involvement of MIC-IT – a partnership forged between the Pro League club and the technical and vocational institution earlier this year.

“All parties, including Adrian (Romain), (Anthony) Streete and the Directors of the club, were involved in the changes,” said Spence.

Romain, 28, a former Morvant Caledonia and Rangers team administrator, now stands the youngest head coach in the Pro League – a status previously held by current North East Stars head coach Derek King, 37. King however, still holds the record as the youngest coach to win the Pro League title, doing so in 2009 in charge of the now defunct Joe Public at age 29.

Romain, an ex-assistant coach to former San Juan Jabloteh and Central FC league-winning coach Terry Fenwick, had coaching stints at El Dorado Secondary School, Trinity College East and MIC-IT, and is the current coach of St. Augustine Secondary School "Green Machine".

Romain barely occupied his bench on Sunday, and to his right was an equally anxious Abdallah Philiip, the Morvant Caledonia assistant coach eager to take over the reign from head coach Jamaal Shabazz. But with both sides desperate for points, relief came Romain’s way at the final blow of referee Gordon Maloney’s whistle.

Romain said he was proud of his players and that he intends to work on discipline and structure in his team’s play. He said he was happy to get the first game out of the way.

“We also need to develop the manner to keep our lead,” he added. “…because at times, for the past few games, we’ve had leads and let it slip. It’s a tough job but I’m taking it one game at a time.”

Rangers, according to Spence, are unable to cover salaries due to the absence of Government subvention. The Rangers’ team manager said some players play for free, with some tasked with finding day jobs while others, who are under the age of 25, are encouraged to join MIC-IT.

“But on the flip side it’s beneficial to the MIC-IT programme,” explained Romain. “(…) because we have a number of number of kids enrolling in tertiary education where they have the opportunity to join HYPE and MuST programmes. That’s the direction of the club decided to go—that’s what the agreement with MIC-IT is about.

“You will be seeing more student-athletes in the professional league, instead of just professionals. It’s a financial struggle for all clubs right now our guys are working hard, and if we continue to get results like today, sponsors will come on board,” ended the new Rangers coach.

Results

Ann's Rangers 1 (Neil Gerard Mitchell 78') vs Morvant Caledonia United 0, at St. Augustine Senior Secondary School Ground.

Teams

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.), 3.Kareem Eastman, 4.Shane Sandy, 6.Omari Lezama, 7.Neil Mitchell, 11.Kazim Donald (14.Xae-Pierre De Fou 64th minute), 15.Keshawn Hutchinson, 17.Hakim Baird, 19.Anslem Jackson, 21.Micah Lansiquot, 23.Kathon St. Hillaire (26.Jabari Mayers 34th minute) (18.Kristian Maloney 75th minute).

Unused substitutes: 25.Nathan Fergus (GK); 2.Keon Figaro, 31.Malique Gumbs, 45.Alexis Blackwell.

Coach: Adrian Romain

Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK), 6.Taje Commissiong, 9.Sedale Mc Lean, 10.Sheldon Holder, 11.Quincy Ballah (22.Joshua Alexander 61st minute), 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.), 14.Simeon Bailey, 15.Otev Lawrence, 18.Maestro Mensah, 23.Lester Joseph (26.Ralph Parris 72nd minute), 29.Kelsey Benjamin (17.Kerry Daniel 46th minute).

Unused substitutes: 31.De Journ Cahrles (GK), 5.Joshua Sylvester, 8.Anthony Charles, 13.Rufuson Pierre Louis.

Coach: Jamaal Shabazz

Match Referee: Gordon Maloney

Upcoming Fixtures

San Juan Jabloteh vs North East Stars, 5pm, Barataria Oval Recreation Ground;
Police FC vs Central FC, 5pm, Police Barracks.

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #45 on: September 12, 2017, 04:56:12 AM »
Neil Gerard Mitchell scored on debut to give his new side MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers and new head coach Adrian Roman a 1-0 victory over Morvant Caledonia United on Sunday at the St. Augustine Senior Secondary School Ground.

This is an issue I have with this pro-league. Why was this game played in St. Augustine? Why wasn't this game played closer to Morvant or in POS? How many of these two clubs fans went to the game. Couldn't this game be played in Barataria? Closer to Morvant.

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #46 on: September 13, 2017, 01:37:03 AM »
Kerry Baptiste nets 150th goal, equaliser puts N/E Stars in Pro League lead while Central clobbered by Police.
ttproleague.com.


North East Stars’ quest for a first Pro League crown since 2004 slowed again with a second consecutive draw after escaping San Juan Jabloteh 1-1 in a rescheduled clash on Tuesday afternoon at the Barataria Oval.

But thanks to a brilliant headed equaliser from veteran attacker Kerry Baptiste, reaching his 150th Pro League goal mark against his ex-employers, North East Stars (18 points) now occupy top spot on the 2017 Pro League standings—pulling one point away from W Connection and Club Sando.

Jabloteh (14 points) remain fourth while the title defence of last season’s historic three-peat champions Central FC took another dive after the Couva Sharks were clobbered 3-0 by Police FC in another rescheduled clash at the St. James Barracks on the same day.

The result put the Lawmen up three spots into sixth and level on 10 points with fifth-placed Central, who are only ahead by goal-difference but have a game in hand against Jabloteh.

Baptiste, 35, showed why he is still one of the most dangerous poachers of the Pro League, producing a clinical diving header in the six-yard area to beat Jabloteh goalkeeper Javon Sample off a perfectly placed Akeem Garcia right side cross in the 26th minute to level the Stars after Julio Noel had put Jabloteh ahead five minutes earlier.

Stars’ winger Kishun Seecharan then wasted wide with the goal at his mercy on the half hour after controlling the ball ahead of Jabloteh’s Sean Bonval in the box.

Baptiste now stands three goals adrift of Defence Force frontman and Pro League’s all-time leading scorer Devorn Jorsling (153), and his goal on Tuesday—his third of the season—salvaged a point for a star-studded North East Stars side that included the debut of former US-based defender Julius James, 2006 World Cup midfielder Densill Theobald, Trinidad and Tobago internationals Rundell Winchester and Yohance Marshall and former T&T youth stars Duane Muckette, Akeem Garcia, Kevon Goddard and Seecharan.

Noel, who sent a low drive past the Stars’ goalie Jesse Peters for the lead, had redeemed himself after putting overbar a Nathan Lewis cross with Peters at his mercy less than ten minutes into the game.

The energetic Jabloteh forward had two other attempts which he also failed to keep down before finally finding the back of the visitors net.

Kadeem Hutchinson had a chance to restore Jabloteh’s lead before the break but the winger’s tame header of a Jesus Perez free kick made for an easy tip overbar by Peters five minutes from the half.

Peters, only on his second appearance for North East Stars, also made a brilliant save off his legs to deny Nathan Lewis midway through the second half, while the shot-stopper’s teammate Muckette failed to capitalise at the goalmouth on the other end at the death after the midfielder was picked out by a low Winchester cross.

Further north of the island, Kurdell Brathwaite, ten years Baptiste’s junior, celebrated his first top flight goal for Police in spectacular fashion.

The 25-year-old lanky midfielder found the back of the Central net from near the half line in the 32nd minute before a late quick-fire double from Joshua Leach, who netted in the 86th and 88th minutes, ended a four-game winless spell for Police.

Results

San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Julio Noel 21’) vs North East Stars 1 (Kerry Baptiste 26’), at Barataria (Oval) Recreation Ground.

Police FC 3 (Kurdell Brathwaite 32’, Joshua Leach 86’, 88’) vs Central FC, at St. James Barracks.

Teams

San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK); 6.Neil Benjamin (Yellow Card), 7.Elijah Manners, 9.Keithy Simpson, 11.Damian Williams (Capt.) (Yellow Card) (21.Dominique Douglas 82nd minute), 13.Julio Noel, 15.Jesus Perez, 16.Jairo Lombardo, 17.Sean Bonval, 22.Kadeem Hutchinson, 27.Nathan Lewis.

Unused substitutes: 29.Andrew Durant (GK), 30.Shemel Louison (GK);

Coach: Keith Jeffrey

North East Stars: 1.Jesse Peters (GK); 4.Kerry Baptiste (14.Jomoul Francois 65th minute), 5.Julius James, 7.Kishun Seecharan (19.Jalani Felix 54th minute), 10.Duane Muckette, 11.Rundell Winchester, 18.Densill Theobald (12.Elton John 72nd minute), 20.Yohance Marshall (Capt.), 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia (Yellow Card).

Unused substitutes: 91.Darren Wilson (GK); 9.Dwight Quintero, 15.Seon Thomas, 17.Kordell Samuel.

Coach: Derek King

Referee: Kwinsi Williams

Upcoming Fixtures

(Friday 15 September 2017)

St. Ann’s Rangers vs Defence Force, 6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.

(Tuesday 19 September 2017)

Club Sando vs North East Stars, 6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;
W Connection vs Central FC, 8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;
Point Fortin Civic vs Morvant Caledonia United, 6pm, Mahaica Oval;
Police FC vs San Juan Jabloteh, 6pm, St. James Barracks.

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #47 on: September 16, 2017, 01:25:04 PM »
Jorsling double, Arcia winner keeps spirited Rangers down against Defence Force.
ttproleague.com.


Devorn Jorsling, perhaps spurred on by Kerry Baptiste nearing his lead atop the Pro League’s all-time scoring chart, scored his 154th and 155th Pro League goals on either side of the break in a 3-2 Defence Force win over MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers on Friday night at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

Trinidad and Tobago international Hashim Arcia grabbed the winner for the Army/Coast Guard combination after Rangers had first levelled the scores before going ahead through two spectacular individual strikes – both in the second half – with Gerald Meloney and Kathon St. Hillaire producing their debut goals in style.

The win moved Marvin Gordon’s side up two spots on the PL standings into fifth with 12 points, two points behind fourth-positioned San Juan Jabloteh and two points ahead of three-time defending champions Central FC, who both have two games in hand, while Rangers remains bottom of the 10-team standings and tied on seven points with Morvant Caledonia United who must visit Point Fortin Civic from 6pm at the Mahaica Oval on Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, W Connection and Central FC will renew arguably the fiercest rivalry of the Pro League from 8pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium following a 6pm top-of-the-table clash between Club Sando and North East Stars. Jabloteh meanwhile, must take on hosts Police FC from 6pm at the Police Barracks all after competing in this weekend’s FA Trophy 2017 Round of 64.

Jorsling, in a rare start this season due to absence, fired Defence Force ahead from the penalty spot in the second minute for his first goal of the season, wrong-siding Rangers goalkeeper Cleon John after referee Cecile Hinds ruled a foul in the box against the St. Ann’s club.

But Rangers later levelled the score at 1-1 less than two minutes into the second half when Meloney, from almost 30 yards out, beat a fully stretched Defence Force goalkeeper Sheldon Clarke.

Clarke was helpless again in the 55th minute when St. Hillaire, from inside the right of the area, lashed a powerful strike off the outside of his right boot to swing the ball beautifully into the Defence Force far top corner for a 2-1 Rangers’ lead.

Rangers, despite being without the offensive prowess of Xae-Pierre De Fou, Anselm ‘Worm’ Jackson and recent signing Neil Gerard Mitchell, scorer in last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Morvant Caledonia United, were a spirited bunch under new coach Adrian Romain but showed defensive flaws – especially defending on crosses – and were made to pay despite the heroics of shot-stopper John.

John, the Wendy’s Player of the Month for June 2017, had made no less than seven saves inclusive of twice denying winger Reon Moore and a tricky attempt by Defence Force captain Jerwyn Balthazar.

Jorsling, who was denied by the upright after heading a right side Shaquille Bertrand free kick towards goal and twice by John, grabbed the Defence Force equaliser in the 57th minute, putting the scores at 2-2 with a cool finish off a low Bertrand cross to move five goals ahead of North East Stars attacker Kerry Baptiste who scored his 150th Pro League goal in a 1-1 draw with Jabloteh last Tuesday.

Another cross, this time swung in by Moore, proved damaging for Rangers—a brave and youthful side against a full strength Army/Coast Guard combination on the night—in the 65th minute when Arcia sent a powerful header past John to make it 3-2.

Talented Rangers midfielder Omari Lezama had an ambitious go at goal in search of an equaliser but his strike from distance flew just wide upright before Clarke produced a fine save to deny substitute Kazim Donald a minute from time and Defence Force held on for victory—their first since hammering W Connection 4-1 on July 29 while their previous outing ended in a 2-2 draw with rivals Police FC on August 11.

Results

St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Gerald Meloney 47’, Kathon St. Hillaire 55’) vs Defence Force 3 (Devorn Jorsling 2’ pen., 57’, Hashim Arcia 65’), at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Teams

St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.), 3.Kareem Eastman, 4.Shane Sandy, 5.Gerald Meloney (11.Kazim Donald 56th minute), 6.Omari Lezama, 15.Keshawn Hutchinson, 17.Hakim Baird, 18.Kristian Maloney, 23.Kathon St. Hillaire, 31.Malique Gumbs (21.Micah Lansiquot 82nd minute), 40.Frederick Commissiong (28.Shem Alexander 80th minute).

Unused substitutes: 25.Nathan Fergus; 2.Keon Figaro, 45.Alexis Blackwell, 50.Shaquille Hinds.

Coach: Adrian Romain

Defence Force: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 3.Jamali Garcia, 4.Dave Long (16.Kellon Serrette 58th minute), 9.Devorn Jorsling, 10.Hashim Arcia (45.Dylon King 90th minute), 13.Marvin Jones, 15.Shaquille Bertrand, 17.Curtis Gonzales, 18.Reon Moore (8.Christopher Durity 74th minute), 26.Justin Garcia, 99.Jerwyn Balthazar (Capt.).

Unused substitutes: 1.Andre Marchan (GK), 12.Jemel Sebro, 19.Thurlani George, 39.Akil Morris.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Referee: Cecile Hinds

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #48 on: September 20, 2017, 03:01:18 PM »
Stern John comes out of retirement for Central, but Couva Sharks lose to rivals W Connection and N/E Stars end 10-man Sando’s unbeaten streak.
ttproleague.com.


Ex-England Premier League forward Stern John came out of retirement on Tuesday but the 40-year-old legendary Trinidad and Tobago striker could not help his Central FC side avoid defeat against bitter Couva rivals W Connection.

Second-placed Connection finished 2-0 winners in the second game of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva to keep one point adrift of leaders North East Stars who maintained their stay at the summit with a 2-0 win over 10-men Club Sando, ending the Oranges’ eight-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.

John’s World Cup 2006 teammate Densill Theobald and former Central forward Rundell Winchester scored on either side of the break for a Star-studded North East side against hosts Sando, who had midfielder Jay-son Joseph sent off with fourteen minutes left.

While in the second game of the double-header Neil Benjamin Jr. snatched his eighth league goal of the 2017 season and Marcus Joseph, his sixth, on either side of the break and the Connection duo continue to lead the league scoring chart this term.

But matches previously scheduled for Tuesday in Point Fortin and Port-of-Spain were not played due to the untimely death of rising referee Kyle Carabon who was murdered in Tableland on Monday.

Pro League cancelled the Point Fortin Civic-Morvant Caledonia United fixture at the Mahaica Oval in which Carabon, an assistant referee, was set to officiate at, while refereeing officials assigned to the Police FC-San Juan Jabloteh fixture at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field didn’t show up in solidarity of their murdered comrade.

Play, however, was not stopped at the Couva venue with the assistance of central zone referees and Theobald celebrated his debut goal in Stars colours on the half-hour mark.

The ex-Morvant Caledonia star smashed a free kick beyond Sando goalkeeper Kelvin Henry from the top of the box after referee Michael J. Mohammed spotted a tug on the midfielder by defender Trevin Latapy.

Henry brilliantly avoided another three minutes into the second half, pulling off a one-handed save to his right to put behind a low effort from Winchester who glided across the Sando penalty area with ease before letting off the solo attempt.

But another blistering run and powerful finish into the roof of the net by Winchester, finally put the Trinidad and Tobago international on the score sheet on the hour mark for a 2-0 North East Stars cushion.

Four minutes earlier Stars winger Jameel Neptune failed to put his name on the scoresheet when he guided a low Akeem “Froggy” Garcia cross onto the Sando crossbar.

With his side down two goals, Sando head coach Angus Eve responded by tossing in centre-back Josiah Trimmingham, who scored on debut in a 2-1 win over NFA side Cultural Roots in the FA Trophy Round of 64 last weekend, and attacker Adan Noel at the expense of defensive midfielder Jarod London and forward Keron Cornwall.

But Stars head coach Derek King countered the move with the introduction of wingers Anslem “Worm” Jackson and Qian Grosvenor who both scored on North East debut over the weekend in a 5-1 FA Trophy Round of 64 win over Super League side Siparia Spurs.

Sando, who saw efforts from Cornwall and Nicholas Thomas, on the rebound, cleared off the line by Winchester and defender Yohance Marshall respectively early in the game, were reduced to ten men when Jay-son Joseph, who went into Mohammed’s book midway in the first half for a challenge on Elton John, was shown his second yellow and eventual red card for a sliding challenge on Winchester in the 76th minute.

That, however, didn’t take the life out of Sando. Instead the Oranges looked a livelier bunch with a man less but were unable to break the Stars backline—defenders Julius James, Marshall, Kevon Villaroel and recent signing Keston George—and mid-season goalkeeping acquisition Jesse Peters.

In the second game of the night Benjamin gave Connection the lead on 34 minutes against the three-time defending champions Central after running onto a low cross from the left by Jameel Antoine to beat the Couva Sharks’ goalie Kern Caesar.

Central, a shadow of their historic three-peat League-winning side of last season, had an excellent chance to level the scores in the 56th minute but Jason Marcano struck the crossbar from the goalmouth off a right side Kaydion Gabriel cross.

Central were made to pay less than a minute later when Marcus Joseph, fresh off a hat-trick in a 12-0 win over Tamana United in the FA Trophy Round of 64, drilled a left-footed shot past Caesar and into the far right bottom corner to put the Savonetta Boys in a 2-0 lead.

Joseph was later denied by Caesar on two more scoring chances, and the Central latest goalkeeper signing also made a brilliant stoppage-time save to keep out a low effort from Dimitri Apai, but it wasn’t enough to avoid his new side a third straight loss in all competitions.

Stern John also exercised his recently upgraded role as player/coach, coming out of retirement for the first in almost two years. After almost 12 years in England, John represented North East Stars in the 2011/12 Pro League season then lower league sides WASA and Saddle Hill Hotspur before hanging up his boots in 2015.

Two weeks ago John, T&T’s record international top scorer with 70 international goals, suddenly found himself moving from assistant coach to head coach after League and Caribbean Club Championship-winning coach Dale Saunders joined the exodus of players and staff to depart Couva Sharks this season.

But John, the ex-Sunderland, Birmingham and MLS’s Columbus Crew star, who is also the Trinidad and Tobago national team assistant coach, had no touch of the ball in his cameo of the final ten minutes after replacing Shem Clauzel, a midfielder 22 years his junior.

Central returns action against North East Stars from 8pm on Friday in another mouth-watering double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium with Defence Force taking on San Juan Jabloteh from 6pm.

On Saturday, W Connection will host Point Fortin Civic from 4pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium and simultaneously at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Morvant Caledonia United are against Police FC.

The weekend fixtures will conclude on Sunday when MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers welcome Club Sando from 4pm at St. Augustine Senior Secondary School ground.

Results

Club Sando 0 vs North East Stars 2 (Densill Theobald 30’, Rundell Winchester 60’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

W Connection 2 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 34’, Marcus Joseph 76’) vs Central FC 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Police FC vs San Juan Jabloteh (to be rescheduled);

Point Fortin Civic vs Morvant Caledonia United (to be rescheduled).

Game 1

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 5.Nical Stephens, 6.Kemuel Rivers (9.Akeem Redhead 83rd minute), 8.Kevon Piper, 10.Keron Cornwall (35.Adan Noel 66th minute), 11.Akim Armstrong, 16.Leslie Joel Russell, 17.Jarod London (Yellow Card) (38.Josiah Trimmingham 66th minute), 18.Trevin Latapy, 23.Nicholas Thomas (Yellow Card), 27.Jay-son Joseph (Y+Y=Red Card).

Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 12.Michael Basdeo, 15.Keyon Edwards, 21.Malique Quow.

Coach: Angus Eve

North East Stars: 1.Jesse Peters (GK); 2.Keston George, 3.Kevon Villaroel, 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester, 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald, 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard (10.Duane Muckette 83rd minute), 22.Jameel Neptune (6.Anslem Jackson 67th minute), 23.Akeem Garcia (25.Quian Grosvenor 74th minute).

Unused substitutes: 30.Akel Clarke (GK); 4.Kerry Baptiste, 7.Kishun Seecharan, 19.Jalani Felix.

Coach: Derek King

Referee: Michael J. Mohammed

Game 2

W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 3.Gerard Williams, 4.Maurice Ford (Yellow Card), 5.Triston Hodge, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr. (20.Daniel Diaz 77th minute), 10.Dimitri Apai, 11.Shirvone Malik St. Prix (23.Weslie John 64th minute), 13.Hughtun Hector (Capt.) (14.Euller Eduardo Couto 82nd minute), 16.Alvin Jones, 24.Jameel Antoine, 99.Marcus Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK); 21.Ronell Paul, 26.Isaiah Garcia, 30.Shaquille John.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier

Central FC: 30.Kern Caesar (GK); 5.Rahim Jarvis, 6.Shem Clausel (42.Stern John 79th minute), 7.Jason Marcano (Capt.), 8.Sean De Silva, 12.Taryk Sampson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel (24.Jules Lee 60th minute), 17.Jesse Joseph (13.Rhondell Gibson 90th minute), 18.Tyryk John, 26.Mickaeel Jem Gordon, 40.Sean Bateau.

Unused substitutes: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK); 28.Jiron Francis, 29.Ross Dowden, 44.Kerville Jeremiah.

Coach: Stern John

Referee: Simon Baptiste

Upcoming Games

(Friday 22 September 2017)

Defence Force vs San Juan Jabloteh, 6pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Central FC vs North East Stars, 8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;

(Saturday 23 September 2017)

W Connection vs Point Fortin Civic, 4pm, Manny Ramjohn Stadium;

Morvant Caledonia United vs Police FC, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

(Sunday 24 September 2017)

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers vs Club Sando, 4pm, St. Augustine Senior Secondary School Ground.

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #49 on: September 20, 2017, 04:18:45 PM »
As if any more proof was needed to confirm it is an amateur league

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #50 on: September 24, 2017, 04:56:48 AM »
Stern John gives Central ninety minutes but North East Stars hit Sharks for six in Couva.
ttproleague.com.


Trinidad and Tobago international Rundell Winchester finished with a hat-trick to his name on Friday night in a 6-0 North East Stars’ win over his ex-employers Central FC.

The affair, albeit lopsided, was the highpoint of a Pro League double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva and included 40-year-old ex-Sunderland and Birmingham City striker Stern John selecting himself for the full ninety minutes in Central strip as head coach/player.

Hashim Arcia’s converted penalty six minutes from time in the first game earned Defence Force a narrow 1-0 win over Jabloteh and saw the Marvin Gordon-coached side hurdle the San Juan Kings for fourth position in a match that had looked destined to finish in a stalemate due to some fine goalkeeping on either end by the Army/Coast Guard combination’s Andre Marchan and opposite shot-stopper Javon Sample.

The second game, however, provided a nightmare at the office for Central’s mid-season goalkeeping acquisition, Kern Caesar, although producing a number of saves and having legendary Trinidad and Tobago striker Stern John utilising his recent status as Central player/coach for a second time this week.

North East Stars substitute Jalani Felix snatched his first ever league goal when he bent it like Beckham for the visitors’ fifth item before Winchester completed his hat-trick and the 6-0 rout which included Jameel ‘Shooter’ Neptune’s second goal of the season—all after captain Elton John opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the third minute.

Central, the three-time defending League champions, are now without a win in their last ten games in all competitions with their latest putting them on the wrong side of the heaviest league defeat of the 2017 campaign, eclipsing the 5-0 and 5-1 results they and W Connection had posted against Point Fortin Civic and St. Ann’s Rangers on June 23 and August 12 respectively.

With the win, North East Stars improved their position at the top of the Pro League standings with 24 points, four clear of second-positioned W Connection who must host Point Fortin Civic from 4pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on Saturday (today), while Central, with a game in hand against Jabloteh, remain sixth with 10 points and their title defence slipping away, and fast.

Stern John, who came out of playing retirement last Tuesday – for the first time since 2015 – as late substitute in a 2-0 Central loss against bitter Couva W Connection, now stands with four straight losses in all competitions since holding North East Stars to a 1-1 draw on his head coach debut on September 8 after the exit of Dale Saunders.

Stern John, one of Trinidad and Tobago national team assistant coaches failed to help his club side avoid humiliation in their latest attempt to rebound from their lowest slump, and North East Stars, despite failing to convert a bag of chances were not sympathetic.

Elton John, one of six ex-Central players in coach Derek King’s starting line-up, fired the Stars ahead 1-0 after just three minutes, wrong-siding ‘keeper Caesar from the penalty spot after he was brought down in the box by defender Rhondell Gibson.

Caesar had to fetch the ball from the back of his net on three more occasions before the interval despite making four saves in the first forty-five minutes against a side that had dominated wholly.

Neptune made it 2-0 with a cool finish past Caesar following a sweeping move by the Stars with Winchester finding Stern John’s 2006 World Cup teammate Densill Theobald, who then fed the assist to Neptune.

Winchester, whose first item was a neatly-timed half volley off a Kevon Villaroel cross in the 31st minute, got to a double before the break, separated only by a change in playing position by Central’s Stern John.

Stern John had initially tried to pull the strings sitting deep in his Couva Sharks’ half, but with just over half hour played and his side on ropes with a three-nil deficit the ex-England Premier League player moved himself into the forward role where he failed to roll back the clock to the era that earned him a record 70 international goals for T&T.

Meanwhile Winchester, a 23-year-old speedy Tobago-born forward, got to his second on the night five minutes from the break with a powerful shot at the end of a brilliant team move involving Villaroel and Neptune.

Winchester failed to convert three second half chances as his side wasted on numerous occasions before finally completing his hat-trick in the 85th minute to put his league tally at 7 goals this season with a glancing header past Ceasar off substitute Duane Muckette’s floated free kick into the area to complete the 6-0 scoring.

But it was a world-class left-footed free kick by Felix curling the ball into Caesar’s far netting from the left four minutes earlier that was the most brilliant of them all.

Today’s action will also see Morvant Caledonia United host Police FC from 4pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. And on Sunday third-placed Club Sando, eager to rebound from Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to North East Stars, will visit cellar-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 4pm.

Results

Defence Force FC 1 (Hashim Arcia 84’ pen.) vs San Juan Jabloteh 0, at the Ato Boldon Stadium;

Central FC 0 vs North East Stars 6 (Elton John 4’ pen., Jameel Neptune 14’, Rundell Winchester 21’, 40’, 85’, Jalani Felix 81’), at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

Game 1

Defence Force FC: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 3.Jamali Garcia, 4.Dave Long (16.Kellon Serrette 71st minute), 9.Devorn Jorsling (8.Christopher Durity 76th minute), 10.Hashim Arcia, 13.Marvin Jones, 17.Curtis Gonzales, 18.Reon Moore, 23.Kerry Joseph (12.Jemel Sebro 58th minute), 26.Justin Garcia (Yellow Card), 99.Jerwyn Balthazar (Capt.).

Unused substitutes: 15.Shaquille Bertrand, 19.Thurlani George, 32.Jameel Cooper, 45.Dylon King.

San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK); 6.Akeem Benjamin, 7.Elijah Manners (Capt.), 8.Elijah Downy (22.Kadeem Hutchinson 53rd minute), 9.Keithy Simpson, 13.Julio Noel (12.Keron Bethelemy 77th minute), 15.Jesus Perez, 17.Sean Bonval, 18.Jevon Morris, 23.Kennedy Hinkson (3.De Jon Waldropt 77th minute), 27.Nathan Lewis.

Unused substitutes: 35.Andrew Durant (GK); 4.Nkosi David, 16.Jairo Lombardo, 19.Shawndel Augustus.

Coach: Keith Jeffrey

Referee: Rashby Mc Phie

Game 2

Central FC: 30.Kern Caesar (GK); 6.Shem Clausel, 7.Jason Marcano, 8.Sean De Silva, 10.Matthew Sirjoo, 12.Taryk Sampson, 13.Rhondell Gibson, 17.Jesse Joseph (29.Ross Dowden 75th minute), 24.Jules Lee (Yellow Card), 40.Sean Bateau, 42.Stern John.

Unused substitutes: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK); 5.Rahim Jarvis, 18.Tyrik John, 26.Mickaeel Jem Gonzales, 28.Jiron Francis.

Coach: Stern John

North East Stars: 1.Jesse Peters (GK); 2.Keston George, 3.Kevon Villaroel, 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester, 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald (10.Duane Muckette 61st minute), 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Antoine (19.Jalani Felix 75th minute), 23.Akeem Garcia (6.Anslem Jackson 61st minute).

Unused substitutes: 30.Akel Clarke (GK); 4.Kerry Baptiste, 7.Kishun Seecharan, 25.Qian Grosvenor.

Coach: Derek King

Referee: Joel Cox

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #51 on: September 25, 2017, 03:15:27 AM »
Benjamin keeps Connection on Pro League title course; Morv’t Caledonia edge Police and Sando held by Rangers.
ttproleague.com.


Neil Benjamin Jr. led with a goal and two assists as his side W Connection kept on the heels of leaders North East Stars in pursuit of Pro League control with a comfortable 3-0 win over Point Fortin Civic at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on Saturday.

Goals by 22-year-old St. Lucia international Shirvone Malik St. Prix and 20-year-old Jameel Antoine cushioned Savonetta Boys in the first half against Civic before winger Benjamin, the 23-year-old who leads the 2017 scoring list, snatched his ninth league goal of the term to complete a third straight league win for coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier’s men.

Connection’s position in second improved to 23 points, one point behind North East Stars (24 points), 6-0 winners over three-time holders Central FC 6-0 on Friday, ahead of an upcoming two-week break to facilitate the Trinidad and Tobago national team preparations for final World Cup 2018 qualifiers against Mexico and USA on October 7 and 10 respectively.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Morvant Caledonia United snapped an eight-game winless spell in the league with only their second win after defeating Police FC 2-1 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Sheldon Holder and Lester Joseph cushioned Morvant Caledonia early with strikes in the 7th and 31st minutes before Police pulled a late goal back through a converted penalty strike by veteran midfielder Todd Ryan five minutes from the end.

Morvant Caledonia, who travels to Civic on Tuesday in a rescheduled fixture from 6pm at the Mahaica Oval, moved three spots up, joining Central FC and Police on 10 points with the latter two slipping a place into seventh and eighth respectively.

And on Sunday, bottom-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers, in one of their surprises this season, held third-positioned Club Sando to a goalless draw in St. Augustine.

In Marabella, Malik St. Prix headed Connection in front on 14 minutes after timing his move perfectly in the box to win a right side Benjamin cross and put it past Civic goalkeeper Marvin Phillip for his first league goal this season.

St. Prix had a chance to double his tally two minutes from the half thanks to a cheeky Dimitri Apai feed into the box. But with goal in his view, the lanky attacking midfielder opted to return the earlier favour to Benjamin, only to disappoint on the delivery.

Connection argued for a penalty on the stroke of 45 minutes after Marcus Joseph looked to have been tripped up in the box by Phillip, but referee Marlon Peruse instead ruled a goal kick.

Connection though, would snatch the cushion in stoppage-time of the first half when Antoine, for his second goal this season, fired past a hapless Phillip after an exchange in the box with Benjamin.

Two venomous Alvin Jones strikes from set-pieces early in the second half offered something to cheer though it wasn’t enough for the Connection supporters who braved the rainy weather in support of their team.

“Their tank empty, score something!” suggested one Connection supporter, perhaps urging the Savonetta Boys to convert possession into another goal.

That third item would arrive five minutes from time at the end of a counterattack when winger Benjamin bundled the ball over the line after Connection had beat the offside with Marcus Joseph slipping a pass on the left to Hughtun Hector whose squared pass to the eventual scorer had beat Phillip. The Civic goalie hung out to dry again by his teammates.

Less than a minute onto the pitch, Daniel Diaz, on a Benjamin feed in the 78th minute, squandered a scoring chance with a couple touches too many inside the box before being stripped off the ball.

Civic substitute forward Shackiel Henry, who returned to the Point Fortin side in August following stints at Connection and Song Lam Nghe An FC in Vietnam, got closest to slicing Connection’s lead midway through the second half but his low drive rebound off the upright to the travelling supporters of south of the venue.

Civic must now regroup quickly, in time for Morvant Caledonia United’s visit on Tuesday.

Results

St. Ann’s Rangers 0 vs Club Sando 0, at St. Augustine Senior Secondary School Ground.

W Connection 3 (Shirvone Malik St. Prix 14’, Jameel Antoine 45’+1, Neil Benjamin Jr. 85’) vs Point Fortin Civic 0, at Manny Ramjohn Stadium;

Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Sheldon Holder 7’, Lester Joseph 31’) vs Police FC 1 (Todd Ryan 85’ pen.), at Hasely Crawford Stadium

Teams

W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 3.Gerard Williams, 5.Triston Hodge, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr. (14.Euller Eduardo Couto 88th minute), 10.Dimitri Apai (20.Daniel Diaz 77th minute), 11.Shirvone Malik St. Prix (26.Isaiah Garcia 71st minute), 13.Hughtun Hector, 16.Alvin Jones, 23.Weslie John, 24.Jameel Antoine, 99.Marcus Joseph.

Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK); 21.Ronell Paul, 30.Shaquille John.

Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier, Assistant Coach: Earl Jean, Trainer: Eligah Joseph, Goalkeeper Coach: Aquelius Sylvester, Physiotherapist: Chandeo Boodoosingh and Equipment Manager: John Jerry.

Point Fortin Civic: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 7.Steven Joseph, 10.Jabari Mitchell, 13.Nickcolson Thomas, 16.Kelvin Modeste (14.Shevon Frederick 46th minute), 18.Trent Lougheed (11.Keron Neptune 64th minute), 21.Juma Clarence, 23.Kevon Rouse, 33.Justin Sadoo, 53.Stephan Campbell, 99.Kevin Moodie (45.Shackiel Henry 46th minute).

Unused substitutes: 40.Tevin Moore (GK); 24.Akinola Gregory, 26.Jeremiah Kesar, 28.Aelon Minors.

Coach: Reynold Carrington, Assistant Coach: Kester Cornwall, Trainer: Adaryll John / Khegon Thomas and Equipment Manager: Rawlston Alexander.

Referee: Marlon Peruse

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Offline Flex

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #52 on: September 27, 2017, 04:01:08 PM »
Renaldo Francois debut goal gives Morv’t Caledonia edge against Civic.
ttproleague.com.


Morvant Caledonia United snatched a second consecutive Pro League win and third in all competitions with a narrow 1-0 win over hosts Point Fortin Civic on Tuesday in a rescheduled fixture.

Eighteen-year-old Trinidad and Tobago youth attacker Renaldo Francois made the best of a start in Morvant Caledonia colours for his first top-flight goal after just five minutes at the Mahaica Oval and it turned out the winner for coach Jamaal Shabazz’s side.

The win, only Morvant Caledonia’s third of the 2017 league campaign, improved the Eastern Stallions’ sixth position to 13 points, one behind San Juan Jabloteh (14 points), who have two games in hand, and three more than three-time defending champions Central FC and Police FC (10 points).

Civic (9 points) meanwhile, are second-from-bottom, only ahead of cellar-placed St. Ann’s Rangers by a point and defeated in their last three league outings.

With the Pro League on a two-week break to facilitate the Trinidad and Tobago national team’s preparations for closing World Cup 2018 qualifiers against Mexico and USA, Morvant Caledonia and Civic, like seven other Pro League clubs will shift their focus on the FA Trophy.

Results

Point Fortin Civic 0 vs Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Renaldo Francois 5’), at Mahaica Oval.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #53 on: September 29, 2017, 01:42:07 AM »
Akim Armstrong wins Wendy's Player of the Month gong, desirous of CONCACAF and overseas return.
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Akim Armstrong’s move to Club Sando in pre-season came a surprise to many; after all he left Morvant Caledonia United, the club he had served as captain and had called home for the better part of seven years.

Now Armstrong is desirous of helping Club Sando reach CONCACAF status (in either the CONCACAF Champions League or the recently formed CONCACAF League)—a challenge that requires the Orangesfinish top two in the Pro League and then to qualify out of the Caribbean Club Championship, achievements he completed at 2012 Caribbean champions Morvant Caledonia.

“I needed a switch in environment; a switch in culture,” explained the 29-year-old midfielder who was recently honoured as the Wendy’s Pro League Player of the Month for July.

Armstrong turned out a perfect fit for coach Angus Eve’s rejigged Sando that includes a number of rising talents such as defenders Nicholas Thomas and Trevin Latapy, winger Adan Noel and Trinidad and Tobago national team midfielder Jared London to name a few.

Sando lost to Morvant Caledonia (2-1) and W Connection (3-1) in their first two league outings this season with a bit of mixing and matching but Eve’s later decision to utilise Armstrong’s experienced and vision high into the opponents’ half saw improvement and suddenly a team challenging for the title.

Sando, last season’s fifth-place finishers, suffered just one loss in their last ten games in all competitions—2-0 against Pro League leaders North East Stars on September 19—and are third on the Pro League, six points adrift of North East Stars with seven league games left.

“Coach Angus Eve is always someone I looked up to, both as a player and a coach,” added Armstrong, who in 2014 had his first and only stint abroad with Finland’s Jalkapalloseura FC YPA. “(…) so it is quite good playing under him and the players accepted me as one of theirs—I feel like it’s a family [at Sando]. It’s going good for me so far and I look forward to continue the good run we are having.”

Eve and Armstrong scooped The Fan Club Coach of the Month and Wendy’s Player of the Month honours respectively for July. Armstrong said that his honour wasn’t possible without his teammates.

greatly appreciate it,” he said of his Wendy’s Pro League Player of the Month honour for July. “As a player it is always good to be recognised by the country, by the league.

“Credit to my teammates because without them it’s not possible to achieve this award. But thanks to God because he gave me the health and the strength to do what it do every day.”

Armstrong, who also credited the support of family and others that have supported him over the years, said while he is desirous of helping Sando reach the Caribbean Club Championship then the CONCACAF stage, his biggest ambition is to return to playing professionally abroad.

The Trinidad and Tobago national team is also on the radar of Armstrong, whose Club Sando outfit must tackle Super League leaders Guaya United from 7pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Wednesday in the FA Trophy 2017 Round-of-32.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #54 on: October 09, 2017, 01:56:21 AM »
Jalani Felix delivers double against ex-club D/Force as North East Stars maintain shine.
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Jalani Felix snatched his first professional double on Saturday to complete a comprehensive 4-0 North East Stars’ Pro League win against his ex-club, Defence Force, at the Arima Velodrome.

Felix arrived off the bench to score twice in a space of five minutes after Akeem Garcia and Yohance Marshall had scored on either side of the break against a Defence Force side which had defender Marvin Jones sent off due to a second yellow card with four minutes left.

Elsewhere on Saturday, veteran Kareem Joseph had an even quicker double, netting in the 88th and 89th minutes to lift Morvant Caledonia United to 2-1 come-from-behind win over neighbouring rivals San Juan Jabloteh at the Barataria Oval after Sean Bonval had given the hosts the lead on 11 minutes

Morvant Caledonia (16 points), with their third straight Pro League win and fifth in all competitions moved two spots up the ladder into fourth—ahead of Defence Force by a point.

But the victory in Arima meant North East Stars (27 points) moved four points ahead of second-positioned W Connection (23 points) at the top 2017 Pro League standings.

It also stretched the Stars’ current run of form in all competitions to five straight wins and seven undefeated while simultaneously extending the Derek King-coached outfit’s undefeated run at the iconic Arima sporting venue to six games from as many this season.

Connection, though, can narrow the gap at the top of the 2017 PL standings to previous one point when they host third-positioned Club Sando today (Sunday) from 3:30pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

The Stars, however, does not seem a side willing to let up any time soon, especially with their last two league games ending with impressive results, including the 6-0 win over three-time defending champions Central FC on Sep. 22.

King’s men took a 1-0 lead on 22 minutes against the Army/Coast Guard combination when Garcia swooped in to bury a right side Kishun Seecharan cross which goalkeeper Andre Marchan failed to grip on the wet Saturday afternoon.

Marchan, who denied Seecharan and Jameel Neptune on later tries, was unable to keep out a powerful header by Marshall, who climbed in the Defence Force box to meet a right side Seecharan corner for his debut Stars’ goal in the 57th minute.

Marchan brilliantly matched a Rundell Winchester strike ten minutes later, but the Defence Force goalie was hung out to dry again by his defence and substitute Felix, only three minutes on, controlled neatly into the box before hitting low into the back of the visitors net for a 3-0 score in the 78th minute.

Felix then lashed home his second five minutes later for his third league goal of the season and fourth in all competitions to complete the 4-0 victory over Defence Force, whose five-game undefeated run in all competitions came to a halt.

Results

North East Stars 4 (Akeem Garcia 22’, Yohance Marshall 57’, Jalani Garcia 78’, 83’) vs Defence Force 0, Arima Velodrome;

San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Sean Bonval 11’) vs Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Kareem Joseph 88’, 89’), at Barataria Oval;

Teams

North East Stars: 1.Jesse Peters (GK); 2.Keston George, 5.Julius James (Yellow Card), 7.Kishun Seecharan (19.Jalani Felix 73rd minute), 11.Rundell Winchester, 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald, 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard (Yellow Card) (10.Duane Muckette 86th minute), 22.Jameel Antoine, 23.Akeem Garcia (13.Kyle Bartholomew 79th minute).

Unused substitutes: 30.Akel Clarke (GK); 4.Kerry Baptiste, 6.Anslem Jackson, 17.Kordell Samuel.

Coach: Derek King

Defence Force FC: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 2.Glynn Franklyn (16.Kellon Serrette 60th minute), 3.Jamali Garcia, 4.Dave Long (8.Christopher Durity 74th), 9.Devorn Jorsling, 10.Hashim Arcia, 12.Jemel Sebro (32.Jameel Cooper 72nd minute), 13.Marvin Jones (Yellow Card), 18.Reon Moore, 26.Justin Garcia (Yellow Card), 99.Jerwyn Balthazar (Capt.).

Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 22.Jelani John, 45.Dylon King.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Referee: Kwinsi Williams

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #55 on: October 19, 2017, 01:41:59 AM »
Connection held by Sando ahead of First Citizens Cup semis.
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First Citizens Cup semi-final opponents Club Sando and W Connection battled to a 1-1 draw in one of three rescheduled Pro League 2017 Round Two matches contested on Tuesday afternoon.

Connection looked to have been on their way to guaranteeing themselves a confidence booster against the Oranges ahead of Friday’s semi-finals when on 15 minutes at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Dimitri Apai fired in a rebound past Sando goalkeeper Kelvin Henry, who had done well to get glove to a Neil Benjamin strike, only to parry the shot as far as the Suriname international forward.

Ironically, Apai’s only other league goal this season was an opening item in a 3-1 win over Sando when both sides met on Jun. 23 in Round One and included a double from Benjamin.

This time around, on the heels of a semi-final clash, Armstrong pulled Sando level from the penalty spot, beating goalkeeper Julani Archibald after Connection midfielder Jameel Antoine’s pull on an orange shirt on the half hour mark in the box caught attention of referee Michael London.

One-all it stayed at the final whistle in Marabella, setting the stage for an intriguing semi-final clash on Friday between Connection, the record seven-time former First Citizens Cup champions, and Sando, a side seeking to improve on last season, from 8pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium after underdogs Point Fortin Civic tackle holders Defence Force from 6pm in semi-final one.

But by dropping points for the first time after three consecutive league wins, second-positioned Connection (24 points) sit three points adrift of Pro League leaders North East Stars (27 points) with six league games left in the truncated (two-round) season.

Sando (19 points), now winless in their last three league outings, continue to occupy third, ahead of Morvant Caledonia United (16 points) and Defence Force (15 points) in fourth and fifth respectively.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Central FC, last season’s three-peat Pro League champions, snapped a seven-game winless run in the league with a 3-1 win over sixth-placed San Juan Jabloteh at the Barataria Oval.

Mickaeel Jem Gordon scored twice for Central, interrupted by the break and a second-half Kadeem Hutchinson goal for Jabloteh, all after Couva Sharks’ midfielder Sean De Silva opened the scoring with his fourth league goal of the term.

Central, though, occupy seventh on the league standings with 13 points, one point ahead of Jabloteh, and two points ahead of Police FC, the eight-positioned team which held MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers to a 2-2 draw in another rescheduled fixture on Tuesday.

Kareem Freitas scored his second league goal this term three minutes from time to level Police a second time against Rangers at St. Augustine Secondary School Ground. Micah Lansiquot had restored Rangers lead in the second half after Todd Ryan levelled Rangers’ opening item scored by Kathon St. Hillaire.

Rangers (9 points), with the point earned, moved off the bottom, but only swapping spots with Point Fortin Civic for ninth with more goals scored.

Results

(Tuesday 17 October 2017)
Rescheduled Round Two Match Day Three fixtures

Club Sando 1 (Akim Armstrong 31’ pen.) vs W Connection 1 (Dimitri Apai 15’), at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;

St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Kathon St. Hillaire 27’, Micah Lansiquot 72’) vs Police FC 2 (Todd Ryan 53’, Kareem Freitas 87’), at St. Augustine Secondary;

Rescheduled Round Two Match Day One fixture

San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Kadeem Hutchinson 64’) vs Central FC 3 (Sean De Silva 35’, Mickaeel Jem Gordon 41’, 83’), at Barataria Oval.

Teams

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 6.Kemuel Rivers, 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Akim Armstrong (35.Adan Noel 78th minute), 12.Michael Basdeo, 15.Keyon Edwards (9.Akeem Redhead 85th minute), 16.Jared London (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 18.Trevin Latapy, 23.Nicholas Thomas (Yellow Card), 27.Jason Joseph, 38.Josiah Trimmingham.

Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 13.Tyrone Charles, 21.Malique Quow, 40.Anthony Herbert.

W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 2.Frank Padilla Gil, 3.Gerard Williams (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 4.Maurice Ford, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr, 10.Dimitri Apai, 14.Euller Eduardo Couto, 16.Alvin Jones (Yellow Card), 19.Briel Thomas, 24.Jameel Antoine (Yellow Card) (20.Daniel Diaz 54th minute), 26.Isaiah Garcia.

Unused substitutes: 33.Jason Belfon (GK); 11.Malik St. Prix, 21.Ronell Paul, 30.Shaquille John.

Referee: Michael London

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Offline asylumseeker

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #56 on: October 19, 2017, 04:19:47 PM »
First Citizens Cup semis postponed to Nov 3
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The First Citizens Cup semi-final round, previously scheduled for Friday 20 October at the Ato Boldon Stadium (ABS), involving Point Fortin Civic versus defending champions Defence Force and seven-time winners W Connection versus Club Sando, has been regrettably postponed to 3 November due to current conditions at the Couva venue.

The First Citizens Cup final, as a result, has been shifted to November 10.

The ABS main field surface was unable to hold up beyond the quarter-final round of the NLCB sponsored Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) Elite One-Day Tournament last Wednesday due to inclement rainfall, forcing the postponement of the semi-final and final rounds of that tournament but not without damage already done to the surface.

Continued weather conditions of the past few days has resulted in a one-week closure of the Ato Boldon Stadium’s main and practice fields.

The Trinidad and Tobago Pro League apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the shift in the First Citizens Cup semi-final and final dates.


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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #57 on: October 19, 2017, 04:52:24 PM »
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Hungry for ‘Moore’ success
« Reply #58 on: October 25, 2017, 01:03:50 PM »
Hungry for ‘Moore’ success
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Defence Force winger Reon Moore is hungry for more success after making an impressive start at his new club since making the move from North East Stars for this season. The 21-year-old, known for his tricky style of play, has scored four goals so far after setting a target of 10 for his debut campaign. His exploits have seen Defence Force up to fifth in the 10-team Pro League standings and into the semi-finals of the First Citizens Cup which kicks off next week.

Moore has shown the ability to step up when it matters and has found favour in the Marvin Gordon-coached Army/Coast Guard team since opening his account on July 29.

Defence Force, missing three of their best players (Andre Marchan, Curtis Gonzales and Hashim Arcia), who were in Ecuador with the national team, had an interesting match-up against an also-depleted W Connection at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Moore showed his class with two goals to lead his team to a 4-1 rout of the former league champions.

Speaking to Newsday recently, Moore cited that game as the one where he announced his presence in the league.

“That was the moment that I made my impact with the team, and since then I never come off the starting team. I bring an extra attacking force to the team from the left side. I got some instructions from the coach to play direct, not to defend, just direct football, and I went out and execute it.”

Moore said football has always been in his blood and paid tribute to deceased former North East Stars coach Lloyd Solomon for giving him the opportunity to play at the highest level locally.

“From playing with Sangre Grande Government in Primary School, I went to Philbert Charles’ Coaching School, then Sangre Grande Secondary and North East Stars, and since then it’s smooth sailing. Lloyd Solomon, the late ‘Chipper,’ that’s the man who really give me my break and put his belief in me, and I didn’t disappoint them. And since then I’m making him proud. He’s passed and gone, but I’m still making him proud.”

Moore said the support of family is important to him and he always feels extra motivated when they come to his games.

As a Pro League player, in his community of Pine Settlement in Sangre Grande, he said, he understands he is viewed as something of a role model to other youths and mentors a few of them who also have aspirations of playing football at the highest level.

Where does Moore see himself in the near future?

“My next step to make it on the national team and represent my country. I think I can bring some good attacking flair. With my performances in the Pro League, no doubt I will be a part of the team in the future,” he said.

National coach Dennis Lawrence has attended several Defence Force games in which Moore has featured, but he said that did not make him jittery.

“No, I was not nervous but anxious. It make me want to perform. I have something to play for more than Defence Force now. I’m playing for a pick for my country now. I also want to play abroad sometime,” he said. Asked to criticise himself, Moore said there are still things he can improve on, including staying focused for the entire 90 minutes and continuing to improve on the defensive side of the game.
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Offline Deeks

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Re: 2017/18 T&T Pro League Thread
« Reply #59 on: October 25, 2017, 01:38:48 PM »
Defence Force, missing three of their best players (Andre Marchan, Curtis Gonzales and Hashim Arcia), who were in Ecuador with the national team, had an interesting match-up against an also-depleted W Connection at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Maybe I missing something here. Is the national team in Ecuador? I thought they were playing Guyana sometime soon. I kind of confused on that revelation.

 

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