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CLUB NEWS:
23-Feb-2006
- Yesterday San Juan Jabloteh celebrated the members of its
Professional Football League outfit who were part of the Soca Warriors
historic journey to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany at a function
hosted at the Lawrence Duprey Stand, Queen’s Park Oval,
Port-of-Spain. ... More.
10-Jan-2006
- San Juan Jabloteh have already began preparing for the 2006
season and have signed former North East Stars players Anthony and
Glenton Wolfe. ... More.
22-Dec-2005
- On a night when Aurtis Whitley won T&T Pro League team CL
Financial San Juan Jabloteh's Most Valuable Player award, it was also
revealed that the club's major sponsor had pumped some $20 million
into the club in the last nine years. ... More.
07-Dec-2005
- San Juan Jabloteh coach Terry Fenwick and defender Ian Gray
had their suspensions slashed by the Trinidad and Tobago Football
Federation (TTFF) Appeals Committee. ... More.
01-Dec-2005
- Nippy forward Jason Marcano scored a 72nd minute goal to
secure a come from behind 2-1 win for San Juan Jabloteh over Defence
Force in a keenly fought Simpaul’s Travel Service TTFF FA Trophy at
the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya, yesterday. ... More.
30-Nov-2005
- San Juan Jabloteh is boasting of a host of young players
currently playing in Secondary Schools League Competition (SSFL). ... More.
29-Nov-2005
- San Juan Jabloteh and Defence Force Professional Football
League clubs both advanced to tomorrow’s T&T Football Federation
Simpaul Travel FA final after similar 2-0 semifinal wins. ... More.
11-Nov-2005
- English coach Terry Fenwick is unavailable to coach CL
Financial San Juan Jabloteh for a significant part of next season
after picking up a ten-match ban from the Disciplinary Committee of
the T&T Pro League on Wednesday. ... More.
06-Nov-2005
- Brazilian Gefferson Da Silva Goulart goal over San Juan
Jabloteh was enought to help W Connection clinch the 2005 Toyota Cup. ...
More.
30-Oct-2005
- W Connection and San Juan Jabloteh showed how penalty kicks
should be taken as they beat Defence Force and Joe Public,
respectively, to reach the final of the inaugural Toyota Classic
competition. ... More.
27-Oct-2005
- Kerry Baptiste scored a first-half double to lead second
placed CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh to a 3-2 win over cellar-placed
Tobago United in the penultimate round of matches in the T&T
Professional Football League Senior Division on Tuesday night. ... More.
02-Oct-2005 - For
the second straight year, W Connection prevailed by penalty kicks to
lift the First Citizens Bank (FCB) Cup at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium,
Marabella on Friday. The "Savonetta Boys" walked away with a
3-1 triumph over CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh after both teams were
goalless after regulation time. No extra time was played under
tournament rules. ... More.
25-Sept-2005 - Jabloteh
blank United Petrotrin 2-0 in the first match of Friday’s semifinal
double-header played at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella and will
now meet W Connection in the FCB-Cup final carded for Friday. ... More.
21-Aug-2005 - Tobago
United seemed to have come with a plan of defending with numbers at
the back, and then launching into attack quickly on the break. It
worked well for just about 40 minutes, but when they shot themselves
in the foot by conceding an own goal, San Juan Jabloteh took control,
and went on to win yesterday's T&T Pro League match 4-0 at the
Hasely Crawford Stadium. ... More.
Fenwick sacks Jabloteh four. By:
Nigel Simon.
08-Jun-2005 - Less than one month after taking over the reigns at
T&T Professional Football League club CL Financial San Juan
Jabloteh, English-born coach Terry Fenwick has sacked four players.
The players are ex-nationals Nigel “Croc” Pierre, Ansil Elcock,
Vernon “Zartie” Bailey and Michael Celestine.
Contacted yesterday, Fenwick confirmed the sacking.
“Yes, unfortunately we have parted ways with a few guys who have
served the club well in the past.
“At this point in their careers, I don’t feel they are good enough
for my team,” added Fenwick.
Fenwick was happy to announce the promotion of youth team players
ex-Queen’s Royal College midfielder Jason Devenish, Terryl Elwyn of
San Juan Senior Secondary and national Under-20 defender Carlon Murray
to the senior team along with the acquisition of and Devaughn Dummette
of Guyana.
“I just felt that the time was right to bring in fresh blood and
hopefully they would help to take us in the right direction.
“Devenish, Elwyn and Murray have been with the youth teams for a
while now and will be given the chance to prove themselves.”
Pierre and current Jabloteh defender Keyeno Thomas were snapped up by
ex-Jabloteh coach Ricky Hill at the start of the 2003 season and
helped the team to the league title.
However, since the start of the season, Pierre has not been able to
re-discover his goalscoring touch as was often left out of the
starting team by Michael Grayson, who was the team’s stand-in coach.
Bailey started his career at Jabloteh before moving to Joe Public and
then back to Jabloteh before being fired while Celestine came through
the youth ranks of Jabloteh.
On location: Metros top
Jabloteh.
MetroStars Media Relations.
16-Mar-2005 - Port of Spain, Trinidad - Forward John Wolyniec scored
two goals and midfielder Mark Lisi netted the game winner in the 86'
as the MetroStars defeated San Juan Jabloteh, 3-2, in an international
club friendly played in front of 1,750 at Port of Spain's Hasely
Crawford Stadium. This match marked the first of two games for the
MetroStars Preseason Training in Trinidad presented by Continental
Airlines, with the second coming on Friday, March 18 versus W.
Connection.
Jabloteh jumped on the board first in the 26' after Kerry Baptiste
drilled home an Ansil Elcock cross past Metros goalkeeper Zach Wells
on the far post. However, Wolyniec answered with the equalizer just
three minutes later when he hammered a Gilberto rebound past Jabloteh
'keeper Daurance Williams. The play was set up by Amado Guevara who
struck a beautiful through ball that Gilberto chased down and fired on
net. Williams deflected Gilberto's attempt, but Wolyniec was there for
the putback.
The score remained at 1-1 until the 47' when Jabloteh forward Nicholas
Addlery got behind the Metros defense and snuck one past Wells to make
it 2-1 in favor of the home team.
Wolyniec again knotted the score, this time on a chip shot that soared
just over the head of the outstretched Williams in the 61'. Forward
Sergio Galvan Rey was credited with the assist after making a nice
feed to the streaking Wolyniec from the left side.
Josh Johnson, one of Jabloteh’s substitutes, got the ball into the
net in the 57th minute, but the play was ruled off-side.
The match turned extremely physical in the second half and a number of
cautions were handed out to both squads. A brutal foul committed by
Trent Noel in the 78' on Metros defender Ademir Dos Santos earned Noel
a red card, and the subsequent dissent over the call by teammate
Charles Pollard warranted a yellow, which was Pollard's second of the
game.
The Metros capitalized on their two-man advantage minutes later after
Lisi teed off from 23 yards away and hooked the ball past the diving
Williams. The game winner was Lisi's first of the preseason.
Jabloteh lost another player in the 88' after Celestine was booked for
his second yellow card of the contest, giving the Metros an 11-8
advantage for the final minutes of the contest.
Scoring Summary:
JAB- Baptiste (Elcock) 26'
MET- Wolyniec (Gilberto, Guevara) 29'
JAB- Addlery 47'
MET- Wolyniec (Galvan Rey) 61'
MET- Lisi 86'
Discipline Summary:
JAB - Eve (Caution; Professional Foul) 32'
MET - Bradley (Caution; Professional Foul) 42'
JAB- Pollard (Caution; Dissent) 73'
MET- Guevara (Caution; Dissent) 73'
JAB- Celestine (Caution; Professional Foul) 75'
JAB- Noel (Sent Off; Professional Foul) 82'
JAB- Pollard (Second caution, Sent Off; Dissent) 82'
JAB- Celestine (Second caution, Sent Off; Professional Foul) 88'
MET- Lisi (Caution, Dissent) 89'
Attendance: 1,750
San Juan Jabloteh: Duarance Williams, Charles Pollard, Trent
Noel, Keyeno Thomas, Angus Eve (Travis Mulraine 64'), Kerry Baptiste
(Michael Celestine 59'), Ansil Elcock, Nicholas Addlery (Josh Johnson
59'), Nigel Daniel (Devon Mitchell 59'), Nigel Pierre, Aurtis Whitley
(Nigel Codrington 78 - Marcelle Francois 86').
Substitutes Not Used: Brian James, Vernon Bailey, Dexter
Franklyn, Jerol Forbes, Cyd Gray.
MetroStars: Zach Wells, Tim Ward (Chris Corcoran 59'), Carlos
Mendes, Jeff Parke Chris Leitch (Ademir Dos Santos 69'), Amado Guevara
capt. (Pierre Bazie 76'), Michael Bradley (Mark Lisi 64'), Gilberto
(Tim Regan 45'), Mahktar N'Diaye (Osni Neto 59'), John Wolyniec,
Sergio Galvan Rey
Substitutes Not Used: Jason Hernandez, Seth Stammler, Ramon
Bailey, T.J Tomasson, Jeff Agoos.
Jabloteh snaps up Michael
Grayson as Technical Director.
By Joel Villafana - ttproleague
News.
17-Feb-2005 - Former Starworld Strikers head coach Michael Grayson is
now the assistant coach of CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh and Youth
Technical Director.
Mr. Grayson readily accepted Jabloteh’s offer—and while he will be
the assistant coach of the senior professional team—his main focus
will be the development of Jabloteh’s young players.
In his new role as Jabloteh’s Youth Technical Director, Mike Grayson
will be responsible for the clubs youth programmes and the progress of
their youth teams.
Grayson is no stranger to working closely alongside young
footballers—as he is fresh from leading a successful St. Augustine
Senior Comprehensive school team to the 2004 League and Intercol
titles.
Mike Grayson was also coach of the Arima Senior Comprehensive School
where he was also a teacher.
He has been coaching since 1980—and has led local club teams like
Tacarigua United and Tunapuna Spain and most recently Starworld
Strikers.
Grayson also had a national stint as assistant youth coach under Keith
Look Loy, with the National under 20 team.
The 49 year old coach told ttproleague.com that he was honoured to be
approached by San Juan Jabloteh. “Its really an honour, I see this
as an upward move for me, and as far as I am concerned CL Financial
San Juan Jabloteh is the best run professional organization in the
country, so this is a real plus for me and I am looking forward to the
challenge.”
“I know they expect the best and they have set high goals and I am
always one who wants to give of my best,” added Grayson.
The former Starworld Strikers coach believes he brings a lot with him
and has a great deal to offer when he starts with Jabloteh this
season.
“My experience, my enthusiasm and my high work rate are all
qualities I plan to bring to the table.”
He concluded, “this is certainly an exciting time in my career as
Jabloteh has a number of quality players, national players and it’s
always a pleasure to work with some of the best players available.”
Jabloteh’s Vice President and the man responsible for technical
affairs Mr. Dennis Phillip told ttproleague.com that he considers the
club fortunate to land a coach like Michael Grayson.
“Michael has all the credentials and experience required for the
post of youth technical director, his experience as not only a
football coach but as a senior teacher was vital in him acquiring the
job.”
Mr. Phillip went on to say, “youth development has been neglected in
Trinidad and Tobago for far too long, and we at Jabloteh have found
that it has been inadequate to have a senior Technical Director
looking after both the senior team and the youth teams, hence the
reason we decided to hire someone to give their undivided attention to
youth development, youth coaching and the spotting of young talent and
Michael Grayson is the best man for the job locally.” Mr. Grayson
will officially start pre-season work on Monday 14th February, 2004.
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Search Here for:
Jabloteh
Supporters Shirts.
Manager:
Wesley Webb.
Azaad Khan.
Dennis Phillip (Vice President) - Trinidad.
Address:
Lp#1
Corner of Akal and Upper Saddle Road,
Santa Cruz
Trinidad, W.I.
Phone: (868) 676-3462 or (868)
676-3463
Fax: (868) 676-3463.
Partner Clubs.
Atletico
Paranaense - Brazil.
Atlanta
Silverbacks - United States.
FC Dallas
- United States.
Head Coach:
Terry Fenwick - England.
Assistant Coach:
Angus Eve - Trinidad.
Brian James - Goalkeeper Coach.
Goalkeepers:
Cleon John.
Duarance
Williams.
Defenders:
Cyd Gray -
Tobago.
Karlon Murray.
Dwayne Jack -
Tobago.
Devon Jamerson.
Ian Gray.
Joel Russell.
Ken Francis.
Kashif Thomas.
Nigel Daniel.
Robert Primus.
Sheldon Bateau.
Midfielders:
Ataullah Guerra.
Anton Hutchinson.
Elton John.
Elijah Manners.
Julien Landeau.
Kierron Navarro.
Khaleem Hyland.
Marvin Oliver.
Micah Lewis.
Trent Noel.
Wendell Joseph.
Forwards:
Daniel Joseph.
Earl Jean - St
Lucia.
Gason Gregory - Antigua.
Jason Marcano.
Lester Peltier.
Jason Cudjoe.
Michael Alexis.
Noel Williams.
Peter Byers - Antigua.
Based:
North - Trinidad.
Team
Photos:
Jabloteh Team Photo 1.
Jabloteh In Action Photo
2.
Jabloteh In Action Photo
3.
Jabloteh In Action Photo
4.
PFL Teams Standings &
Scorers:
Click
Here.
Last PFL/Big Six Game Played:
03-May- 08 - Caledonia AIA 1 v 2
San Juan Jabloteh.
Home
Field:
Hasley Crawford Stadium - North
Trinidad/ Seating: 26,000.
This existing stadium has been
appraised by the FIFA inspection team as being in creditable
condition, with only some improvements being deemed necessary for the
competition. Situated to the west of the island, in close proximity to
Port of Spain, it overlooks the Gulf of Paria creating a truly
refreshing and unique atmosphere for this sport. Built in 1982, and
named after the first Olympic gold medallist in this country, Hasely
Crawford, this stadium is the premier location for football and
athletic meets. It has been the site of many memorable moments in our
sporting history and, as such, has been chosen as the venue for the
opening and closing ceremonies as well as the final of the FIFA under
17 Youth World Cup.
SOME TOP SAN JUAN
JABLOTEH GAMES:
1. FRIENDLY GAME:
Jabloteh vs Newcastle United (England).
2.
L-Sporto Cup;
17-Oct, 2001.
Jabloteh 8 v 0 St Francois Nationals.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Collin Samuel 3, Angus Eve, Peter Prosper, Michael Celestine, Guerra,
Cyd Gray.
3. L-Sporto Cup; 24-Oct-
2001.
Jabloteh 12 v 0 Young
Hearts.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Michael Celestine 14th, Aurtis Whitley 16th, Angus Eve 39th,
Bernard McCall 46th, Rolston James 34th, 47th, 76th, 78th, Collin
Samuel 58th, 59th, Collie Hercules 62nd, 68th.
4. PFL GAME:
Jabloteh 4 vs 2 W
Connection.
21-Aug-02.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Kerry Noray 35th, 65th, Cornell Glen 42nd, 45th.
5.
Nov-2002 - 2002 Season Final.
Jabloteh 1 vs 1 W
Connection.
Jabloteh Goal Scorer:
Aurtis Whitley 30th.
6.
FRIENDLY GAME:
Jabloteh 5 vs 3 St Clair Coaching School.
6-Dec-2002.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Kerry Baptiste 2, Kerry Noray, Michael Celestine, Angus Eve.
7.
FRIENDLY GAME:
17th-Jan-2003.
Jabloteh 3 vs 0 Dundee (Scotland).
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Cornell Glen 2, Angus Eve.
8. PFL GAME:
Jabloteh 9 vs 1 Defence Force.
21-May-2003.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Kerry Baptiste 3, Cornell Glen 2, Angus Eve 2,
Travis Mulraine, Kurt Williams (o.g).
9. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Jabloteh 3 vs 1 Arnett Gardens (Jamaica).
26-Nov-2003.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Aurtis Whitley 20th, 40th, Cornell Glen 50th.
10. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Jabloteh 3 vs 1 Arnett Gardens (Jamaica).
03-Dec-2003. (Return-Leg Game)
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Kerry Baptiste 38th, Trent Noel 46th, Nigel Peirre 67th.
11. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Jabloteh 2 vs 1 W Connection.
17-Dec-2003.
Jabloteh Goal Scorer:
Angus Eve 19th, 41st.
12.
FRIENDLY GAME:
07th-Mar-2004.
Jabloteh 1 vs 0 Grenada President's XI.
Jabloteh Goal Scorer:
Kerry Noray 68th.
13. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Jabloteh 5 vs 2 Chicago Fire (USA).
17-Mar-2004.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Cornell Glen 8th, 12th, 37th, Kerry Noray 52nd, 74th - Ansil
Elcock (39th - own goal).
14. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Jabloteh 3 vs 1 Walking Boys Company (Suriname).
22-Sept-2004.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Kerry Baptiste 32nd, Nigel Daniel 57th, Devon Mitchell 90th.
15. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Jabloteh 0 vs 0 Walking Boys Company (Suriname).
26-Sept-2004. (Return-Leg Game).
16. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Jabloteh 1 vs 1 Tivoli Gardens (Jamaica).
03-Nov-2004.
Jabloteh Goal Scorer:
Nigel Daniel 89th.
17. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Tivoli Gardens (Jamaica) 1 v 0 Jabloteh.
10-Nov-2004.
18.
FRIENDLY GAME:
15th-Mar-2005.
Jabloteh 2 v 3 MetroStars (USA).
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Kerry Baptiste 26th, Nicholas Addlery 47th.
19. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Sap FC (Antigua) 0 v 4 Jabloteh.
10-Dec-2006.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Trent Noel 25th, Lester Peltier 47th, Peter Prosper 70th, Anthony
Wolfe 90th.
20. Concacaf Champions Cup.
SV Britannia (Aruba) 0 v 8 Jabloteh.
12-Dec-2006.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Jason Marcano 21st, 51st, Trent Noel 16th, Kerry Baptiste 18th, Wendell Joseph 35th, Lester Peltier 45th, Alexis Michael 74th, Akiel Guevara 79th.
21. Concacaf Champions Cup.
New Vibes (USVI) 0 v 5 Jabloteh.
14-Dec-2006.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Lester Peltier 2nd, 26th, Trent Noel 14th, 23rd, Michael Alexis 90th.
22. Concacaf Champions Cup.
Jabloteh 2 vs 0 Baltimore Sportif (Haiti).
26-Jan-2007.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Peter Prosper 27th, Wendell Joseph 60th.
23. CONCACAF
Champion Cup:
28th-Jan-2007.
W Connection 1 v 0 San Juan Jabloteh.
24. Pro League Game:
04th-Aug-2007.
San Juan Jabloteh 1 v 0 Joe Public 0.
Jabloteh Goal Scorer:
Peter Byers 87th.
25. CONCACAF
Champion Cup:
06th-Nov-2007.
Hasely Crawford Stadium.
San Juan Jabloteh 5 v SV CSD Barber (Netherlands Antilles)
0.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Ataullah Guerra 21st, 79th, Gaeson Gregory 25th, Peter Byers 50th,
Shandell Samuel 54th.
26. CONCACAF
Champion Cup:
08th-Nov-2007.
Hasely Crawford Stadium.
San Juan Jabloteh 5 v SV Deportivo Nacional (Aruba) 1.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Peter Byers 2nd, Elton John 57th, Gaeson Gregory 62nd, Dwayne Jack 70th, Ataullah Guerra
87th.
27. CONCACAF
Champion Cup:
11th-Nov-2007.
Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.
San Juan Jabloteh 1 v Baltimore De St Marc (Haiti) 0.
Jabloteh Goal Scorer:
Gaeson Gregory
63rd.
28. CONCACAF
Champion Cup:
14th-Nov-2007.
Marvin Lee Stadium.
San Juan Jabloteh 0 v Harbour View FC (Jamaica) 0.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
After Penalties: San Juan Jabloteh 9 v Harbour View FC 10.
29. Friendly:
18th-Mar-2008.
Dunfermline Athletic (Scotland) 2 v San Juan Jabloteh 1.
Jabloteh Goal Scorer:
Peter Byers 65th.
30. Friendly:
26th-Mar-2008.
Falkirk (Scotland) 2 v San Juan Jabloteh 2.
Jabloteh Goal Scorers:
Trent Noel, Jason Marcano.
31. CONCACAF
Champion League:
09th-May-2008.
Pureto Rico Islanders v San Juan Jabloteh.
32. CONCACAF
Champion League:
25th-May-2008.
San Juan Jabloteh v Pureto Rico Islanders.
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Defence Force persevere, beat
Jabloteh.
By Mark Pouchet.
30-Sept-2004 - The Defence Force showed the value of sticking to
strategy as they gained two late goals and an unlikely 2-0 win
yesterday in their Trinidad and Tobago Pro League game against
defending champions CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh yesterday.
For 84 minutes, as much through wasteful Jabloteh forays and extremely
resilient defending by the Army/Coast Guard combination, the Defence
Force coached by former Strike Squad standout Kerry Jamerson, remained
committed to their plan of stout defensive play and quick
counter-attacks.
The Defence Force backmen, with former national player Anton Pierre
marshalling the troops adeptly, got a testing workout ahead of their
FCB Cup final against Vibe CT W Connection tomorrow at the Manny
Ramjohn Stadium.
Eventually, after absorbing unrelenting pressure from a very
attack-minded Jabloteh side, substitute forward Odelle Armstrong
netted twice from breaks to knock the wind out of the Bourg Mulatresse
team and earn three points for his side.
Earlier in the game, Jabloteh had established their dominance with
their quick passing game and high pressure play.
The loose balls always seemed to zero in on a Jabloteh player like a
laser-guided missile and the deft touches of Aurtis Whitley and Nigel
"Croc" Pierre gave Pierre (Anton) and company a lot of work
to do.
But they withstood the Jabloteh forays with timely clearances and
interceptions, getting the ball to safety so that they could
reorganise or finding outlets so they could launch speedy
counter-attacks.
That tactic frustrated Jabloteh's goal attempts for the duration of
the match.
After a goalless first half, D/Force goalkeeper Cleon John unnerved
them more with two saves from Travis Mulraine and Josh Johnson.
And when Armstrong caught them out first with a looping header over
Jabloteh keeper Daurance Williams from a Kurt Williams right side
cross, and then with his own skill at the end of regulation time,
getting around Ian Gray with a nice touch before shooting low past
Williams (D), the strategy had paid off, Jabloteh however will not
truly be affected by the results of this match as both teams have
effectively qualified for the Big Six playoffs which will decide the
league title. That competition is scheduled to begin on October 24.
San Juan Jabloteh:
Duarance Williams, Ronald Primus, Ian Gray, Travis Mulraine, Vernon
Bailey (Cyd Gray 45th), Nigel Daniel (Josh Johnson 87th) Angus Eve
(capt), Trent Noel, Kerry Baptiste, Aurtis Whitley (Kerry Noray),
Nigel Pierre.
Defence Force:
Cleon John, Kelshall Alexander, Anton Joseph, Anton Pierre, Claude
Adams, Kurt Williams (capt), Ronald St Louis, Kwesi Smith (Shelton
Williams 77th), Christon Baptiste (Michael Edwards 64th), Jerwyn
Balthazar, Devon Jorsling (Odelle Armstrong 62nd).
Jabloteh takes 3-1 lead in
Concacaf Club opener.
By Gregory Trujillo - T&T
Guardian Newspapers.
24-Sept-2004 - San Juan Jabloteh escaped with a 3-1 win over Walking
Boys Company of Suriname to go into the return leg of the Caribbean
Zone of the Concacaf Club Championships in a fairly respectable
position on Sunday away from home.
The T&T Pro League title holder had to come from behind to turn
over the Surinamese champion on Wednesday at Hasely Crawford Stadium .
Clifton Sanvliet gave Walking Boys the start they needed by scoring in
the 13th minute.
Kerry Baptiste equalised for the home team in the 32nd, Nigel Daniel
netted the go-ahead goal in the 57th and Devon Mitchell sealed the
issue in the 90th.
“I’m happy with the result although one more goal would have been
nice,” said Jabloteh’s English coach Stephen Rutter, who took over
from countryman Ricky Hill at the beginning of the season.
“Performance wise, I was quite pleased but we made life difficult
for ourselves by conceding a poor goal early on,” he added.
Walking Boys gave the Caribbean Football Union champion a scare when
Sandvliet booted home a well-struck, acrobatic volley from a
right-side cross that beat a diving goalkeeper Daurance Williams on
the first post.
When the ball was crossed by Gino Brandon, there were about four
Jabloteh players around Sandvliet but neither of them challenged for
the ball, giving the forward an uncontested shot at goal.
The equaliser was brilliant. Daniel found Aurtis Whitley (Otis Seaton)
with an excellent pass in the middle of the field.
Whitley in turn split the visitors’ defence with a with a long, low
through pass to Baptiste inside the box.
Baptiste, running in at top speed, did well to round ‘keeper Andre
Zebeda and slot the ball into an open net.
“The move that led to the pass from Daniel to Whitley was great,”
said coach Rutter. “How we created the space to find Seaton in the
middle of the field was excellent. It was something we were working
on.
“And then Seaton pass to Baptiste was fabulous. He was running very
fast and his control to go around the goalkeeper was first class. It
was a great goal to score.”
Jabloteh was a bit lucky to go two up when Nigel’s free-kick from
about 15 metres outside the box came off the head of a player in the
four-man Walking Boys wall and sunk into the far post with Zabeda
stranded on the other side of the goal, the free kick which came after
midfielder Travis Mulraine was fouled 20 metres out.
“We were slightly lucky the deflection went inside instead of going
wide,” Rutter pointed out. After the goal, Jabloteh slowed down and
did not carry on at the same tempo.
Mitchell did give them a chance of being in a better position in the
return on Sunday when he was on spot to head home the final item from
inside the six-yard box.
Following a free kick wide on the right from Trent Noel, the Walking
Boys defenders failed to react and left Mitchell wide open to finish
off the move.
Rutter feels confident that his side will put on a good showing in
Suriname in spite of not knowing what kind of conditions to expect.
“We don’t know what the surface will be like. It could be better
than Hasely Crawford or poorer. My players are capable of adapting to
all sorts of surfaces and different conditions. This is where the
international experience, especially with the national players, are
important.”
The 2005 CONCACAF Champion Cup breakdown will feature two clubs each
from Mexico and the USA, one team qualifying from the Caribbean
Football Union and three clubs advancing from the Union
Centroamericana de Fútbol’s Torneo Interclubes (UNCAF) later this
year.
The eight-team Champions’ Cup pairing will be determined by a draw
to be held at the offices of CONCACAF General Secretariat in New York
City in early 2005.
The winner of the 2005 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup will qualify to the
next FIFA Club World Championship to be held in Japan in December of
next year.
The CONCACAF Champions’ Cup is the longest running international
club competition in the region and has crowned the champion club of
the Confederation since its inception in 1962.
TEAMS:
San Juan Jabloteh: Duarance Williams – Cyd Gray, Keyeno
Thomas, Ian Gray, Travis Mulraine, Nigel Daniel (Ansil Elcock 88th),
Angus Eve (capt - Stokely Mason 90th), Kerry Baptiste (Josh Johnson
80th), Trent Noel, Aurtis Whitley, Devon Mitchell.
Walking Boys Company: Andre Zebeda – Romeo Ceder, Clifton
Tjin Liep Sheie, Ailton Souza Paiva, Sandro Elicio Ribero, Jranilson
Araujo, Jzael Jorge Dos Santos, Clifton Sandvliet, Sergio Aroepa (Paul
Cotin 61st), Eersteling Donavan, Gino Brandon (Iwen Ave 75th).
A New Man in Town—Steve
Rutter on a Jabloteh Mission.
By: Joel Villafana - ttproleague.com.
15-Jul-2004 - He considers himself much more than a coach—his
background in physical education and military training has seen him
develop into what he a calls holistic person.
Steven Rutter was appointed as Jabloteh’s Head Coach in May this
year and has become the Pro League’s Champions third English coach
in four years—Mr. Rutter follows Terry Fenwick who spent two seasons
with Jabloteh and Ricky Hill who left for personal reasons at the end
of the last season.
He was born in 1962 in England, and after leaving school, he joined
the Police Force and spent 7 years. As a young man he always had a
strong desire for the game of football and it was in his years in the
police service he played football and got involved in physical
training and instructing.
At the age of 27 he began playing football on a full time basis at
English 2nd division club Yeovil and soon enough he progressed to
become a player/coach at Yeovil.
While at Yeovil, Rutter knew he was never going to be a high profile
player—and because of his education and background it was easy for
him to get involved in coaching.
After his stint at Yeovil, he got a job at the Professional Football
Association in England—where he coached England’s national youth
teams and the womens team.
This also saw him traveling all over the world performing coaching
courses which is what brought him to Trinidad—as he was contracted
to do courses for Concacaf.
Rutter admitted when the offer from Jabloteh came it was a mind
boggling decision to make—he was not only confronted with other
offers, one of which would have seen him in charge of setting up a
national coaching educational structure for China—but it would mean
leaving England and coming to Trinidad leaving behind his wife Betty
and two young children.
However, according to the 42 year old Englishman the opportunity at
Jabloteh was one that was filled with challenge—he said
“ordinarily coaching in England will not provide him with the chance
to play in the Concacaf club championships and even qualify for the
world club championships and be exposed to different styles of
football.”
So now at Jabloteh—Rutter’s mission is clear—retain the league
title—compete at Concacaf’s Club Championship and qualify for the
World Club Championship in Tokyo in 2005.
Too much to ask for?—Well according to Rutter his main focus is to
get Jabloteh to concentrate on the basics, “the flair and individual
talent comes naturally here, but if there is no structure everything
breaks down, that disciplined structure is missing and my goal is to
instill the discipline so we will be able to compete with the
international clubs,” says Rutter.
He admits in his short stint so far he has seen signs of progress but
only in patches, Rutter believes the local players are now
understanding the importance of the fundamentals and are making less
and less mistakes.
“I have not seen anything to suggest that we cannot win the title,
nevertheless Jabloteh is not head and shoulders above anyone else in
the league,” Rutter admitted. He promised though that once Jabloteh
are a couple points at the top of the table when the last round of
matches come around—he will put his money on the champions to retain
the title.
Rutter told the Pro League website he has adjusted well to T&T and
is enjoying his time here. He described the people as fabulous and
concluded by saying at the end of this season he will be a happy man
if he guides Jabloteh to not only successfully defending the league
title—but will like to set up a blue print for the club’s long
term development programme. Have no fear T&T-The future looks
bright.
Ricky Hill confirms Jabloteh
exit.
T&T Express Reports.
22-May-2004 - San Juan Jabloteh coach Ricky Hill confirmed his split
from his Trinidad and Tobago employers on Thursday evening after two
months away from the post.
Hill, who steered Jabloteh to the Pro League title last season,
returned to England before the start of their 2004 campaign because of
family problems.
He conceded on Thursday that his sudden departure has cost him his job
but denied leaving Jabloteh in the lurch for another post or being
forced out.
Hill explained that his wife had fallen ill while there had been some
anxiety from his children Shona, 20, and Shane, 16.
And, although he hoped to return, he accepted that Jabloteh may no
longer desire his services.
"I asked for a period of time to resolve things," he told
the Trinidad Express, "but unfortunately that period has elapsed
and I am no closer to resolving the situation. I had a great time in
Trinidad regarding the camaraderie with the players.
"I hope I have helped lay a foundation and wish them all the
success in the future."
Still, Hill was dismayed that Jabloteh chairman Jerry Hospedales chose
to go public with the issue and hinted at friction in his interaction
with the Jabloteh executive committee.
"I do not know what the motive for him going public was,"
said Hill. "I kept the club informed of my situation which I do
not think to be unusual in this or any business.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the coaching side of things¦ but I hope
that, whoever the new coach is, the board and committee gives him the
space to carry on his job without too much interference."
He explained that ex-England and Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson
recently left his post at Shanghai in China for similar reasons.
Liverpool's Gerald Houllier, Manchester City's Kevin Keegan and
Coventry's Gordon McAllister are other high profile England-based
coaches who took time off from their post for various reasons over the
past two seasons.
Hill, who resides in Luton, said that he hopes to restart his coaching
career as soon as possible.
But he confessed that opportunities cannot be taken for granted in
England where there are few non-white coaches.
Hill, one of the pioneer "black" players of the 1970s,
worked as a youth team coach at Sheffield Wednesday (under Ron
Atkinson) and Tottenham while he also had a four month stint at the
helm of Luton Town.
But he lashed out that the silent racism in Britain, which has seen
former top players of the minority race like John Barnes and Luther
Blissett regularly bypassed while contemporaries like Glen Hoddle and
Peter Reid have received numerous jobs.
"There are very few black coaches employed in England at any
level," said Hill, "whether it is in the youth, reserve or
senior teams. It is a barrier we are working hard to break down."
Hill, who was born in England of Jamaican parents, was grateful for
the chance to play his trade in Trinidad and Tobago and is
disappointed that his last match in charge was a 4-0 hammering away to
Chicago Fire, which ended a promising start to their CONCACAF Club
Championship campaign.
Jabloteh won the first match of their two-leg series 5-2 against Fire
at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, but were eliminated by
goal aggregate.
"To leave on a 4-0 defeat is an immense disappointment,"
said Hill. "It is something that I would have liked to put right
this season but it seems highly unlikely."
Jabloteh gets new English
coach.
By: Gregory Trujillo.
18-May-2004 - T&T Professional Football League champion team CL
Financial San Juan Jabloteh will have a new head coach from June 1.
Word is that the person to take over from Englishman Ricky Hill, who
was born in Jamaica, is no stranger to these parts. He is Steve
Rutter, also an Englishman.
Rutter, who conducted coaching courses hosted by CONCACAF in 2002 and
2003 at the Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence in Macoya, Tunapuna,
will be the third English coach in four years to hold the position of
Head Coach at the club.
Steve Rutter was part of the England technical team for the Euro 2000
tournament, he was also the manager of Yeovil Town between 1991 and
1993.
After steering Jabloteh to their most successful season ever last year
(they won everything except the FA Trophy), Hill flew back to England
just before the start of the competition in April to deal with
“personal matters”.
Subsequently, he could not see himself returning and for the past
month Jabloteh officials were searching for a replacement.
Before Hill took up the job, another Englishman Terry Fenwick was in
charge of the side, which has been dominating the Pro League together
with Vibe CT 105 W Connection since the inception in 1999.
Rutter is a senior FIFA instructor and has conducted certified FA
courses all around the world.
Among those taking the regional course last year was Angus Eve, the
present skipper of Jabloteh.
Meanwhile, after dropping seven points in their last three matches,
Jabloteh bounced back on Sunday under assistant coach Anthony Street
to defeat W Connection 3-0 at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Street said he thought it was a good performance by his team. “The
guys stuck to their task. Once we know we’re coming up against W
Connection, the players focus differently and put on their thinking
caps. They don’t want ‘W’ to beat them at no time and they look
forward to that game.”
“W Connection settled before us in the early going. But in the
second-half I changed the tactics by bringing in Travis Mulrane in
place of Joseph Peters to lock down the middle in front of the
stoppers where WCFC controlled,” added Street.
“Travis came on and changed the game. So the plan worked.”
Street praised the efforts of Devon Mitchell, who was responsible for
scoring the first two goals.
“As a youth player, Devon Mitchell has a lot of potential for the
future. Playing time for him is minimum because of the quality of
strikers we have. Most times he has to sit and watch Otis (Seaton),
Kerry (Noray) or Nigel (Pierre) play. However, all three are on the
injured list and he made full use of his chance. He showed aggression
and I love him for that.” Street remarked.
In the second period, Street also moved Eve from midfield to strike
with Mitchell and brought Trent Noel back in middle.
“He (Eve) showed his experience with his calmness and played a hand
in the two goals scored by Mitchell, in addition to scoring the last
goal,” said Street.
Jabloteh took the game over after the first two goals and controlled
the game after Kerwyn “Hardest” Jemmott came for Noel and Stokely
Mason replaced injured Vernon Bailey at right back. “With the two
pair of fresh pair of legs we took the game over and it added strength
to the defence,” Street ended.
Jabloteh held by Defence Force.
By Ian Prescott.
10-May-2004 - No one arrived late for yesterday's T&T Pro League
match in which defending champions CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh and
Defence Force played to a 1-1 draw at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Advertised to begin at 4 p.m. the match started an hour late to
accommodate the Senior Games which started earlier at the same venue.
When referee Richard Piper finally got the action going, it took a
full 10 minutes before Jabloteh's Aurtis Whitley (Otis Seaton) made
the first threatening move by either team. But Seaton's initial foray
seemed to spark Jabloteh into action and two minutes later, he netted
(12th minute) to take his season's tally to six goals in four matches.
Kerry Baptiste produced a burst of acceleration in midfield and
meandered his way through the Army defence before cracking a powerful
shot which goalkeeper Selwyn George did well to fend away. However,
the Defence Force custodian only parried the ball to Seaton, who
absolutely abused the sphere when he volleyed it powerfully into the
back of the net.
Before the goal, the 'Army' were having the better of the earlier
exchanges and leisurely stroked the ball around. But once in front,
Jabloteh became competitive.
Midfielder Kerwyn Jemmott just missed putting Jabloteh further ahead
with a chip over keeper George in the 28th minute and moments later,
Trent Noel skilfully eluded a lunging tackle, but hit overbar from
close up. Noel should have scored, and he knew it.
Having relied heavily on a fortified back-line to keep them in the
game, the Defence Force were rewarded for their resilience with a 43rd
minute equaliser from midfielder Marvin Gordon, who ran down a through
ball and slipped the ball past the Duarance Williams in the Jabloteh
goal.
Jabloteh had the better of the second half, but again Jemmott missed a
sitter when dragging a low shot wide and later, Stokely Mason also
came close with two rasping shots.
While Jabloteh were failing to convert, Anton Joseph almost scored for
Defence Force with a glancing header onto Christon Bapise's left-side
cross in the 61st minute. The flick looked like a certain goal from
the moment it left Joseph's head, until keeper Williams got a late
touch to turn the ball away. The Jabloteh custodian also prevented
Army substitute Ronald Boyce from stealing the match five minutes from
the end, when he squeezed out a low shot at his near post.
Jabloteh ponder Hill's future. By
Ian Prescott.
07-May-2004 - Englishman Ricky Hill may be on his way out of CL
Financial San Juan Jabloteh if a personal matter is not resolved soon.
Hill, who was voted the 2003 T&T Pro League Coach of the Year
after leading Jabloteh to a successful defence of the league title in
his first year as coach, left Trinidad and Tobago for England earlier
this year and has not since returned.
A month-and-a-half into the new season, Hill has not resumed work with
Jabloteh and following Wednesday night's surprising 1-0 loss to
Arima-Morvant Fire, chairman Jerry Hospedales hinted that the club may
be forced to take drastic action to resolve their coaching situation.
Since Hill's absence, assistant-coach Anthony Streete, a former top
player with ECM Mowtown, has been in charge of the team.
Yesterday, Hospedales told the Express Hill had informed them that he
had a personal problem and needed time to sort it out. Hospedales said
that while Jabloteh have tried to be understanding and give Hill time
to sort out his affairs, it was coming to a point where they may have
to make a decision on his future with the club.
"We like Ricky Hill, " Hospedales admitted, " He has
been good for us. But this is a professional club and while we have
tried to be compassionate and accommodate him, it has been six weeks
now and the matter is still not resolved. If Hill goes, it will not be
because he got another job or that we did not want him."
Hospedales admitted that Jabloteh were not aware of the nature of
Hill's problem, but as a professional he expected that the former
Luton Town and England midfielder would understand that the matter has
to be resolved soon.
"We don't know what the personal situation is either, but we have
tried to accommodate him. If we don't have a coach it is surely going
to affect the team. Maybe they could run on their own for a few weeks,
but after that something has to happen."
Asked to confirm reports that former coach Terry Fenwick may be on the
way back to the club after winning the 2002 championship, Hospedales
said:
"People will automatically speculate about Fenwick coming back.
But the matter with Hill is still not resolved. This is a very
difficult one. To get a new coach will take months... I don't want to
give it thought. I don't want to give it thought." Champs
humble by Arima Morvant Fire.
By Ian Prescott.
07-May-2004 - Arima Morvant Fire sprung the first major upset of the
2004 T&T Pro League season when they edged 2002 and 2003 champions
CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh 1-0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on
Wednesday night.
For the early part of this season, Fire have threatened to beat
somebody without actually achieving the feat. And once again Arima
Morvant Fire-formed via the merger of the Arima Fire and Caledonia AIA
teams-set about making the running.
Fire got early reward for their good work when Densill Theobald swept a
rebound into the Jabloteh net from the centre of the penalty area to
give his team a morale-boosting win.
Goalkeeper Daurance Williams was taken out of the play when trying to
defend the initial Romauld Aguillera shot which skidded low from atop
the penalty and past his frantic dive. The ball rebounded off
Jabloteh's right upright and fell to Theobald who hit into the
unguarded net.
A collision between Jabloteh defender Ansil Elcock and his keeper
almost gave Fire a second goal in the 32nd minute as both men went to
cut out a crossball. The ball ended up striking Elcock awkwardly and
almost got into the net.
Jabloteh never produced the flowing football which won them the title
last season and were reduced to counter-attacking the Arima Morvant
Fire goal.
But towards the end of the half, Jabloteh had their best moments when
striker Otis Seaton hit a powerful shot overbar from the right side of
the Fire penalty area. And soon after, Fire keeper Michael Woods was
forced out of goal to cut off a through ball from Seaton.
Jabloteh emerged an aggressive bunch at the start of the second
session in which they piled on the pressure on the Fire goal.
Angus Eve was the first to threaten in the 48th minute when he met a
crossball with a powerful header which was cleared off the goal line.
The Fire defence, which had conceded seven goals in three previous
matches, refused to break, even when stretched by the Jabloteh
pressure.
Goalkeeper Michael Wood and Botswana stopper Mgogi Gabonamong were
especially good. Woods had an excellent game in goal for Fire and
produced a good, low block to stop a powerful drive from Kerry
Baptiste. The introduction of Josh Johnson on the right in the 64th
minute gave Jabloteh added potency in attack and he was further able
to stretch Fire with some telling crosses. But Woods was at the top of
his game and his timely interceptions foiled everything Jabloteh threw
at Fire.
At the other end, Randy Ramcharan caused a few flutters with his
counter-attack up the Jabloteh left. And when he crossed into the
penalty area in the 70th minute, substitute Conrad Smith should have
done better than head straight to keeper Williams. It didn't really
matter though.
Jabloteh’s coach Anthony Street, who is deputising for Englishman
Ricky Hill said that the “Fire” win was due to stout defending and
good goalkeeping by Woods. “We threw everything at them and they
defended stubbonly,” he noted. Street believed that Jabloteh has to
play top class football to retain the league title “as the standard
of all the teams has improved.” Jamal Shabaaz, coach of Arima
Morvant Fire, praised Theobald for his goal and a solid performance.
Shabazz felt that his players worked hard for the win.
Jabloteh drub Drillers 8-0.
By Kern De Fretias.
21-Apr-2004 - CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh gave an indication of
what could be expected in the defence of their Pro League title when
they dismantled an ordinary South West Drillers team at the Hasely
Crawford Stadium on Monday evening.
And the 8-0 scoreline at the end of the match, helped by an Otis
Seaton beaver-trick, basically summed up Drillers' night in their
first game of the season.
North East Stars also got off to a fine start in their fixture at the
Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima with a 3-0 win over Morvant-Arima Fire
earlier in the afternoon.
At the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the Palo Seco-based team, formerly the
South West Institute of Football (SWIF), who finished ninth last year,
were looking for a better start to the new season. But they were in
for a rude awakening.
Defending champions Jabloteh never allowed them to settle, stirring up
Drillers' defence, before an unmarked Seaton collected a pass in the
second minute and slotted home a low shot past custodian Andy Dean.
The first sign of life from Drillers came in the sixth minute, off the
head of Anderson Lewis. But the effort was too weak to trouble
Jabloteh 'keeper Daurance Williams. And the fluctuating rainfall did
not make it any easier for the underdogs.
Forward Devon Mitchell doubled Jabloteh's lead in the 13th, as he
eluded two defenders to meet a cross with his head that Dean had no
chance of stopping.
Drillers continued to press for their first item, but found it
difficult to get past the imposing figure of Jabloteh defender Vernon
Bailey.
At the other end, though, Jabloteh were having no such problems, and
in the 18th minute Seaton claimed his second, as he met an Angus Eve
corner kick with a deft flick that beat Dean, to put Jabloteh up 3-0.
In the 23rd minute, Drillers were awarded a free kick 25 metres out
for a foul on Brent Garcia, but the robust shot by Garcia was
comfortably taken in the end by Williams.
Five minutes later, sloppy defence saw the South team fall further
behind, as Seaton once again broke through Drillers' defence and
released a scorcher that gave Dean no chance.
And within two minutes, Seaton grabbed his fourth and Jabloteh's fifth
by pouncing on a loose ball and lobbing the advancing 'keeper.
Before then Jabloteh's defence had had little to do, but Drilliers let
slip a golden chance in the 35th, as a pass by Garcia was wasted by
Lewis, who shot wide from 18 metres out. Drillers held on until the
half, though, without conceding further goals.
In the second half the southerners made a harder fight of it, and
their keeper Dean produced two beautiful saves to deny Jabloteh, first
in the 53th, then in the 55th. And in the 57th, Drillers failed to
convert another opportunity, as a clear shot at the edge of the
six-yard box, with just Williams to beat, was completely missed by
Keston Dandohsingh.
In the 73rd minute, just when it seemed that Jabloteh would not get
another goal, they made a double substutition, replacing Otis Seaton
with Nigel Pierre and also brining on Kerwyn Jemmott into the Jabloteh
attack.
That seemed to spark new life into the champs, as Drillers' defence
was forced into action soon after, to block an 18-metre blast from
Pierre, and then Dean parried an Eve attempt over the bar.
But they just prolonged the inevitable, as one minute later, in the
73rd, Mitchell weaved past two defenders and found Pierre, who lobbed
Dean for his first goal of the game.
In the 82nd minute, there was a rare sight when a gem of a header
coerced a superb save from Williams.
Four minutes from full time, Pierre collected a through ball and
passed across the goal to Eve who calmly slotted home to give Jabloteh
their seventh.
And Thomas rounded out the scoring in the final minute of full time
with an easy tap in, to give Jabloteh a comprehensive win and a good
start to their title defence.
Ricky Hill named Pro League Coach of the Year...
Lincoln Phillips praises Pro League.
By Ian Prescott - TnT Express.
04-Apr-2003 - Englishman Ricky Hill has been named Coach of the Year by
the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League.
The announcement was made on Friday night when the professional football
league held their 2003 season awards at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya.
Hill, a former England player, had a triumphant first year coaching in
Trinidad and Tobago in which he led CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh to a
succesful defence of the league title and also captured the FCB Cup and
$25,000 winners' purse from Vibe CT 105 W. Connection.
Under Hill, Jabloteh also became Caribbean football champions for the
first time in 2003 and they also reached the quarter-final stage of the
CONCACAF Club Championship, where they achieved an historic high point by
beating American Major League Soccer (MLS) US Cup champions, Chicago Fire,
5-2 in the first leg.
However, Chicago were able to overturn the deficit with a 4-0 home victory
to win the tie 6-5 on aggregate.
Taking the other major award on Friday was Charles "Lily"
Pollard, a Guyanese defender who plays for FA Trophy holders North East
Stars.
Pollard beat out all-comers to capture the senior Most Valuable Player
award.
While Jabloteh were lauded for winning the senior league championship, the
most successful club on the night was the Savonetta-based W. Connection
who swept the youth division awards.
Connection's much talked about youth programme produced champions in the
Under-15, Under-17 and Under-20 divisions of the T&T Pro League.
Connection also produced the top goal-scorers in all three youth
divisions.
Aaron Downing was the deadliest marksman in the Under-15 Division with 35
goals for the season, while their Gorian Highley got 16 goals among the
Under-17 footballers. Highley, who also plays for Arima Senior
Comprehensive, was earlier this year named the Most Valuable Player by the
Secondary Schools Football League.
Jason Marcano, who had a few games in Connection's senior squad last
season, was the youth division's Most Valuable Player.
Marcano scored 34 among the Under-20 players to become the top marksman in
that division.
At senior level, Guyana's Randolph Jerome notched 26 goals for North East
Stars, the most in the Pro League.
While Marcano and company were best at scoring many goals, the fastest
goal for 2003 in the T&T Pro League came off the boot of Jabloteh
defender Ian Gray.
While his Jabloteh teammates joked it was probably an own-goal, Gray
himself could hardly remember when he scored it. The strike came within
the first two minutes of play in a fifth-round match.
Giving the feature address at the awards ceremony was newly-installed
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation technical director Lincoln
"Tiger" Phillips.
Having lived in the United States for 27 years, the former Howard
University goalkeeper and American professional said his greatest
contribution as T&TFF technical director will be in developing coaches
and players.
"The game of football is about players. If we have no players...if we
don't develop the players, we have no game," he commented.
Phillips was also high in praise for the T&T Pro League and champions
San Juan Jabloteh, whom he said gave an excellent account of themselves in
the CONCACAF Champions Cup first-leg match against Chicago Fire.
"The whole of the United States was shocked," he said, while
explaining that the Americans would have never expected their champions to
lose to a team from this country.
"The United States have no respect at all for football in Trinidad
and Tobago. Very disrespectful," said Phillips.
He also called for total inclusion in the selection of T&T national
teams and for a return of the days when "Indian" and
"white" players also represented Trinidad and Tobago.
At Friday's function, Pro League chairman Larry Romany also recognised the
importance of Jabloteh winning their first-leg game against Chicago Fire
and the effect it will have on the 2004 T&T Pro League season.
Romany said the public is finally becoming aware of the high quality of
football being played in the Pro League and in 2004 the organisation will
be introducing many of their stars to the public through a marketing
programme. The T&T Pro League's 2004 season begins next Sunday and
runs until December.
Jabloteh sent home.
25-Mar-2004 - Chicago, IL - The Chicago Fire began its 2004
schedule at Soldier Field the same way it ended its 2003 home campaign, as
captain Chris Armas struck the series-winning goal in the 90th minute to
give the Fire a 4-0 victory over Trinidad & Tobago Champions CL
Financial San Juan Jabloteh in the second leg of the 2004 CONCACAF
Champions Cup Quarterfinals Wednesday at Soldier Field. A pair of goals
from halftime substitute Dipsy Selolwane and Armas’ late tally tilted
the quarterfinal series in favor of the Fire, who emerged victorious from
the quarterfinals with a 6-5 advantage on aggregate goals. Chicago will
now move on to face the winner of the CF Pachuca (MEX) - Deportivo
Saprissa (CRC), which will begin on the road on Apr. 14 and conclude with
a home date on Apr. 21 at Soldier Field.
“I’m very proud of our team. We had a quiet confidence that we could
win this game. It’s unusual to think that way in the game of soccer when
you’re down three goals because goals are hard to get,” said Fire Head
Coach Dave Sarachan. “This game required patience, energy and a
commitment to win and composure. I felt my team showed that tonight. There
wasn’t a guy on the field that didn’t work as hard as they could work,
and they got the job done.”
After it dropped the first leg by a 5-2 margin in Trinidad one week ago,
the Fire entered tonight’s second leg needing three goals just to even
up the series, and Chicago’s offensive mentality showed from the start
as the “Men in Red” came out in an attack-minded 3-5-2 formation. The
Fire would gain a man-advantage in the early going after Jabloteh defender
Ian Gray earned his second yellow card. Gray’s late shoulder challenge
on Nate Jaqua sent the Fire forward into the Soldier Field wall and onto
the concrete that rings the field and the Jabloteh defender off the field
with the subsequent ejection. The Fire’s attack continued to surge and
paid off with a 42nd goal by forward Damani Ralph. The 2003 Gatorade
Rookie of the Year received a pass on the right flank from fellow Jamaican
Andy Williams and worked past a pair of defenders to find enough space to
get off a wicked blast from 20 yards out that nestled under the upper left
90 to give the Fire the 1-0 lead heading into the halftime break.
The second half opened up with Selolwane taking the place of defensive
midfielder Logan Pause, and the Fire’s leading scorer in the preseason
would continue his torrid spring pace with a double in the opening 17
minutes of the stanza. The first goal of the half was created after Armas
held the ball at the top of the penalty area and sent a pass to Selolwane,
who struck a blazing shot from 25 yards out that beat goalkeeper Duarance
Williams and put the Fire down just one goal in the series. That lead
would evaporate 11 minutes later when Ralph darted up the middle of the
field and played Selolwane behind the Jabloteh defense. The Botswanan
international would come through again, easily dribbling around Williams
in the right side of the penalty area to put the Fire up 3-0 in the game
and evening the series at 5-5.
“It would be unfair to say that Dipsy is going to be a reserve for us
all year,” said Sarachan. “He is competing for a starting position and
he earned some good points tonight. When guys don’t get the call as a
starter then the mentality becomes ‘I’ll do whatever I can to show the
coach and my team and myself that I can do that.’ He brought that
mentality tonight.”
The game would open up on both sides for the last half hour as the Fire
gathered their legs for one last final push and San Juan Jabloteh showed
glimpses of the flair that earned them a convincing win seven days ago.
However, Chicago would once again take over the flow of the match and
would gain the series winner in the 90th minute. Again Selolwane was at
the heart of the play, as his through ball sprang Armas free inside the
penalty |
Cleon
John - GK