T&T Players in U.S College Round-Up. (07-Oct-2005).[/color]
Julius James leading UCONN.Julius James is having the season of his life with the University of Connecticut thus far. From scoring the game winner against George Mason University to being named Big East Defensive player of the week, James and UCONN seems well on their way to another Big East title and hence an NCAA appearance. His companion, and former St Anthony's team-mate Steve Sealy, though unable to play this year due to medical reason, is giving all his support to see his team to victory. Julius has started all eleven games thus far and anchored his defense to eight wins and one draw. James and UCONN is confident coming off a 6-0 win to Marquette University and a 3-2 overtime win over Providence, now heading to face big timer Notre Dame University October 8th.
Towering Nore !Anthony Noriega has proved himself to be a tower of strength in the George Mason defense while starting all 9 games thus far. Anthony, standing at 6 foot 4 inches and weighing 180 pounds carries a wealth of success on his shoulders. From lifting the National Inter-Col title in 2001, then moved on to win the National NAIA title with the University of Mobile in 2002. Now servicing GMU, he has received many defensive accolades while representing them. He has helped George Mason to a 4-4-1 record thus far and he has 1 goal to his name. GMU are contenders to win their conference and enter the 2005 NCAA tournament in November. Noreiga was a tower in the Princes Town SC defense in 2001 and also caught the eye of former T&T coach Rene Simoes that same year. Noreiga was a member of the 2004 national under-23 Olympic team that had current senior team stars such as Silvio Spann and Scott Sealy playing along side Noreiga.
Mbwana Johnson living a dream.Mbwana Johnson, better known as "Sam" is living a dream while playing in his final year at the UB (University at Buffalo). Not only has Sam been named to several all Tournament teams this season, but he is also playing on a winning team. But this season success did not come over night. As early as two years ago, UB were averaging three wins a season but work hard and received their success. Sam has anchored the defense to ten wins, thus moving them up to 20th in the nation. But their real test will be when they face number 2nd ranked University of Akron on Friday 7th October. Akron is undefeated thus far and unlike UB has competed against quality recognized teams nationwide. Sam stated, “Honestly, I look forward to the challenge. I have almost always been with an underdog team, and it's a great feeling getting a big win.” For Sam and UB this is going to be the biggest game of their lives. He then went on to say, “I can't predict anything, but once our team buds at the right time I believe that we have a good chance at a national tournament appearance.” Only time would tell how the ex-under 17 national and Pleasantville standout would lead his defense against Akron.
Sour season for Fabien Lewis.Defenseman Fabien Lewis has not been able to play since September 7th when he suffered what might be considered a season ending injury. The 6 foot 180 pounds stalwart has been sour since watching his team helplessly from the side lines. Canisius College (CC) were unable to pick things up from where Lewis left off when he scored the game tying goal on the 7th of September, the same game he got injured. CC enters MAAC competition against Rider University in Lawrenceville New Jersey this Friday. Lewis, a solid defender was called up by ex-national coach Rene Simoes after some impressive display for Naps in 2001.
Farrier & Cruickshank enjoying big time program.Ancil Farrier formerly of Naparima College and Steve Cruickshank a midfeilder who made his T&T senior team debut under ex-coach Bertille St Clair just recently have been enjoying the success of playing with Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), which is one of the countries finest division 2 programs. SCSU have been able to compete and defeat teams such as UCONN who participate in division 1 competition. Presently ranked at 6th nationally, they continue to show why they are top NCAA contenders as they trashed Stonehill University 8-0. Farrier has started and played in all twelve games thus far while Cruickshank missed 2 games due to illness. Steve presently has 1 goal and 1 assist while Ancil has 4 assist. They both are instrumental figures in the starting line up for SCSU and strive to capture the NCAA division 2 title this season. Both players, ex-national, also stand a very good chance of playing professionally after school since the program usually produced on average two players each year that play pro in places such as the MLS, A-league and Norway. SCSU now hold a record of 8-2-2.
Final year for Keion Yearwood.Keion Yearwood has been a tower of strength for the College of Charleston men football team. This year has thus far been the most success with Keion being named to several All-tournament team and grabbing the defensive MVP award. Standing at 6 foot 2 inches, Keion has proved himself to be quality defender in his conference and more so nationally, when they moved on to the NCAA tournament after winning their regular season last year. Keion hopes to lead his team to yet another regular season title and then march them further into the NCAA tournament.
Man who ?....... Manswell !!!!Sherron Manswell is in ripping form this year in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for power house Boston College. After just playing a total of nine games in the 2004 season, Sherron has played in all nine games thus far and has eight goals and two assist. That makes him the leading goal scorer in the very tough and competitive ACC. Sherron is posing a serious threat to his opponent and seems to be finishing the season the same way he started it. Manswell had a double against St. Peter’s College (2003 NCAA 2nd round contenders) and then scoring the game winner against Northeastern University. Boston College now holds a 4-4-1 record (4 wins-, 4- loses and 1 draw).
Carron who ?Who is ripping up Conference USA once again? That sounds like the job of speedy and clinical Carron Williams. Carron have been Florida International University (FIU) most consistent and productive player. Thus far he has started and played in all 9 games, scoring 7 goals. Carron has won a national title with University of Mobile back in 2002 and then made two back to back appearances with FIU thus far. He has also been named to All-Atlantic first team two years in a row, All-South Region second team and named team MVP in 2004. Carron hopes to continue his fine form. But this year being his senior year, he would strive to gain more success at the NCAA tournament in an attempt to gain the attention of MLS scouts.
Dean Logan nets.Dean Logan registered his first goal of the season in style when he scored the winning goal over arch-rival William Carey College in overtime. Logan, the offensive leader for University of Mobile (UM), is expected to producing more goals this season. It is not going to be easy since Logan would have to do without the services of Jason Providence who usually delivers numerous and dangerous crosses when in action. Jason is presently nursing an injury. University of Mobile is presently 1-3-2 on the season. Another player who caught the eye of Rene Simoes while playing for Princes Town SC in 2001.
Toby in charge !Tallented Tobagonian, Darren Toby of the College of Charleston men’s football team is leading goal scorer. He presently has 3 goals and 4 assist, almost topping last season performance and only midway through the season. The broad frame of Darren has made him a dangerous striker in his conference. After bowing out of the NCAA tournament last season in the second round, the former national under 23 stand-out is anxious for revenge. College of Charleston looks likely to yet another regular season title and a NCAA appearance where Darren hopes to leave his mark there.
Teba aims Higher.Teba McKnight, of the George Mason University football team, presently has 2 goals and 2 assist to his name this season. However, his interest lies most in helping his team to the 2005 NCAA appearance where he would be able to show case himself. Playing the role of creator rather than a finisher this season, McKnight has full confidence in his team’s ability to reach the NCAA tournament. McKnight is All-Conference and All-Region player and returns this seasons as one of the most feared attacked to his Conference.
This has been a production of the Soca Warriors News Press.[/color]