Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Flex on May 29, 2017, 05:45:07 AM
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JUNE
Pro League Starts
09:06:17, 6:00pm, Club Sando 1 (Keron Cornwall 13) v Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Kerry Daniel 29, Sheldon Holder 60), Ato Boldon Stadium
09:06:17, 8:00pm, Central FC 0 v San Juan Jabloteh 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
10:06:17, 7:00pm, North East Stars 1 (Kevon Villaroel 11) v Point Fortin Civic 0, Arima Velodrome
12:06:17, 6:00pm, Defence Force 1 (Jerwyn Balthazar 3) v Police FC 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
12:06:17, 8:00pm, W Connection 1 (Marcus Joseph 89) v St Ann’s Rangers 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
16:06:17, 6:00pm, Police FC 1 (Elijah Belgrave 87) v Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Taje Commissiong 31), Ato Boldon Stadium
16:06:17, 8:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Julio Noel 69) v Defence Force 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
16:06:17, 6:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 1 (Stephen Joseph 31) v W Connection 2 (Briel Thomas 28, Marcus Joseph 43), Mahaica Oval
16:06:17, 8:00pm, North East Stars P-P Central FC, Arima Velodrome - Postponed due to poor ground and lighting conditions
20:06:17, 6:00pm, Club Sando P-P St. Ann’s Rangers, Ato Boldon Stadium - Postponed due to tropical Storm Bret - *a
23:06:17, 6:00pm, Central FC 5 (Sean De Silva 30, Johan Peltier 35, Taryk Sampson 61, Carlos Edwards 69, Jason Marcano 77-Pen) v Point Fortin Civic 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
23:06:17, 8:00pm, W Connection 3 (Dimitrie Apai 46, Neil Benjamin Jr. 59, 90) v Club Sando 1 (Keyon Edwards 70), Ato Boldon Stadium
24:06:17, 4:00pm, Police FC 1 (Joshua Leach 70) v St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Xae Pierre De Fou 32), Larry Gomes Stadium
27:06:17, 6:00pm, Defence Force 1 (Hashim Arcia 44) v North East Stars 2 (Jomoul Francois 6, Rundell Winchester 60), Ato Boldon Stadium
27:06:17, 8:00pm, Morvant Caledonia United 0 v San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Kareem Baptiste 72 Own-Goal), Ato Boldon Stadium
30:06:17, 6:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 1 (Kevin Rouse 35) v Club Sando 1 (Kevon Piper 33), Mahaica Oval
30:06:17, 6:00pm, Police FC 1 (Gerard Williams 55 Own-Goal) v W Connection 0, Hasely Crawford Stadium
30:06:17, 8:00pm, Defence Force 0 v Central FC 4 (Sean De Silva 64, 73, Johan Peltier 79, Nathaniel Garcia 84), Hasely Crawford Stadium
30:06:17, 8:00pm, North East Stars 1 (Rundell Winchester 42) v Morvant Caledonia United 0, Arima Velodrome
JULY
01:07:17, 5:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Adrian Reid 87-Pen, Aaquil Campbell 90+2.) v St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Barataria Recreation Ground
04:07:17, 6:00pm, Club Sando 2 (Tyrone Charles 51, 54) v St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Ato Boldon Stadium - *a
07:07:17, 6:00pm, Club Sando 4 (Keron Cornwall 21, 79, Jared London 50, Adan Noel 90) v Police FC 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
07:07:17, 8:00pm, W Connection 3 (Neil Benjamin Jr 55, Josiah Trimmingham 58 Own-Goal, Jamal Charles 90) vs San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Josiah Trimmingham 26-Pen), Ato Boldon Stadium
08:07:17, 4:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Josh Toussaint 65) v North East Stars 2 (Kerry Baptiste 56, 64), St. Augustine Secondary School Ground
11:07:17, 6:00pm, Defence Force 0 v Point Fortin Civic 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
11:07:17, 8:00pm, Morvant Caledonia United 0 v Central FC 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
14:07:17, 6:00pm, Central FC 0 v St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Josh Toussaint 57), Ato Boldon Stadium
14:07:17, 8:00pm, W Connection 2 (Neil Benjamin Jr 2, Marcus Joseph 38) v North East Stars 2 (Jameel Neptune 83, Kordell Samuel 90+2), Ato Boldon Stadium
14:07:17, 7:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 0 v Police FC 0, Mahaica Oval
15:07:17, 4:00pm, Defence Force 0 v Morvant Caledonia United 0, Larry Gomes Stadium
15:07:17, 5:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Jevon Morris 35) v Club Sando 2 (Akim Armstrong 37, Nical Stephens 90+3), Barataria Recreation Ground
28:07:17, 8:00pm, North East Stars 3 (Rundell Winchester 9, Elton John 38-Pen, Akeem Garcia 48) v Police FC 2 (Elijah Belgrave 19, Jameel Perry 45), Arima Velodrome
29:07:17, 4:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers v Morvant Caledonia United, Larry Gomes Stadium - Postponed - *b
29:07:17, 4:00pm, Central FC 1 (Kaydion Gabriel 66) v Club Sando 1 (Akim Armstrong 90), Ato Boldon Stadium
29:07:17, 6:00pm, W Connection 1 (Marcus Joseph 90+1) v Defence Force 4 (Reon Moore 27, 88, Dillon King 64, Kellon Serrette 74), Ato Boldon Stadium
AUGUST
Inaugural 2017 CONCACAF League
01:08:17, 8:00pm, Santos de Guapiles FC (CRC) 6 (Kenny Cunningham 4-Pen, Starling Matarrita 31, Youstin Salas 39, Edder Monguio 57, Osvaldo Rodriguez 72, Juan Madrigal 78-Pen) v San Juan Jabloteh (TRI) 2 (Keithy Simpson 50, Nathan Lewis 89), Ebal Rodríguez Stadium
03:08:17, 8:00pm, Central FC (TRI) 1 (Johan Peltier 20) v CD Arabe Unido (PAN) 2 (Carlos Small 38, Enrico Small 62), Hasely Crawford Stadium
Pro League Continues
04:08:17, 6:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Anslem Jackson 13) v Point Fortin Civic 2 (Matthew Bartholomew 19, 90), Hasely Crawford Stadium
04:08:17, 8:00pm, Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kareem Joseph 66) v W Connection 1 (Marcus Joseph 56), Hasely Crawford Stadium
05:08:17, 4:00pm, Club Sando 2 (Kevon Piper 58, Adan Noel 87) v Defence Force 1 (Kellon Serrette 78), Manny Ramjohn Stadium
Inaugural 2017 CONCACAF League
08:08:17, 8:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh (TRI) 1 (Adrian Reid 3-Pen) v Santos de Guapiles FC (CRC) 2 (José Garro 33, Edder Solórzano 72), Hasely Crawford Stadium
10:08:17, 7:00pm, CD Arabe Unido (PAN) 3 (Renán Addles 3, 23, Carlos Small 69) v Central FC (TRI) 0, Armando Dely Valdés Stadium
Pro League Continues
11:08:17, 6:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 1 (Kevin Moodie 90+1) v North East Stars 0, Mahaica Oval
11:08:17, 6:00pm, Police FC 2 (Kareem Perry 36, Kareem Freitas 59) v Defence Force 2 (Reon Moore 28, Jerwyn Balthazar 83), Hasely Crawford Stadium
11:08:17, 8:00pm, Morvant Caledonia United 0 v Club Sando 1 (25 Own-Goal), Hasely Crawford Stadium
12:08:17, 4:30pm, St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Xae Pierre Du Four 19) v W Connection 5 (Neil Benjamin Jr 18, 70, 84, Isaiah Hudson 61, Jameel Antoine 80), Ato Boldon Stadium
15:08:17, 5:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh v Central FC, Barataria Oval - Suspended
18:08:17, 6:00pm, Point Fortin Civic v San Juan Jabloteh, Mahaica Oval - Suspended - *c
18:08:17, 6:00pm, North East Stars v Central FC, Arima Velodome - Suspended - *d
19:08:17, 4:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers v Morvant Caledonia United, St Augustine Secondary Ground - Suspended - *b
22:08:17, 5:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh v North East Stars, Barataria Recreation Ground - Suspended - *e
22:08:17, 6:00pm, Police FC v Central FC, Hasely Crawford Stadium - Suspended - *f
SEPTEMBER
08:09:17, 6:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 1 (Glenn Sutton 69) v San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Nathan Lewis 49, Jesus Perez 75), Mahaica Oval - *c
08:09:17, 8:00pm, North East Stars 1 (Duane Muckette 57) v Central FC 1 (Mickaeel Jem Gordon 89), Arima Velodrome - *d
10:09:17, 6:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Neil Mitchell 78) v Morvant Caledonia United 0, St. Augustine Secondary Ground - *b
12:09:17, 5:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Julio Noel 21) v North East Stars 1 (Kerry Baptiste 26), Barataria Oval - *e
12:09:17, 5:00pm, Police FC 3 (Kurdell Brathwaite 32, Joshua Leach 86, 88) v Central FC 0, Police Barracks - *f
15:09:17, 6:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Gerald Meloney 48, Kathon St Hillaire 55) v Defence Force 3 (Devorn Jorsling 3, 58, Hashim Arcia 66), Ato Boldon Stadium
FA-Cup Round of 64
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Central FC (PL) 0 v Morvant Caledonia United (PL) 2 (Sheldon Holder 27, Kareem Joseph 65), Ato Boldon Stadium
16:09:17, 4:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh (PL) 7 (Sean Bonval 5, 27, Julio Noel 8, Kadeem Hutchinson 10, Jairo Lombardo 33, 68, Dominic Douglas 79) vs La Horquetta XF (EFA) 0, Larry Gomes Stadium
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Siparia Spurs (SL) 1 (Sylvester Teesdale 52) v North East Stars (PL) 5 (Anselm Jackson 69, Jalani Felix 90, Keston George 43, Qian Grosvenor 83, Elton John 90+2-Pen), Palo Seco Recreation Ground
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Eagles FC (CFA) 1 v Matura All Stars (ECFU) 1, Africa Ground
After Penalties: Eagles FC 9 vs Mathura All Stars 10
16:09:17, 4:00pm, D’Marie Hill Youths (ECFU) 0 v Guaya United (SL) 1, D’Marie Hill Recreation Ground
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Malta Carib Alcons (NFA) 1 v UTT (SL) 2, UTT Ground
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Fire Service FC (CFA) 4 v Black Rock FC (TFA) 3, Woodford Lodge
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Manzan United (ECFU) 0 v Prisons FC (SL) 1, Manzanilla Recreation Ground
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Perseverance Ball Runners (CFA) 1 v Erin FC (SFA) 1, New Settlement Ground
After Penalties: Perseverance Ball Runners 7 v Erin FC 6.
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Biche United (ECFU) 2 v Trinity Rangers (EFA) 2, Biche Recreation Ground
After Penalties: Biche United 2 vs Trinity Rangers 4
16:09:17, 4:00pm, QPCC (SL) 0 v FC FC Santa Rosa (SL) 3, St. Anthony’s Grounds
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Petit Valley United (SL) 1 v Cunupia FC (SL) 4, Diego Martin N Secondary Ground
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Central Soccer World (CFA) 1 v Harlem Strikers (CFA) 0, St. Mary’s Ground
16:09:17, 4:00pm, Serial Strikers (SFA) 0 v Pitchmen FC (SFA) 0, Lachoos Road Recreation Facility
After Penalties: Serial Strikers 4 vs Pitchmen FC 5
16:09:17, 5:00pm, 1976 FC Phoenix (SL) 2 v Goal City FC (TFA) 1, Bon Accord Recreation Ground
16:09:17, 6:00pm, Calder Hall FC (TFA) 2 v Bethel FC (SL) 3, Mt. Pleasant Recreation Ground
17:09:17, 3:00pm, WASA FC (EFA) 1 (Theo Hosine 80) v FC Maloney (EFA) 0, WASA Ground
17:09:17, 3:30pm, Step by Step Maple (NFA) 0 v Stokely Vale FC (SL) 3, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field
17:09:17, 4:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers (PL) 1 (Micah Lansiquot 52) vs Perseverance Ball Runners (CFA) 9,
17:09:17, 4:00pm, Red Hill FC (EFA) 1 (Josiah Johnson 12) v Point Fortin Civic (PL) 5 (Jabari Mitchell 19, 49, 70, Keron Neptune 74, Jerimiah Kesar 89), Maloney Recreation Ground
17:09:17, 4:00pm, Santa Flora FC (SFA) 1 (Efeefa Nathaniel 44) v Harlem Strikers (SL) 0, Santa Flora Ground
17:09:17, 4:00pm, RSSR (NFA) 0 v Signal Hill United (THA) 1, Hasely Crawford Stadium
17:09:17, 4:00pm, San Fernando Giants (SFA) 2 v St. Francois Nationals (NFA) 1, Union Recreation Ground
17:09:17, 4:00pm, Club Sando Moruga (SL) 2 v Perseverance United (CFA) 1, Grand Chemin Recreation Ground
17:09:17, 4:00pm, Leeds FC (TFA) 3 v Creek SCC (EFA) 3, Mt. Pleasant Recreation Ground
Leeds won by default
17:09:17, 4:00pm, Central 500 Spartans (SL) 1 v Marabella Family Crisis Centre (SL) 1, Edinburgh 500 Recreation Ground
After Penalties: Central 500 Spartans 5 vs Marabella Family Crisis Centre 4
17:09:17, 4:00pm, Defence Force FC (SL) v Youth Stars (SL), Headquarters Ground - Postponed
17:09:17, 4:00pm, Pele Pele (SFA) 0 v Police FC (SL) 3, La Brea Recreation Facility
Police won by default
17:09:17, 4:30pm, Cultural Roots (NFA) 1 (68) v Club Sando (PL) 2 (Josiah Trimmingham 8, Akeem Redhead 38), Dibe Recreation Ground
17:09:17, 5:00pm, W Connection (PL) 12 (Ronell Paul 4, Malik St. Prix 14, 18, 23, Neil Benjamin 15, 83, Marcus Joseph 27, 30, 71, Daniel Diaz 65, Dimitri Apai 78, 80) v Tamana United (ECFU) 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
17:09:17, 5:00pm, Belmont FC (NFA) 0 v Defence Force (PL) 3 (Devorn Jorsling, Jamali Garica, Jameel Cooper), Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field
17:09:17, 5:00pm, WASA FC (SL) 1 (Gary Glasgow) v Police FC (PL) 2 (Kareem Freitas, Jibri Mc David 90+), WASA Ground
Pro League Continues
19:09:17, 6:00pm, Club Sando 0 v North East Stars 2 (Densill Theobald 30, Rundell Winchester 60), Ato Boldon Stadium
19:09:17, 8:00pm, W Connection 2 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 34, Marcus Joseph 76) v Central FC 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
22:09:17, 6:00pm, Defence Force 1 (Hashim Arcia 84) v San Juan Jabloteh 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
22:09:17, 8:00pm, Central FC 0 v North East Stars 6 (Elton John 4, Jameel Neptune 14, Rundell Winchester 22, 41, 85, Jelani Felix 81), Ato Boldon Stadium
23:09:17, 4:00pm, W Connection 3 (Shirvone Malik St. Prix 14, Jameel Antoine 45+1, Neil Benjamin Jr. 85) v Point Fortin Civic 0, Manny Ramjohn Stadium
23:09:17, 4:00pm, Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Sheldon Holder 7, Lester Joseph 31) v Police FC 1 (Todd Ryan 85-Pen), Hasely Crawford Stadium
24:09:17, 4:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers 0 v Club Sando 0, St. Augustine Senior Secondary Ground
26:09:17, 4:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 0 v Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Renaldo Francois 5), Mahaica Oval
FA-Cup Round of 32
OCTOBER
01:10:17, 3:30pm, Morvant Caledonia United (PL) 1 (Sheldon Holder) v Stokely Vale (SL) 1 (Jasmine Walters), Hasely Crawford Stadium
After Penalties: Morvant Caledonia United 4 v Stokely Vale FC 3
01:10:17, 3:45pm, Defence Force (PL) 10 (Jorsling 9-Pen, 24-Pen, 27-Pen, 45, 80, Hashim Arcia 31, 83, 84, Kellon Serrette 42, Jemel Sebro 55) v Trinity Rangers (EFA) 0, Manny Ramjohn Stadium
01:10:17, 4:00pm, Point Fortin Civic (PL) v Signall Hill United (TFA), Mahaica Oval - Did not play
01:10:17, 5:00pm, Leeds FC (TFA) 1 (Valton Brathwaite 67) v WASA FC (EFA) 2 (Akil Harley 11, Michael Lee Celestine 73), Plymouth Recreation Ground
01:10:17, 6:00pm, Central 500 Spartans (SL) 4 (Darius Peters 33, Josiah Grazette 44, Dion Lewis 81, Amalias James 87) v Perseverance Ball Runners (CFA) 1 (Paul Jones 90+2), Edinburgh 500 Recreation Ground
01:10:17, 7:00pm, Pitchmen FC (SFA) 2 (Elijah Alleyne 79, 81) v North East Stars (PL) 4 (Kishun Seecharan 6, Kerry Baptiste 19, Jomoul Francois 23, Giovanni Abraham 84), La Brea Recreation Ground
04:10:17, 0:00pm, San Fernando Giants (SFA) 0 v Police FC (SL) 1 (Jason Boodram 85), Mahaica Oval
04:10:17, 3:45pm, W Connection (PL) 3 (Shirvone Malik St. Prix 41, Daniel Diaz 51, Dimitri Apai 85) v Bethel United (SL) 0, Manny Ramjohn Stadium
04:10:17, 3:45pm, T&T Prisons FC (SL) 1 (Isaiah Thomas 2) v 1976 FC Phoenix (SL) 4 (Dominic Kerr 24, Kaleb Douglas 69, Andell Noray 80, Noel Williams 83), YTC Ground
04:10:17, 4:00pm, Club Sando Moruga (SL) 6 (Andy London 27, 41, 61, Amin Julien 29, 33, 83) v Sangre Grande Dream Team (ECFU) 3 (Ashai Charles 36, Jamaal Sample 58, Patrick Parris 65-Pen), Grand Chemin
04:10:17, 5:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh (PL) 1 (Keithy Simpson 18) v Defence Force (SL) 2 (Michael Edwards 33, 72), Barataria Oval
04:10:17, 6:00pm, Police FC (PL) 3 (Jameel Perry 6, 68, 76) v UTT (SL) 1 (Cornell Glen 9), St James Police Training Barracks
05:10:17, 3:30pm, Club Sando (PL) 1 (Leslie Joel Russell 18) v Guaya United (SL) 1 (Kelvin Jagdeosingh 42), Manny Ramjohn Stadium
After Penalties: Club Sando 5 (Akim Armstrong, Nical Stephens, Kemuel Rivers, Michael Basdeo, Tyrone Charles) v Guaya United 6 (Glenton Wolfe, Kevin Jagdeosingh, Andrei Pacheco, Justin Fournillier, Jody Allsop, Kion Joseph)
05:10:17, 3:45pm, FC Santa Rosa (SL) 3 (Khelon Mitchell 20, Ryan Stewart 66, Keron Cornwall 90+1) v Santa Flora FC (SFA) 1 (Isaiah Taylor 54), Arima Municipal Stadium
05:10:17, 6:30pm, Cunupia FC (SL) 8 (Stevon Stoute 8, Kerwin Valley 23, Kevon Woodley 27, 32, 57-Pen, 70, Hakeem Legall 45, Kern Roberts 55) v Central Soccer World (CFA) 0, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field
04:10:17, 6:30pm, St Ann’s Rangers (PL) 3 (Micah Lansiquot 32, Kazim Donald 39-Pen, Neil Gerard Mitchell 80) v Fire Service (CFA) 0, St Augustine Secondary Ground
Pro League Continues
07:10:17, 4:00pm, North East Stars 4 (Akeem Garcia 22, Yohance Marshall 57, Jalani Garcia 78, 83) v Defence Force 0, Arima Municipal Stadium
07:10:17, 4:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Sean Bonval 11) v Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Kareem Joseph 88, 89), Barataria Oval
First Citizens Cup Play-off Round
11:10:17, 3:30pm, Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 60, Tyrik John 90+2) v St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Josh Toussaint 69), Ato Boldon Stadium
11:10:17, 5:30pm, Police FC 0 v Point Fortin Civic 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
After Penalties: Police FC 1 (Todd Ryan) v Point Fortin Civic 4 (Jabari Mitchell, Nathaniel Garcia, Shackiel Henry, Nickcolson Thomas)
First Citizens Cup Quarter Final Round
13:10:17, 6:00pm, Club Sando 3 (Akim Armstrong 36-Pen, 88, Josiah Trimmingham 42) v Morvant Caledonia United (C) 1 (Kerry Daniel 33), Ato Boldon Stadium
13:10:17, 8:00pm, Defence Force 3 (Reon Moore 26, Hashim Arcia 80, Devorn Jorsling 90+1) v San Juan Jabloteh (D) 3 (Kadeem Hutchinson 69, 72, Keithy Simpson 86), Ato Boldon Stadium
After Penalties: Defence Force 4 (Devorn Jorsling, Hashim Arcia, Curtis Gonzales, Dylon King) v San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Elijah Manners, Kennedy Hinkson)
14:10:17, 3:30pm, North East Stars 0 v Point Fortin Civic (A) 1 (Jabari Mitchell 49), Larry Gomes Stadium
15:10:17, 3:30pm, W Connection 3 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 37, Euller Eduardo Couto 59, Daniel Diaz 90+1) v Central FC (B) 1 (Mickaeel Jem Gordon 45+1), Manny Ramjohn Stadium
Pro League Continues
17:10:17, 0:00pm, Club Sando 1 (Akim Armstrong 31-Pen) v W Connection 1 (Dimitri Apai 15), Manny Ramjohn Stadium
17:10:17, 0:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Kathon St. Hillaire 27, Micah Lansiquot 72) v Police FC 2 (Todd Ryan 53, Kareem Freitas 87), St. Augustine Secondary
17:10:17, 0:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Kadeem Hutchinson 64) v Central FC 3 (Sean De Silva 35, Mickaeel Jem Gordon 41, 83), Barataria Oval
FA-Cup Round of 16
22:10:17, 3:30pm, Morvant Caledonia United (PL) 1 (Kelsey Benjamin 61) v North East Stars (PL) 1 (Keston George 29), Hasely Crawford Stadium
After Penalties: Morvant Caledonia United 4 v North East Stars 1
22:10:17, 3:30pm, W Connection (PL) 3 (Daniel Diaz 7, Dimitri Apai 53, Alvin Jones 71) v Cunupia FC (SL) 2 (Kevon Woodley 69-Pen, 75), Manny Ramjohn Stadium
22:10:17, 3:30pm, Club Sando Moruga (SL) 2 (Sharkeel Louison 43, Akim Julien 56) v St. Ann’s Rangers (PL) 2 (Aaquil Selby 13, Jerrel Hilbert 27), Grand Chemin
After Penalties: Club Sando Moruga 3 v St. Ann’s Rangers 1
22:10:17, 3:30pm, Police FC (SL) 0 v Point Fortin Civic (PL) 2 (Jabari Mitchell 15, Shaquille Dublin 85), Police Barracks
22:10:17, 4:00pm, Defence Force (PL) 5 (Hashim Arcia 11, 39, 51, Curtis Gonzales 82, Akil Morris 90) v Central 500 Spartans (SL) 1 (Donavon Derrick 62), Barataria Oval
22:10:17, 6:00pm, Defence Force (SL) v Guaya United (SL), Barataria Oval - Postponed
22:10:17, 4:30pm, WASA FC (EFA) 1 (Theo Hosein 59) v Police FC (PL) 2 (Elijah Belgrave 89, Kenaz Williams 90+2), WASA Ground
Pro League Continues
24:10:17, 0:00pm, Club Sando 4 (Akim Armstrong 41-Pen, Jayson Joseph 44, Keron Cornwall 48, Josiah Trimmingham 62) v Point Fortin Civic 2 (Stephen Campbell 83, Shaquille Dublin 89), Hasely Crawford Stadium
24:10:17, 0:00pm, Central FC 0 v Defence Force 4 (Reon Moore 8, Hashim Arcia 16, Sean Bateau 51 Own-Goal, Devorn Jorsling 64), Larry Gomes Stadium
24:10:17, 0:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers 0 v San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Jairo Lombardo 52, Nathan Lewis 85), St. Augustine Secondary Ground
24:10:17, 0:00pm, Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Sheldon Holder 35, 42) v North East Stars 3 (Jameel Neptune 30, Kerry Baptiste 49, Rundell Winchester 63), Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field
FA-Cup Round of 16
25:10:17, 3:30pm, 1976 FC Phoenix (SL) 2 v FC Santa Rosa (SL) 2 (Kheelon Mitchell 16, 73), 5pm, Canaan Recreation Ground
After Penalties: 1976 FC Phoenix 3 v FC Santa Rosa 2
Pro League Continues
27:10:17, 5:00pm, Police FC 1 (Kareem Perry 60) v Point Fortin Civic 2 (Shackiel Henry 24, Shaquille Dublin 52), Barataria Oval
27:10:17, 6:00pm, North East Stars 1 (Elton John 3) v W Connection 0, Arima Velodrome
28:10:17, 3:30pm, Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kareem Joseph 69-Pen) v Defence Force 3 (Akil Morris 8, Reon Moore 66, Shaquille Bertrand 90+3), Hasely Crawford Stadium
29:10:17, 3:30pm, Club Sando 5 (Akim Armstrong 12, Keron Cornwall 20, Michael Basdeo 73, Akeem Redhead 90, Adan Noel 90+3) v San Juan Jabloteh 0, Manny Ramjohn Stadium
29:10:17, 3:30pm, St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Aaquil Selby 52-Pen, Xae-Pierre De Fou 82) v Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 10, Sean De Silva 90+3, St. Augustine Senior Secondary Ground
31:10:17, 3:30pm, Central FC 3 (Maestro Mensah 11 Own-Goal, Kaydion Gabriel 30, Jason Marcano 82) v Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Sheldon Holder 9, 75’), Hasely Crawford Stadium
31:10:17, 4:00pm, North East Stars 6 (Rundell Winchester 15, Densill Theobald 33, Shane Sandy 39 Own-Goal, Kevon Villoroel 51, Akeem Garcia 60, Jomoul Francois 76) v St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Arima Velodrome
31:10:17, 6:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 0 v Defence Force 1 (Jerome Mc Intyre 32), Mahaica Oval
NOVEMBER
First Citizens Cup Semi-Final Round
03:11:17, 6:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 3 (Skackiel Henry 11, Akinola Gregory 37, Jabari Mitchell 53-Pen) v Defence Force 3 (Devorn Jorsling 17, 40, Jerwyn Balthazar 90+3), = M, Ato Boldon Stadium
After Penalties: Point Fortin Civic 3 (Jabari Mitchell, Shackiel Henry, Stephan Campbell) v Defence Force 4 (Hashin Arcia, Curtis Gonzales, Dylon King, Jerome Mc Intyre)
03:11:17, 8:00pm, W Connection 2 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 69, Daniel Diaz 82) v Club Sando 0, = N, Ato Boldon Stadium
Pro League Continues
05:11:17, 3:30pm, Police FC 3 (Elijah Belgrave 5, Keion Wilson 8, Todd Ryan 90+3) v San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Nathan Lewis 73, Sean Bonval 77), Hasely Crawford Stadium
FA-Cup Quarter-Finals
07:11:17, 4:00pm, Club Sando Moruga (SL) 0 v Morvant Caledonia United (PL) 1 (Kareem Joseph 90-Pen), Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field
07:11:17, 6:15pm, Police FC (PL) 3 (Todd Ryan 56-Pen, Elijah Belgrave 88, Joshua Leach 90+5) v Defence Force (PL) 1 (Jemel Sebro 46), Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field
08:11:17, 4:00pm, Point Fortin Civic (PL) 0 v 1976 FC Phoenix (SL) 2 (Andel Noray 2, 51-Pen), Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field
08:11:17, 6:15pm, W Connection (PL) 1 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 79) v Guaya United (SL) 0, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field
First Citizens Cup Third-Place
17:11:17, 6:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 1 (Nathaniel Garcia 44) v Club Sando 1 (Akeem Redhead 85), Ato Boldon Stadium
After Penalties: Point Fortin Civic 3 (Jabari Mitchell, Nathaniel Garcia, Stephan Campbell) v Club Sando 4 (Kemuel Rivers, Leslie Joel Russell, Josiah Trimmingham, Tyrone Charles)
First Citizens Cup Final
17:11:17, 8:00pm, W Connection 3 (Dimitrie Apai 19, 85, Hughtun Hector 24) v Defence Force 1 (Hashim Arcia 14), Ato Boldon Stadium
Pro League Continues
19:11:17, 3:30pm, Police FC 1 (Clevon Mc Fee 53) v Club Sando 0, Hasely Crawford Stadium
19:11:17, 5:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 2 (Akinola Gregory 24, Shackiel Henry 33) v Central FC 1 (Mickaeel Jem Gordon 53), Mahaica Oval
20:11:17, 4:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh 0 v W Connection 3 (Dimitri Apai 66, Jameel Antoine, 82, Marcus Joseph 89), Barataria Oval
21:11:17, 4:00pm, North East Stars 1 (Akeem Garcia 50) v Club Sando 1 (Tyrone Charles 90+3), Arima Velodrome
21:11:17, 5:00pm, Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Sheldon Holder 17) v Point Fortin Civic 3 (Jabari Mitchell 24, Akinola Gregory 47, Shackeil Henry 60), Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field
21:11:17, 6:00pm, Defence Force 4 (Devorn Jorsling 7, Reon Moore 48, Christopher Durity 87, Curtis Gonzales 89-Pen) v St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
22:11:17, 4:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh 4 (Sean Bonval 19, Dominic Douglas 39, Keron Bethelmy 86, Kadeem Hutchinson 90) v Police FC 3 (Ryan O’Neil 52, 90’+2, Elijah Belgrave 88), Barataria Oval
22:11:17, 6:00pm, Central FC 1 (Jiron Francis 85) v W Connection 3 (Marcus Joseph 49, Neil Benjamin Jr. 81, Shirvone Malick St. Prix 90+4), Ato Boldon Stadium
24:11:17, 3:30pm, Morvant Caledonia United 3 (Sheldon Holder 30, Simeon Bailey 73, Sedale Mc Lean 90+2) v St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Hasely Crawford Stadium
24:11:17, 6:00pm, Police FC 0 v North East Stars 1 (Keston George 75), Ato Boldon Stadium
24:11:17, 8:00pm, Defence Force 2 (Devorn Jorsling 16, Shaquille Bertrand 90+3) v W Connection 1 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 75), Ato Boldon Stadium
25:11:17, 3:30pm, Club Sando 2 (Keyon Edwards 69, Josiah Trimmingham 78) v Central FC 0, Larry Gomes Stadium
25:11:17, 4:00pm, San Juan Jabloteh 5 (Kennedy Hinkson 40, 51, Sean Bonval 60, 72, Nathan Lewis 70) v Point Fortin Civic 4 (Jared Bennett 5, 47, Akinola Gregory 22, Jabari Mitchell 28), Barataria Oval
FA-Cup Semi-Final
26:11:17, 4:00pm, W Connection (PL) 3 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 4, Hughtun Hector 26, Dimitri Apai 75) v 1976 FC Phoenix (SL) 0, Ato Boldon Stadium
26:11:17, 6:15pm, Police FC (PL) 5 (Kareem Freitas 19, 54, 84, Elijah Belgrave 47, 51) v Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Sedale Mc Lean 90), Ato Boldon Stadium
Pro League Continues
28:11:17, 3:30pm, Defence Force 0 v Club Sando 0, Hasely Crawford Stadium Outside Field
28:11:17, 6:00pm, North East Stars 2 (Rundell Winchester 69, Kishun Seecharan 72) v San Juan Jabloteh 3 (Julio Noel 3, Sean Bonval 21, Kadeem Hutchinson 32), Arima Velodrome
28:11:17, 6:00pm, Point Fortin Civic 7 (Jared Bennett 7, 47, 54, 75, Nathaniel Garcia 27, 76, Kevin Moodie 69) v St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Mahaica Oval
28:11:17, 6:00pm, Central FC (Jason Marcano 12, Dexter Alleyne 56 Own-Goal) v Police FC 7 (Shaquille Williams 20, 58, Dexter Alleyne 29, 35, Kurdell Brathwaite 5, Keion Wilson 54, Tirik John 90+1 Own-Goal), Ato Boldon Stadium
28:11:17, 8:00pm, W Connection 0 v Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kerry Daniel 67), Ato Boldon Stadium
DECEMBER
FA-Cup Final
08:12:17, 8:00pm, 3 (Dimitri Apai 32, Hughtun Hector 45, 90) v Police FC 1 (Jameel Perry 67), Ato Boldon Stadium
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Pro League 2017 season kicks off June 9.
T&T Newsday Reports.
THE 2017 edition of the TT Pro League will kick off on June 9 with a Round One Match Day One doubleheader at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
The Round One Match Day One schedule was posted on the Pro League’s website recently, with Morvant Caledonia United meeting Club Sando at 6 pm, followed by a clash of the servicemen, between Police and Defence Force.
The other three Round One Match Day One fixtures will be contested on June 10, with three-time champs Central FC meeting San Juan Jabloteh at 6 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, following a showdown between last season’s runners-up W Connection and St Ann’s Rangers.
And, at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, North East Stars will square off against Point Fortin Civic.
According to a post on the League’s Facebook page, the 2017 season is expected to conclude on December 17.
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Have these games been switched around? The TT pro league website showing something different. I was going to check out the central v jabloteh game but here says 6/10 and the website says 6/9.
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Have these games been switched around? The TT pro league website showing something different. I was going to check out the central v jabloteh game but here says 6/10 and the website says 6/9.
Correct.
The Pro League takes itself seriously; however, it needs to treat with its consumers and other stakeholders seriously, and make 11th hour changes the exception rather than the rule ( indeed preferably non-existent).
Time to shake the perception and dynamic of the league being run week to week.
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Lawrence names 24-man Roster to face USA in WCQ on Thursday.
TTFA Media.
Head Coach Dennis Lawrence today announced a 24-man Roster ahead of Thursday’s 2018 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier against the United States at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver.
Lawrence and his coaching staff used the past days dating back to May 24th to assess players during a residential training camp before finalising the squad for the encounter.
The squad is as follows – Jan-Michael Williams, Marvin Phillip, Adrian Foncette, Carlos Edwards, Aubrey David, Alvin Jones, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Mekeil Williams, Triston Hodge, Sheldon Bateau, Daneil Cyrus, Curtis Gonzales, Joevin Jones, Andre Boucaud, Kevan George, Hashim Arcia, Khaleem Hyland, Leston Paul, Kevin Molino, Hughtun Hector, Nathan Lewis, Shahdon Winchester, Jamille Boatswain and Kenwyne Jones.
The players who have returned home, all due to injuries, are Willis Plaza, Jomal Williams and Akeem Roach.
Dutch-based winger Levi Garcia was not considered for selection due to a hamstring injury while US-based player Cordell Cato was released due to disciplinary reasons.
Lawrence said he was anticipating the upcoming days of preparations with his full compliment of players ahead of Thurday’s fixture.
“We arrived here on May 23rd to begin a training camp with the objective of getting acclimatised with the players available to us and I am able to say that we were able to get in some proper training which allowed me and the coaching staff to get a good impression of how the players would react under the conditions here. The players have responded positively with a good attitude and the spirit in the camp has been good with everyone having a proper understanding as to why we are here.
“Now we are under a week away from the match and we should have the full squad together from later this evening and tomorrow we will begin the final leg of preparations. We are heading into it in a positive frame of mind and ready to focus all our energies into ensuring we prepare as best as possible for what is ahead of us,” Lawrence added.
T&T Roster
Goalkeepers:
Jan-Michael Williams (North East Stars), Marvin Phillip (Point Fortin Civic Centre FC), Adrian Foncette (Police FC).
Defenders:
Carlos Edwards (Central FC), Aubrey David (PS Kemi Kings—FIN), Alvin Jones (W Connection), Radanfah Abu Bakr (FK Sūduva Marijampolė—LTU), Mekeil Williams (Colorado Rapids—USA), Triston Hodge (W Connection), Sheldon Bateau (Krylia Sovetov Samara—RUS), Daneil Cyrus (Unattached), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force).
Midfielders:
Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders FC—USA), Andre Boucaud (Dagenham & Redbridge—ENG), Kevan George (Jacksonville Armada—USA), Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Khaleem Hyland (KVC Westerlo—BEL), Leston Paul (North East Stars), Kevin Molino (Minnesota United FC—USA), Hughtun Hector (W Connection), Nathan Lewis (San Juan Jabloteh).
Forwards:
Shahdon Winchester (Murcielagos FC—MEX), Jamille Boatswain (Defence Force), Kenwyne Jones (Atlanta United—USA).
Word is that the W Connection v. Rangers match was reset due to the number of W Connection players on the squad, but then why does Defence Force play its opening fixture as normal?
???
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Lawrence names 24-man Roster to face USA in WCQ on Thursday.
TTFA Media.
Head Coach Dennis Lawrence today announced a 24-man Roster ahead of Thursday’s 2018 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier against the United States at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver.
Lawrence and his coaching staff used the past days dating back to May 24th to assess players during a residential training camp before finalising the squad for the encounter.
The squad is as follows – Jan-Michael Williams, Marvin Phillip, Adrian Foncette, Carlos Edwards, Aubrey David, Alvin Jones, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Mekeil Williams, Triston Hodge, Sheldon Bateau, Daneil Cyrus, Curtis Gonzales, Joevin Jones, Andre Boucaud, Kevan George, Hashim Arcia, Khaleem Hyland, Leston Paul, Kevin Molino, Hughtun Hector, Nathan Lewis, Shahdon Winchester, Jamille Boatswain and Kenwyne Jones.
The players who have returned home, all due to injuries, are Willis Plaza, Jomal Williams and Akeem Roach.
Dutch-based winger Levi Garcia was not considered for selection due to a hamstring injury while US-based player Cordell Cato was released due to disciplinary reasons.
Lawrence said he was anticipating the upcoming days of preparations with his full compliment of players ahead of Thurday’s fixture.
“We arrived here on May 23rd to begin a training camp with the objective of getting acclimatised with the players available to us and I am able to say that we were able to get in some proper training which allowed me and the coaching staff to get a good impression of how the players would react under the conditions here. The players have responded positively with a good attitude and the spirit in the camp has been good with everyone having a proper understanding as to why we are here.
“Now we are under a week away from the match and we should have the full squad together from later this evening and tomorrow we will begin the final leg of preparations. We are heading into it in a positive frame of mind and ready to focus all our energies into ensuring we prepare as best as possible for what is ahead of us,” Lawrence added.
T&T Roster
Goalkeepers:
Jan-Michael Williams (North East Stars), Marvin Phillip (Point Fortin Civic Centre FC), Adrian Foncette (Police FC).
Defenders:
Carlos Edwards (Central FC), Aubrey David (PS Kemi Kings—FIN), Alvin Jones (W Connection), Radanfah Abu Bakr (FK Sūduva Marijampolė—LTU), Mekeil Williams (Colorado Rapids—USA), Triston Hodge (W Connection), Sheldon Bateau (Krylia Sovetov Samara—RUS), Daneil Cyrus (Unattached), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force).
Midfielders:
Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders FC—USA), Andre Boucaud (Dagenham & Redbridge—ENG), Kevan George (Jacksonville Armada—USA), Hashim Arcia (Defence Force), Khaleem Hyland (KVC Westerlo—BEL), Leston Paul (North East Stars), Kevin Molino (Minnesota United FC—USA), Hughtun Hector (W Connection), Nathan Lewis (San Juan Jabloteh).
Forwards:
Shahdon Winchester (Murcielagos FC—MEX), Jamille Boatswain (Defence Force), Kenwyne Jones (Atlanta United—USA).
Word is that the W Connection v. Rangers match was reset due to the number of W Connection players on the squad, but then why does Defence Force play its opening fixture as normal?
???
Ah was goin to say ask Flex......but then yuh did tell meh not to c........ :devil:
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Shabazz back as Morvant Caledonia coach
T&T Newsday Reports.
Jamaal Shabazz, who famously guided Morvant Caledonia United – under the club’s previous name Caledonia AIA – to the 2012 Caribbean crown, has reinstated himself as head coach of the club.
And while he vows to steer the side to the top half in the 2017 Pro League season, helping the club rise as the beacon of hope for the Morvant/Laventille region remains his biggest aspiration.
The new season kicks off today and runs through to December 17 Shabazz said that with the help of the San Juan/ Laventille Regional Corporation and the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT ) - through its facilities management headed by Anthony Blake - the Park Street Recreation Ground in Morvant is set for an upgrade which is expected to include fencing of the venue and resurfacing of the playing field.
It’s only the beginning, according to Shabazz, who would like in the near future, a facility equipped with a dormitory and gym — somewhere he says young men and women can aspire to be a positive part of in a community constantly reminded of the negative effects of crime.
“A football facility will do wonders for a community like ours, and even if you blindfold Ray Charles (the deceased American music pioneer who was blind from age seven) he could see that.” Last season, for the first time in the ground’s history, Park Street welcomed top flight football when Morvant Caledonia hosted three of their Pro League matches at the venue. And, it was well-received by a football- mad community, with crowd attendances estimated around the three-thousand mark.
Only the Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin, on its very best days, could compete with such an estimate.
Shabazz believes an upgrade to the Park Street venue will present Morvant Caledonia United with merchandising and marketing opportunities, gate receipts, an overall atmosphere of belonging and a representative of the people and community.
“Facilities in the communities could ensure that the Pro League and its clubs go on to another level, financial viability, crowd support and participation and more accountability on the part of the players on the pitch,” said Shabazz, the club’s longstanding technical director and founding member.
He said the commitment of sponsors such as the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT ), Massy, Courts, National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) and National Petroleum (NP) to football and community development has kept Morvant Caledonia alive, and has given the club the impetus to continue to drive forward.
But without a home, he says clubs continue to struggle on the brink of extinction.
Morvant Caledonia, a former club of current Trinidad and Tobago national team coach Dennis Lawrence, national youth coach Russell Latapy, as well as another World Cup 2006 player Densill Theobald, and even Pro League CEO and former national forward Dexter Skeene, had, for a long time, been one of the most attractive teams to watch in the Pro League.
But the once formidable force of the Pro League have finished second-from-bottom in the last three seasons.
“It’s a good challenge for me now,” accepts Shabazz, who replaced new Dominica coach Rajesh Latchoo.
Pro League fixtures: Round One Match Day One
(Friday June 9, 2017) At Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva
Club Sando vs Morvant Caledonia United — 6pm
Central FC vs San Juan Jabloteh — 8pm
(Saturday June10, 2017) At Arima Velodrome, Arima
North East Stars vs Point Fortin Civic — 7pm
(Monday June 12, 2017) At Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva
Defence Force vs Police FC — 6pm
W Connection vs MIC-IT St Ann’s Rangers — 8pm
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Digicel pulls out of Pro League.
By Ian Prescott (Express).
A SEVEN YEAR runs has ended with international communications provider Digicel pulling out as title sponsor of the Trinidad and Tobago Professional Football League.
The communication giants were title sponsors as well as sponsors of the $100,000 season-ending Digicel Pro Bowl. The impact of their departure has already been felt, with the cancellation of the season-opening Digicel Charity Shield carded for last Friday when the league champions Central FC would have met Pro Bowl winners Defence Force.
But all is not, lost according to TT Pro League CEO Dexer Skeene, in confirming the pullout of the league's title sponsors.
“Digicel's contract was up and we have mutually agreed to end the arrangement. They have other strategic interests and they still want to be a part of the league in some way,” Skeene said.
“It was mutually beneficial. We did not expect it to last forever, and we have the opportunity to move on and develop from here now. It is about growing now and developing and utilising the platform that they (Digicel) laid,” he added.
Readjustments have already begun, according to Skeene who said some of a recent US $125,000 donation from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) would go towards prize money.
“Thankfully, the TTFA have come in and they have helped fill the gap. What the TTFA and we will be able to do is bring other partners now to add to the prize money.”
Skeene continued: “I am very excited for this season because we are in discussions with several corporate partners who are expecting an interest.” We are able now to shift the model in terms of the structure of the tournaments and having sponsors aligned with different sectors. For instance, we will have a drinks sponsor, a financial partner, an apparel partner and a television partner.
Everyone will be now able to have their branding.” Skeene said potential partners are buying into the movement back to community football that was started successfully last season. Continuing the model of teams playing on community grounds, North East Stars will be playing home matches at the Arima Velodrome, St Ann's Rangers at St Augustine Secondary, San Juan Jabloteh at the Barataria Oval and Point Fortin Civic at the Mahaica Oval.
“Our sponsors are buying into that, as well as television broadcasting of the games,” Skeene said.
Skeene also spoke of profit sharing among the clubs in various areas. “So, we get drinks (sponsored); some of that will do to the clubs as well so they won't have to find money for that,” the League CEO said.
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Three-time holders Central held by Jabloteh on Pro League opening night.
ttproleague.com.
Morvant Caledonia United, last season’s bottom-ending side, made a winning start to the 2017 Pro League season last night, but three-time defending champions Central FC had to settle for a point.
Guyana forward Sheldon Holder scored a brilliant -- though slightly deflected – goal to lift Morvant Caledonia to a 2-1 win over Club Sando before San Juan Jabloteh held Central to a goalless draw to complete a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Keron Cornwall had given Sando the lead on 13 minutes, pouncing on a spill by Morvant Caledonia’s Ghanaian defender Maestro Mensah at the goalmouth to beat goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel.
But Kerry Daniel, who like Samuel has made a return to Morvant this season, levelled the Stallions with a fine strike from above the area after latching onto a short Kareem Joseph free-kick to find the far top corner of Stefan Berkeley’s net.
Berkeley was beaten again from outside the box on the hour mark when Holder, unleashed by a quickly taken Joseph free-kick, sent a shot sailing beyond the Sando custodian and into the back of the net with a slight deflection to separate an entertaining opening display by both teams.
Stephon Seepersad, Morvant Caledonia’s substitute goalie of last season, later kept a clean sheet for his new employers, Central FC, on debut.
Central also handed Pro League debuts to former Trinidad and Tobago Under-17 attacker Jesse Joseph, Haitian defender Fresnel Simil, and 30-year-old former T&T U17, Under-20 and Under-23 defender Sean Bateau, who had stints in the United States, Thailand, Maldives and Philippines.
But it was seasoned Pro League campaigner Jason Marcano that had the best chances for the Couva Sharks. However goalkeeper Javon Sample, who made the switch to Jabloteh last season, stood in the way of his former employers with brilliant stops on either side of the half to deny Marcano, who had curled his side’s best chance inches wide minutes into the contest.
Last month, Central, without the services of former marquee players Jan-Michael Williams, Darren Mitchell and Leston Paul who are no longer attached to the club, relinquished the Caribbean crown—a title they had won consecutively in the previous two seasons. The Couva Sharks had to settle for fourth in the Caribbean Club Championship this time around, while former champions, Jabloteh, finished runners-up behind Dominican Republic’s Cibao FC.
Central, now attempting a fourth straight Pro League crown, were unable to break the deadlock against Jabloteh, and were lucky not to concede a late defeat thanks to the heroics of Seepersad.
Seepersad’s outstretched leg in stoppage time denied Jabloteh substitute Aaquil Campbell’s close up effort, adding to his brilliant stop just over the hour mark to blank Jamaican attacker Keithy Simpson, who had earlier drilled an excellent scoring chance inches wide before the break.
Today, the iconic Arima Velodrome will welcome Pro League football for the first time in the current era when North East Stars, headed by coach Derek King, host point Fortin Civic from 7pm.
And on Monday, action returns to the Ato Boldon Stadium with a double-header when Defence Force tackle Police FC from 6pm and W Connection take on MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 8pm.
Results
Club Sando 1 (Keron Cornwall 13’) vs Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Kerry Daniel 29’, Sheldon Holder 60’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Central FC 0 vs San Juan Jabloteh 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Game 1
Club Sando: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK), 5.Nical Stephens (Yellow Card), 9.Akeem Redhead (15.Keyon Edwards 69th minute), 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Akim Armstrong (8.Kevon Piper 69th minute) (Yellow Card), 13.Tyrone Charles, 16.Joel Leslie Russell, 17.Jared London (Capt.), 18.Trevin Latapy, 23.Nicholas Thomas (Yellow Card), 27.Jay-son Joseph (6.Kemuel Rivers 69th minute).
Unused substitutes: 14.Rushawn Murphy, 34.Kelvin Henry (GK), 35.Adan Noel, 36.Jamal Gay.
Coach: Angus Eve
Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK), 2.Murilo Barbosa, 6.Taje Commissiong, 8.Anthony Charles, 10.Sheldon Holder (7.Kelrick Walters 73rd minute), 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.) (25.Renaldo Francis 80th minute), 15.Otev Lawrence, 17.Kerry Daniel (5.Joshua Sylvester 65th minute), 18.Maestro Mensah, 20.Kareem Baptiste, 29.Kelsey Benjamin.
Unused substitutes: 13.Rufuson Pierre Louis, 16.Malik Mieres, 24.Michael Ten-Pow, 31.DeJourn Charles.
Coach: Jamaal Shabazz
Referee: Gordon Maloney
Game 2
Central FC: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK), 5.Keston George, 7.Jason Marcano (Yellow Card) (18.Tyrik John 90th minute), 8.Sean De Silva (Capt.), 10.Johan Peltier, 12.Taryk Sampson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel (Yellow Card), 17.Jesse Joseph (11.Jabari Casaquero 68th minute), 26.Mikaeel Gem Gordon, 28.Fresnel Simil (Yellow Card) (19.Nathaniel Garcia 46th minute), 40.Sean Bateau.
Unused substitutes: 13.Rhondel Gibson, 24.Jules Lee, 44.Ross Dowden, 46.John Charles.
Coach: Dale Saunders
San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK), 6.Akeem Benjamin, 9.Keithy Simpson (20.Aaquil Campbell 84th minute), 11.Damian Williams (Capt.), 12.Kion Joseph, 15.Jesus Perez (Yellow Card), 16.Jairo Lombardo, 17.Vurlon Mills (13.Julio Noel 65th minute), 18.Jevon Morris, 23.Kennedy Hinkson (14.Hayden Tinto 65th minute), 24.Adrian Reid.
Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK), 4.Carlyle Mitchell, 5.Shakiyl Phillip.
Coach: Keith Jeffrey
Referee: Rodphin Harris
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From the article above:
Today, the iconic Arima Velodrome will welcome Pro League football for the first time in the current era when North East Stars, headed by coach Derek King, host point Fortin Civic from 7pm.
So what happened to de fella named Terrence William Fenwick?
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No Fenwick, but Stars give sparkle under Derek King on Arima Velodrome debut.
ttproleague.com.
Kevon Villaroel added gloss to a star-studded North East Stars outfit which edged visitors Point Fortin Civic 1-0 as Pro League action debuted at the iconic Arima Velodrome last night.
Villaroel -- one of eight debutants in the hosts’ starting line-up -- pulled a rabbit out the hat when he surprised all in the 11th minute with a cracker from almost 30-yards out to beat Civic goalkeeper Akini Adams for his first goal in thirteen months.
Ironically, the former Central FC and Puerto Rico Islanders left full-back’s previous goal was in a 4-0 Central win against his current employers.
Only a rocket of a volley by Elton John three minutes from the half could have outdone his teammate last night, but Adams, the elder brother of deceased former Trinidad and Tobago and Hungarian club Ferencvárosi left-back Akeem Adams, produced an equally magnificent save to keep out the shot.
Jameel Neptune’s cross-cum-shot which crashed off the Civic bar in the fifth minute, and a long-range effort from returning player Jomoul Francois which whisked past Adams’ crossbar five minutes later had provided early warnings for the visitors and excitement for the few hundreds of spectators that came to witness professional football in the heart of Arima.
It was a creditable opening display by a North East Stars team scrambled together following a failed attempt by multiple-time Pro League-winning coach, Englishman Terry Fenwick, to take charge for the new season.
Arima native Derek King, who had joined on as assistant coach, suddenly found himself in the role of head coach. But the former Trinidad and Tobago senior team assistant coach shook off the rust to piece together a team worthy of representing the 2004 league champions and the borough of Arima.
King holds the record as the youngest coach to win the Pro League, leading Joe Public to the crown in 2009 at age 29.
Now back at age 37, his first return since parting ways with Joe Public in early 2011, the former T&T international defender still stands the youngest coach.
King handed starting debuts to former Central players Villaroel, Rundell Winchester, Kishun Seecharan and goalkeeper Akel Clarke; former Morvant Caledonia United duo Jameel Neptune and Seon Thomas; Stars U17 midfielder Keon Boney, and former Central and W Connection forward Dwight Quintero, who is coming off a lengthy layoff due to an ankle injury which required surgery.
Elton John, Adrian Noel, and second-half substitute Kerry Baptiste were the only surviving members of last season’s squad, while Francois has returned following a brief stint at St. Ann’s Rangers.
Civic also had a number of player returns along with head coach Reynold Carrington, who had walked off the job in January 2015 due to players’ lack of motivation and pointed the problem to uncertainties over salaries.
But in a renewed twist of faith, Carrington, a former T&T national captain, said his return is all about serving a community that’s very dear to him.
Carrington’s return also led to the return of defensive hardman Andre Ettienne, midfielder Kelvin Modeste and Adams, while former W Connection attacker Jabari Mitchell is among the new faces.
Another debutant, Akinola Gregory, had two first-half tries for Civic. But although the visitors didn’t look a struggling side of last season, they were unable to penetrate a well-guarded North East Stars area.
Clarke and company though, did have to scramble a clearance at the Stars’ goalmouth on the hour mark following a Civic free-kick.
But the hosts should have improved the advantage a minute earlier when Francois slipped a feed to lightening-paced Winchester into the Civic box, however the Tobagonian forward spilled wide with only Adams to beat.
Adams, who kept out a tame Dwight Quintero effort at the stroke of half-time, was lucky not to concede a second on the night when eight minutes from time a swerving Neptune strike crashed off the bar. Neptune had a second bite from the resulting play but headed across the face of goal with Adams at his mercy.
Three-time defending champions Central are next up for a taste of the Arima Velodrome. The Couva Sharks will face North East Stars on Friday from 8pm. Two hours earlier on the same day, Civic will host W Connection at Mahaica Oval.
But first, Pro League play continues on Monday (tomorrow) with a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium when Defence Force tackle Police FC from 6pm and W Connection, equipped with former Central and Civic star forward Marcus Joseph, take on MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 8pm.
Results
North East Stars 1 (Kevon Villaroel 11’) vs Point Fortin Civic 0, at Arima Velodrome.
Teams
North East Stars: 22.Akel Clarke (GK), 2.Jameel Neptune, 3.Kevon Villaroel, 7.Kishun Seecharan, 8.Adrian Noel, 9.Dwight Quintero (17.Kordell Samuel 46th minute), 11.Rundell Winchester, 12.Elton John (Capt.), 14.Jomoul Francois (19.Kyle Bartholomew 76th minute), 18.Keon Boney (4.Kerry Baptiste 46th minute), 20.Seon Thomas.
Unused substitutes: 1.Jabari Bryce (GK), 16.Giovanni Abraham, 24.Jabari Brathwaite.
Coach: Derek King
Point Fortin Civic: 52.Akini Adams (GK), 4.Andre Ettienne, 8.Jamal John, 10.Jabari Mitchell, 13.Nickcolson Thomas, 16.Kelvin Modeste (Capt.) (7.Steven Joseph 69th minute), 17.Kestwin Goolie (99.Kevin Moodie 63rd minute), 18.Trent Lougheed, 19.Shavon Frederick, 24.Akinola Gregory, 29.Keron Gaskin (27.Darnell Hospedales 46th minute).
Unused substitutes: 22.Tevin Moore (GK), 9.Matthew Bartholomew, 21.Juma Clarence, 33.Justin Sadoo.
Coach: Reynold Carrington
Referee: Gordon Maloney
Upcoming Fixtures
(Monday 12 June 2017)
Defence Force vs Police FC—6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
W Connection vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers—8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
(Friday 16 June 2017)
Police FC vs Morvant Caledonia United—6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
San Juan Jabloteh vs Defence Force—8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
Point Fortin Civic vs W Connection—6pm, Mahaica Oval
North East Stars vs Central FC—8pm, Arima Velodrome
(Tuesday 20 June 2017)
Club Sando vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers—6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
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Everyone will be now able to have their branding.” Skeene said potential partners are buying into the movement back to community football that was started successfully last season. Continuing the model of teams playing on community grounds, North East Stars will be playing home matches at the Arima Velodrome, St Ann's Rangers at St Augustine Secondary, San Juan Jabloteh at the Barataria Oval and Point Fortin Civic at the Mahaica Oval.
First, I don't understand why St. Anns Rangers and San Juan Jabloteh can't get President's Grounds or Bourg grounds, or the Brian Lara Recreations grounds for their home games respectively. They all owned by the San Juan Laventille Corporation just like Cale grounds in Morvant and the Barataria Oval.
But if you can't get those grounds...why not just be named Rangers and Jabloteh temporarily instead of being identified with a place you not from? Nobody from Barataria backing a San Juan side, far less the community of St. Augustine coming out to see a St. Ann's team.
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From the article above:
Today, the iconic Arima Velodrome will welcome Pro League football for the first time in the current era when North East Stars, headed by coach Derek King, host point Fortin Civic from 7pm.
So what happened to de fella named Terrence William Fenwick?
Fenwick is the owner/director...he probably too busy setting up the club structure in the short term re sponsors and staff etc. to concentrate on onfield matters. That's smart of him to not try to be everything if he wants this to work.
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From the article above:
Today, the iconic Arima Velodrome will welcome Pro League football for the first time in the current era when North East Stars, headed by coach Derek King, host point Fortin Civic from 7pm.
So what happened to de fella named Terrence William Fenwick?
Fenwick is the owner/director...he probably too busy setting up the club structure in the short term re sponsors and staff etc. to concentrate on onfield matters. That's smart of him to not try to be everything if he wants this to work.
Latest report indicates that's not the case. Fenwick appears to be on the ropes taking punches regardless of whether it's national team football or club football.
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I wonder if he will abandon the programme after all the progress with the Arima Bourough Council and sponsors, or if Mahabir will retain ownership in only name while Fenwick run things behind the scenes
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Marcus Joseph rescues Connection against Rangers on debut; early Balthazar winner gives D/Force edge over Police
ttproleague.com
Defence Force and W Connection both escaped with narrow 1-0 wins against Police FC and MIC-IT St. Ann's Rangers, respectively, when the new 2017 Pro League season continued with a double-header in Couva last night.
Jerwyn Balthazar handed Defence Force an early item which the Tetron Boys held on to for victory against a determined, but unlucky Police outfit at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Then, in the second game, new Connection signing Marcus "Lobo" Joseph snatched the winner at the death as the Savonetta Boys narrowly avoided an opening draw.
Joseph, who was denied no less than five times on the night by Rangers goalie Cleon John, including a brilliant reflex save in the 65th minute to keep out a powerful free-kick which took a wicked deflection, fired home the winner from around ten yards out.
The 35-year-old John had been hung out to dry by his defence which had given their all to the Rangers shirt but collapsed on a raid by Connection that saw Joseph, a former Central FC and Point Fortin Civic star forward, move free inside the area to capitalise in the 89th minute.
John wasn’t flattened though. The overlooked Trinidad and Tobago shot-stopper made three more saves—his last to thwart a stoppage-time strike by Connection goal-hero Joseph.
Rangers, coached by Anthony Streete and boasting a few new additions, and Connection, currently managed by assistant coach Earl Jean, looked two well-oiled teams, providing an excellent contest from the first whistle.
Connection head coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier has been away on international duty for the last few weeks as assistant coach with the Trinidad and Tobago men’s team for World Cup qualifying, including tonight’s visit at Costa Rica.
Back home, Rangers had two penalty shouts -- the clearer of them when forward Anselm “Worm” Jackson went down under a challenge by Connection right-back Shaquille Bertrand two minutes from the break -- but referee Keilon Bacchus bought none of it.
A tug on Joshua Leach, prohibiting the substitute attacker a chance at goal, also seemed enough to win Police a penalty with less than ten minutes left in the earlier game. But that game’s referee Marlon Perouse, nor his assistant, didn’t feel that way.
Police’s luck was clearly against them.
Defence Force meanwhile had to work their socks off to preserve the narrow advantage.
Sheldon Clarke, between the uprights for Defence Force, failed to stop an Elijah Belgrave free kick on 57 minutes, but the ball ricocheted off both uprights before allowing ‘keeper a safe gather on the second attempt.
The Richard Hood coached-Lawmen, like their Marvin Gordon-coached counterparts, weren’t as lively as the game that followed.
They were tactical though, and a draw would have seemed a fair result between the two very experienced outfits of the armed forces.
However Balthazar’s item in the third minute after making contact to a free kick from the right stood tall in the end, earning his side maximum three points.
Police and Defence Force will next face Morvant Caledonia United and San Juan Jabloteh, respectively from 6pm and 8pm on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
W Connection will also return to play on Friday but must head south to the Mahaica Oval from 6pm against Point Fortin Civic.
Central FC, the three-time defending champions, will visit North East Stars at the Arima Velodrome on Saturday from 8pm, while Rangers must return to the Ato Boldon on Tuesday from 6pm against Club Sando.
Results
Defence Force 1 (Jerwyn Balthazar 3’) vs Police FC 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
W Connection 1 (Marcus Joseph 89’) vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Game 1
Defence Force: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 2.Glynn Franklyn, 3.Jamali Garcia, 6.Rodell Elcock, 8.Christopher Durity (18.Reon Moore 83rd minute), 9.Devorn Jorsling, 12.Jemel Sebro, 19.Thurlani George (15.Shaquille Bertrand 57th minute), 20.Levi Serries (23.Kerry Joseph 52nd minute), 21.Aklie Edwards, 99.Jerwyn Balthazar
Unused substitutes: 1.Andre Marchan (GK), 13.Marvin Jones, 22.Jelani John, 45.Dylon King
Coach: Marvin Gordon
Police FC: 22.Theon Browne (GK), 5.Kenaz Williams (21.Todd Ryan 63rd minute), 6.Jibri Mc David, 7.Kareem Perry, 11.Micah Lewis, 12.Nequan Caruth, 13.Dillon Kirton (10.Kareem Freitas 69th minute), 19.Christon Thomas, 20.Elijah Belgrave (Capt.), 24.Keiron Bennito, 32.Keion Wilson (16.Joshua Leach 69th minute)
Unused substitutes: 1.Jamal Francois (GK), 2.Jasimar Ashers, 8.Kurdell Brathwaite, 36.Kadeem Riley.
Coach: Richard Hood
Referee: Marlon Perouse
Game 2
W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK) (Capt.), 2.Kurt Frederick, 4.Maurice Ford, 6.Kevon Goddard, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr., 10.Dimitrie Apai (24.Jameel Antoine 93rd minute), 11.Malik St. Prix (23.Jamal Ray Charles 70th minute), 19.Briel Thomas, 21.Ronell Paul, 30.Shaquille John (3.Gerard Williams 61st minute), 99.Marcus Joseph.
Unused substitutes: 22.Denzel Smith (GK), 17.Qian Grosvenor, 26.Isaiah Garcia, 32.Javaughn Humphrey.
Assistant Coach: Earl Jean
St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.), 3.Kareem Eastman, 4.Shane Sandy, 7.Sedale Mc Lean (8.Jordan Devonish 63rd minute), 10.Josh Toussaint (9.Jair Edwards 72nd minute), 12.Rennie Britto, 15.Keshawn Hutchinson (5.Tekay Hoyce 86th minute), 16.Stephon Smith, 17.Hakeem Baird, 19.Anselm Jackson, 30.Che Benny.
Unused substitutes: 22.Christopher Biggette (GK), 14.Xae Pierre De Fou, 28.Shem Alexander, 31.Jesse Williams.
Coach: Anthony Streete
Referee: Keilon Bacchus
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Marcus Joseph strikes again for W Connection; no play at Arima Velodrome between N/E Stars and Central.
ttproleague.com.
W Connection are on a high--much credit to pre-season signing Marcus Joseph.
Joseph, who scored with a minute left to break the deadlock against a stubborn St. Ann's Rangers outfit on Monday, netted the Connection winner again for a 2-1 win over ex-club Point Fortin Civic last night at the Mahaica Oval.
Joseph's former employers and perennial Pro League champions Central FC were also scheduled to tackle hosts North East Stars at the iconic Arima Velodrome last night.
But protests by the visiting team and officials over ground conditions, including substandard lighting and poor field markings, resulted in no play to the disappointment of football fans who braved inclement weather to turn up at the Velodrome.
The Pro League will consider the particulars before deciding whether to award all three points to Central or sanction a replay.
Elsewhere at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, forward Julio Noel handed San Juan Jabloteh a 1-0 win over Defence Force after Police FC had come from behind to hold Morvant Caledonia to a 1-1 draw.
Results
Police FC 1 (Elijah Belgrave 87') vs Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Taje Commissiong 31'), at Ato Boldon Stadium;
San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Julio Noel 69') vs Defence Force 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Point Fortin Civic 1 (Steven Joseph 31') vs W Connection 2 (Briel Thomas 28', Marcus Joseph 43'), at Mahaica Oval;
North East Stars vs Central FC, at Arima Velodrome (did not play -- decision pending).
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Central maul Civic but Benjamin double keep Connection perfect at the top.
ttproleague.com.
Central FC, the three-time reigning Pro League champions, registered their first win of the 2017 campaign after two attempts with a lopsided 5-0 result over last season's table-proppers Point Fortin Civic last night at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Central's bitter Couva rivals and last season's runners-up only by a point less than the champions, W Connection, in the second game of the night's double-header, defeated Club Sando 3-1 for their third straight win from as many games this term and are the only team perfect at the top of the standings.
Neil Benjamin Jr. ended the rain-soaked night with a second-half double and an assist after setting up Suriname international forward Dimitri Apai’s opening item for the Savonetta Boys, while Keyon Edwards grabbed the lone Sando item.
In the earlier game, however, it was one-way traffic as Central ran away with the biggest win of the season to date.
Sean De Silva opened the scoring and set up Taryk Sampson's first Couva Sharks goal on a night that Johan Peltier and 2006 World Cup defender Carlos Edwards also put their names on the scoresheet before Jason Marcano completed the rout from the penalty spot.
Civic coach Reynold Carrington had stuck with Akini Adams between the sticks while Trinidad and Tobago international goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, who recently returned from representing the Soca Warriors at FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualifiers, warmed the substitutes' bench.
It turned out a very cold night for Adams, whose onion bag was stretched five times by the serial champions after earlier rainfall forced a late start to the match, due to waterlogged corners of the pitch.
The intervention of Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFA) president David John-Williams led to the successful pumping out of the water and the eventual start to the night's double-header.
Central proved the warmer of the two sides and could have taken a two-goal cushion within the first five minutes with both chances falling to De Silva.
The Couva Sharks’ skipper, however, redeemed himself on the half-hour mark with a cool finish past Adams to find the far bottom corner after slipping free inside the right of the Civic area.
Civic, boasting a couple new talents in offence and the return of central defender Andre Ettienne as captain, were carved open at a back five minutes later and Peltier made light work of his marker before firing past Adams from the edge of the area for a 2-0 Central lead.
Civic were fortunate not to concede another three minutes before the break when a De Silva free-kick rattled the upright.
But it was from a left side De Silva corner on the hour mark that Sampson headed past Adams at first post put Central on a commanding 3-0 lead.
Carlos Edwards made it 4-0 less than ten minutes later when he slid in the area to bury a Peltier cross past Adams, before Marcano completed the five-nil rout by converting from the spot in the 77th minute after former T&T youth player Stephan Campbell was adjudged to have brought down goal-scorer Peltier in the area.
W Connection, in the feature match, broke the deadlock thirty seconds into the second half on the return of the heavenly showers.
Apai swooped in free at the back to turn a Benjamin cross beyond Sando goalkeeper Stefan Berkeley, who had made two first-half stops to deny winger Benjamin and forward Marcus Joseph.
Berkeley also made two excellent saves late to keep out efforts by Benjamin and Apai, but the shot-stopper couldn’t avoid his side’s defeat.
Benjamin had given Connection a 2-0 cushion on the hour mark when he thumped in a low left side Kurt Frederick cross into the back of the Sando net.
Keyon Edwards, one of a few new pre-season additions at Sando, sliced Connection's lead in half with twenty minutes left and moments later another midfield signing Tyrone Charles saw his free kick crash off the bar.
But Benjamin completed his double -- a near carbon copy of his first item -- by pouncing on another left side Frederick cross to score at the goalmouth in the final minute of regular time for the 3-1 Connection finish.
Sando, still in search of their first point and first win this season, will next travel to Civic on Friday June 30 at Mahaica Oval.
On the same day, W Connection and Central will tackle Police FC and Defence Force respectively at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Action in the Pro League continues today (Saturday 24 June) at the Larry Gomes Stadium with Police against MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 4pm and will continue on Tuesday at the Ato Boldon Stadium with Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia United against North East Stars and Jabloteh respectively.
Results
Central FC 5 (Sean De Silva 30’, Johan Peltier 35’, Taryk Sampson 61’, Carlos Edwards 69’, Jason Marcano 77’ pen.) vs Point Fortin Civic 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
W Connection 3 (Dimitrie Apai 46’, Neil Benjamin Jr. 59’, 90’) vs Club Sando 1 (Keyon Edwards 70), at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Game 1
Central FC: 30.Prince Walters (GK), 5.Keston George, 6.Carlos Edwards (18.Tyrik John 75th minute), 7.Jason Marcano, 8.Sean De Silva (Capt.), 10.Johan Peltier (13.Rondell Gibson 84th minute), 12.Taryk Sampson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 17.Jesse Joseph (19.Nathaniel Garcia 50th minute), 26.Mikaeel Jem Gordon, 40.Sean Bateau.
Unused substitutes: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK), *3.Ross Dowden, 28.Fresnel Simil, 44.Kerrville Jeremiah, 46.John Charles.
Coach: Dale Saunders
Point Fortin Civic: 52.Akini Adams (GK), 4.Andre Ettienne (Capt.), 6.Glen Sutton, 9.Matthew Bartholomew, 11.Keron Neptune (21.Juma Clarence 46th minute), 16.Kelvin Modeste, 19.Mickell Charles (14.Shavon Frederick 46th minute), 27.Darnell Hospedales, 33.Justin Sadoo, 53.Stephan Campbell, 99.Kevin Moodie (25.Shaquille Dublin 66th minute).
Unused substitutes: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK), 15.Nideon Noel, 24.Akinola Gregory, 29.Keron Gaskin.
Coach: Reynold Carrington
Referee: Crystal Sobers
Game 2
W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK) (Capt.), 2.Kurt Frederick, 3.Gerard Williams, 4.Maurice Ford, 6.Kevon Goddard (21.Ronell Paul 95th minute), 7.Neil Benjamin Jr., 10.Dimitrie Apai, 11.Malik St. Prix (13.Hughtun Hector 46th minute), 19.Briel Thomas (5.Triston Hodge 46th minute), 26.Isaiah Garcia (Yellow Card), 99.Marcus Joseph.
Unused substitutes: 33.Jason Kendell Belfon (GK), 17.Qian Grosvenor, 20.Daniel Diaz, 30.Shaquille John.
Coach: Stuart Charles Fevrier
Club Sando: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK), 5.Nical Stephens, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper, 13.Tyrone Charles, 15.Keyon Edwards (9.Akeem Redhead 89th minute), 16.Joel Leslie Russell (Capt.), 18.Trevin Latapy, 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jay-son Joseph (10.Keron Cornwall 61st minute), 35.Adan Noel (11.Akim Armstrong 61st minute)
Unused substitutes: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK), 4.Rondell Payne, 14.Rushawn Murphy, 29.Kareem Williams Blake.
Coach: Angus Eve
Referee: Rashby Mc Phie
Upcoming Games
(Saturday 24 June 2017)
Police FC vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers—4pm, Larry Gomes Stadium
(Tuesday 27 June 2017)
Defence Force vs North East Stars—6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
Morvant Caledonia United vs San Juan Jabloteh—8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
(Friday 30 June 2017)
Point Fortin Civic vs Club Sando—6pm, Mahaica Oval
Police FC vs W Connection—6pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium
Defence Force vs Central FC—8pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium
North East Stars vs Morvant Caledonia United—8pm, Arima Velodrome
(Saturday 01 July 2017)
San Juan Jabloteh vs St. Ann’s Rangers—5pm, Barataria Recreation Ground
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Joshua Leach grabs equaliser after Police sees red against Rangers.
ttproleague.com.
Joshua Leach came off the bench on Saturday afternoon to rescue a point for 10-man Police FC with a 1-1 draw against MIC-IT St. Ann's Rangers in Pro League action at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
Xae-Pierre De Fou, a 22-year-old forward signing relatively unknown to the top flight, had put Rangers ahead with a well-placed strike just over the half-hour mark, before Police's troubles doubled on the stroke of half-time after defender Jasimar Ashers was given his marching orders with a direct red card for bringing down Sayid Freitas above the box.
But Police, who had only themselves to blame after wasting a barrage of chances, avoided defeat with an equaliser through second-half substitute Leach and an acrobatic clearance off the line by Dillon Kirton near the end, which keep out a Sedale Mc Lean strike following a wonderful team move by Rangers involving Anselm "Worm" Jackson.
A decision by a Rangers defender to leave what should have been a simple headed clearance, allowed Police forward Jameel Perry -- who should have at least scored twice on the sun-soaked afternoon -- a clear chance on goal.
Cleon John had other ideas, though, making yet another point-blank save to deny the bow-legged Blues' forward.
Leach, however, arrived as the Police hero two minutes after replacing Kenaz Williams in the 68th minute. The winger reacting inside the left of the area to put the rebound into the back of the Rangers net as John's teammates offered no help to their star 'keeper.
Similarly, Rangers had help from due to a lapse by their opponents when they found the back of the net in the 32nd minute.
Police defenders had parked their legs, hoping for an offside call against a red shirt after Hakeem Baird launched a pass up field. But De Fou, driving through midfield from an onside position, soon found himself free on goal against goalkeeper Adrian Foncette, who couldn't stop the ball from entering his right bottom corner.
In the end, Police and Rangers, after three and two games respectively in the truncated 2017 season (18 games), remain in search of their first wins.
Police will next face leaders W Connection on Friday while Rangers are to travel against San Juan Jabloteh a day later at the Barataria Recreation Ground, also known as the Barataria Oval.
PL action will however continue on Tuesday June 27 at the Ato Boldon Stadium with Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia United against North East Stars and Jabloteh respectively.
Results
Police FC 1 (Joshua Leach 70') vs St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Xae Pierre De Fou 32'), at Larry Gomes Stadium.
Teams
Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK), 2.Jasimar Ashers (Red Card), 5.Kenaz Williams (16.Joshua Leach 68th minute), 8.Kurdell Brathwaite (Yellow Card), 9.Jameel Perry, 10.Kareem Freitas, 13.Dillon Kirton, 19.Christon Thomas (38.Kevin Lewis 77th minute), 20.Elijah Belgrave, 21.Todd Ryan (Capt.), 36.Kadeem Riley (3.Ryan O'Neil 46th minute).
Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK), 4.Kadeem Boyce, 23.Shaquille Williams, 25.Shawndel Augustus.
Coach: Richard Hood
St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.), 3.Kareem Eastman (Yellow Card) (20.Aquil Selby 82nd minute), 4.Shane Sandy, 6.Omari Lezama (Yellow Card), 11.Kazim Donald (7.Sedale Mc Lean 74th minute), 12.Rennie Britto, 14.Xae-Pierre De Fou (28.Shem Alexander 70th minute), 15.Keshawn Hutchinson, 16.Stephon Smith, 17.Hakeem Baird, 19.Anselm Jackson.
Unused substitutes: 22.Christopher Biggette (GK), 5.Tekay Hoyce, 18.Kristian Meloney, 31.Marvin Lee.
Coach: Anthony Streete
Referee: Keilon Bacchus
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Should taxpayers continue to help Pro League? Shabazz, Hospedales, Harrison, Eve and Fakoory speak
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
New day, old problems. The Trinidad and Tobago Pro League kicked off as scheduled on 9 June 2017; but the problems are still there: little money, small crowds and general public disinterest.
Or maybe things are worse than usual. Digicel have not renewed their title sponsorship while, for only the second time in the last six years, a Pro League club was not crowned Caribbean champion with that honour going instead to the Dominican Republic’s Cibao FC last month.
And the government’s subvention of TT$50,000 per month for eight of the 10 Pro League clubs—Defence Force and Police FC are excluded—has expired and the league is on tenterhooks as a new application is prepared for Cabinet approval.
On the plus side, San Juan Jabloteh and W Connection appear to have put together teams capable of dethroning reigning champions, Central FC, who just helped themselves to an unprecedented hattrick of League titles.
And, perhaps more importantly, the Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team are still alive in the Russia 2018 World Cup race with a head coach, Dennis Lawrence, who has no fear of pitching local-based players in battle with the best teams in CONCACAF.
Mexico, who are into the semifinals of the ongoing 2017 Confederations Cup, were lucky to escape with a 1-0 win in Port of Spain—remember Trinidad and Tobago ‘scored’ first but had Joevin Jones’ item unfairly disallowed for offside.
And the Warriors team which kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 qualifying win over Panama in March had four local-based players in their rear guard: Jan-Michael Williams, Carlos Edwards, Daneil Cyrus and Curtis Gonzales.
So are the current issues the beginning of the end for the Pro League? Or can the local top flight competition weather the storm?
And, perhaps just as importantly, does Trinidad and Tobago need the Pro League at all?
Wired868 raised the subject of the government subvention, whether taxpayers get value for money, community grounds and the quality of leadership from Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene and former chairman Larry Romany, who resigned his post earlier this month.
San Juan Jabloteh chairman Jerry Hospedales, Central FC operations director Kevin Harrison, Morvant Caledonia United coach and co-founder Jamaal Shabazz, St Ann’s Rangers owner Richard Fakoory and Club Sando coach Angus Eve took time to provide answers.
Wired868: What does the TT$50,000 a month subvention mean for Pro League clubs?
Shabazz: The subvention means a lot. Our monthly expenses are about TT$125,000 to TT$130,000 a month, which is salaries and match day expenses—especially with our youth programme. You take away TT$50,000 from that… (Laughs) It is a lot.
If the subvention was to stop, it would certainly force us to make adjustments but it really represents a percentage of our monthly budget.
Eve: The subvention is very important in the way of youth development and keeping young people out of crime and giving them some sort of direction in their lives. If you look at the National [Athletics] Championships this weekend, you can see we are not people who support sport at grassroots level. So it is difficult for teams to make money from gate receipts because we don’t have that support base where people come out and support.
And the Pro League is fighting an additional issue in that there are no grounds within communities where the teams are playing. Mannie Ramjohn is out of the way and Ato Boldon is hard [to travel to]… People don’t understand that Pro League teams have more than one team. They have an under-13 team, an under-15 team, in terms of Club Sando, we have a women’s team and South Zone team and a Super League team.
It may seem like we are getting a lot of money [from the government] but the owners are putting out way more than that.
Fakoory: If they stop [the subvention], I don’t know. (Pauses) I feel it will continue though. If not [club director Richard] Piper and I will have to sit down and discuss it. We get 40 percent [of our operating budget] from the Sport Company and we carry the other 60 percent… Our [player] salaries are between TT$2,000 and TT$4,000 a month and it is a pay roll around the vicinity of TT$80,000.
Our new sponsors, MIC-IT, help us offset costs like transportation and refreshments after games and they helped make our staff bigger by paying our goalkeeping coach and for us to get an assistant coach and physio. But the government must understand how important that subvention is for us to keep going.
Harrison: I can’t speak for other clubs but I think [without the subvention] the question would be whether we would want to continue. Because it falls on myself and Brent [Sancho] to continue to fund the club as we have been doing for the last 14 or 15 months. The future of Central FC will then be dependent on if [the foreign investment we are pursuing] is going to come through.
What is the point of paying to play in the Pro League with no prize money [and subvention]? What would be our reason to find another TT$600,000 to get through the season? There is no return. It is only because of the interest from abroad that we are continuing but there is no financial logic to continue.
We created a milestone with three league titles and two Caribbean titles, so we have nothing to prove. We can back away with our record and say we have done our bit. What we are doing is we are paying players’ wages with no benefit to the club or for us personally. It is charity. So we will have to look long and hard at it.
We are a step nearer [to foreign investment]. As recently as this week we had a meeting, so we are quite positive. We are looking at alternative investment too like former players investing in the club and taking equity.
We have had the club valued by a professional and [with a 10 year projection] he valued the club in excess of TT$10 million. So maybe we can also go to a share offering or something like that.
Wired868: What does Pro League offer Trinidad and Tobago in return for this investment of taxpayers’ money?
Eve: Look at the same national team which the Prime Minister and Sport Minister put on their red jerseys and go out and support. All the players on that team come from the Pro League and are there because they were developed in the Pro League.
Kevin Molino just got one of the biggest contracts in the MLS and he didn’t leave Trinidad until the age of 23. By then, all of his development was already done as a player and that came in the Pro League.
We are developing young men to get better lives for themselves. [St Ann’s Rangers defender] Aquil Selby got seven shots in the Harp. He was not a gangster by the way. Now, he and his mom have a house in Oropune and he was able to get a loan for that based on his playing in the Pro League.
[San Juan Jabloteh winger] Nathan Lewis was shot several times in his community. If it wasn’t for Jabloteh who stood by him and paid his wages and took care of him, who knows if he would have gone back after the guy—like what tends to happen in these communities. Instead because he had that grounding from the Pro League, he is now representing the Trinidad and Tobago National Team.
This is an invaluable service that the government is providing; and they are not just creating jobs but helping in crime. In fact, I think the money should also be spread around more ministries like Community Development, Education and National Security.
Parents tell you all the time about the discipline their children get from training and being part of a team. Many of those kids don’t have an educational background but they have a skill and we are investing in that.
Hospedales: Without the Pro League, you cannot have a quality national football team because the Pro League has been producing the national team ever since it started. If you look at the career path of the entire national team now […] they all came from the Pro League.
Each Pro League club has a youth programme and on every given Sunday from March to July, each has 75 to 100 young players on the field. That is contributing to the social development of young people and if they take it out I don’t know what will happen…
We believe we are contributing to the career development of young people. How can people say the Pro League is not doing well for national football and yet they put on their red jersey and go to watch the national team? Where did they think those players came from?
Fakoory: We reached Germany and we can still reach Russia. The whole squad that played [for Trinidad and Tobago in their last World Cup qualifier] in Costa Rica all passed through the Pro League. The Pro League clubs are developing great youths and we are all doing things for the youths.
I am doing this for 38 years and I know how players are and sometimes they don’t appreciate it—although they play for free and we wash their uniforms and prepare and do everything for them. But I know we are doing our part.
The amount of money I put out, my family always ask me: ‘Richard, what are you doing?’ But I cannot give it up and I cannot let all that time and effort go [in vain].
Shabazz: To me, in an economic crisis and in a high crime scenario, sports and culture as an industry should be the target of any shrewd economic mind in control of the treasury. Because it generates mass participation and [financial] turnover. If you have an affordable game in the community, commerce takes place from the taxi man come down to the corn soup man. And it is the same with cultural activities.
And then there is also the participation of young people who are taken away from that idleness and criminal influence. And we have young players from Beetham, Beverly Hills, Sea Lots, Morvant…
Wired868: How do you rate the work done by Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene and recently departed chairman Larry Romany over the last 10-plus years?
Fakoory: They had gotten us a sponsor with Digicel and from my angle, I am catching my tail to get a sponsor. So I can see how difficult it is. And Larry always gave me good advice. Now that Larry has gone, we have Sam Phillip to hold on and he is with us until the end of the season. But we need somebody to be able to market the Pro League [because] nobody wants to sponsor or help out football.
I can’t say [Romany and Skeene] did good or bad; they did the best they could do. I wish they could have done more for us in terms of getting money but I am glad for what they did.
Hospedales: They have kept the league alive. When we formed this league [and] the government began to fund us, one of the conditions was they would create community facilities for the League to be played in. But that never came out. Both spectator interest and sponsorship interest are not facilitating by the distance of Pro League games from their communities, so it was difficult for us to get spectators and sponsors.
So the financial model didn’t work.
Harrison: I think Dexter [Skeene] has been battling on his own to a degree. Larry [Romany] has been a good chairman and steered the board [but] from what I understand, he was brought on to tap into the private sector and bring in money. But it is no better now than then. In fact, it is worse.
From a stewardship point of view, [Romany] did a good job but if he was brought on to tap into the corporate market then where is the money?
At the moment, we are playing for nothing [because there is no prize money]. I am sure that Dexter will pull something out of the bag and we will get something; but we still have not been paid our prize money for the last two years and I have no idea when we will get it. It is sitting on our balance sheet as a plus but we still don’t have it.
Shabazz: I think they have given a good effort and they have done well to be fair… The League belongs to the clubs; it is a board of directors. So [Romany and Skeene] carry out the dictate of the clubs. If people say they haven’t done a good job what that really means is we as the board haven’t done a good job.
It is a collective process and all of us have to accept responsibility for where we are; they don’t make decisions on their own at all. We pride ourselves on the fact that we broke away from the [Jack] Warner-type situation where every club could have a member on the board and make decisions independent of the TTFA. We pride ourselves on that.
If any people want to cast aspersions on the leadership of Skeene, I think they are being a bit mischievous in terms of how decisions are arrived at in the League. The board makes the decisions.
Wired868: The Pro League says community grounds are the future but there seems to be some inconsistency about that. Where do you stand?
Eve: There are a couple clubs who probably think we are the English Premier League and they only want to play on a particular standard of pitch. But some of these community grounds just need a little work; and we need to start somewhere.
There is a level of inconsistency [among the Pro League clubs] but I have advocated that we need to play in the communities. I understand the concern by coaches but if you look at the St Mary’s College and Fatima College grounds, they don’t have great facilities and infrastructure but the surface is good. If the government partners with us and at least fix the surface of these grounds, we can work with that…
Tottenham will be playing in Wembley this season, which is England’s national stadium that their government spent millions of pounds to build. West Ham will be playing in the Olympic Stadium and a lot of [England Premier League] teams play in venues owned by their city corporations who help pay for maintenance.
Teams in the NFL and MLS get government funding for their venues too. All the stadia in Russia were built by their government. The Azteca Stadium in Mexico was built by their government when they held the World Cup. Even Nelson Mandela’s last plane flight was to come to Trinidad [as a guest of then FIFA vice-president Jack Warner] because he understood the importance of getting the World Cup in South Africa.
It is a great misconception that governments don’t help professional sport all over the world.
Hospedales: It is very difficult for youths to get from Bourg Mulatresse to the Ato Boldon Stadium and the financial model cannot work [if your supporters cannot get to your games]. You know what it costs to travel from Bourg Mulatresse to Ato Boldon?
If the stadia were developed like originally planned, then we would get money at the gates and people will come and then sponsors will bring their goods to advertise. So that half of our model didn’t happen.
[Prime Minister] Dr [Keith] Rowley said community grounds will come next after the Brian Lara Stadium and that is important because Pro League football in the stadia is not viable. Why should a guy put up a sponsorship board at the stadium with only a handful of people there?
A long time ago we should have had a facility in Bourg Mulatresse with changing rooms and proper fencing and so on where small entrepreneurs can come and make money on a weekly basis and the public can have weekly entertainment. This is what should happen.
We used to get big crowds when we played at the San Juan [North Secondary] school but we were not allowed to continue there [in the Pro League] because it is not a FIFA standard ground.
Shabazz: It is not an inconsistency in the Pro League office, it is an inconsistency with a few people saying with their mouths what they don’t mean. Now there will be a little give in terms of the quality of the surface—and David Nakhid might beat me for saying this!—and the lights won’t be blindingly bright. But I think when we decide a matter in the boardroom, people should keep to it.
I really feel it for North East Stars who had to refund 400 people [after their game against Central FC was called off due to concerns about lighting and field marking].
The reality is the community facilities are not up to the standard of the five stadia but they are more likely to get spectators. It is a work in progress; we have to get them upgraded but in the meantime we have to utilise them.
My team loves to put down the ball and play but it is a minor discomfort when compared to the lifeline of the League.
Morvant Caledonia is not afraid of losing the subvention, once we get the land. We are a different kind of slave. We’d rather struggle on [our] feet than die on we knees begging those in a party that owes our grandparents and parents for 50 years of blind loyalty and total support even in its darkest hours—33 [seats] to 3.
We are not riding the bandwagon of poor black youths from Laventille begging the PNM government for a cheque every month. We prefer to be granted use of the Morvant Recreation Ground in Park Street.
Once we get the permission or the go ahead, we will find the resources to refurbish it and make it into something even the PNM would be proud of. We as young black youths would be able to help ourselves by generating income at the gates through advertising and sponsorship.
In saying that we are also interested in generating economic growth for the small business people inside the community—namely the corn soup man, the nuts man the lady selling wings and all those people who got to make a dollar when we had the three home games last season in Morvant.
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D/Force loses after coach Gordon rushed to hospital while Stars, Jabloteh celebrate narrow wins
ttproleague.com.
Rundell Winchester celebrated his first goal in North East Stars colours with the winning item in a 2-1 victory over Defence Force in last night's first game of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
The 23-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international winger scored in the second half to preserve the Stars’ one hundred percent record from two Pro League games this term under new coach Derek King after Defence Force midfielder Hashim Arcia had levelled Jomoul Francois’ early strike before the break.
San Juan Jabloteh, in the second game on the night, edged Morvant Caledonia United 1-0 courtesy a second-half own goal and like North East Stars, made movement up the ladder.
Jabloteh (7 points) and North East Stars (6 points) now occupy second and third positions respectively on the 2017 PL standings led by W Connection, who have maximum nine points from three games.
Defence Force were amiss before kick-off. And it didn’t come a surprise when the Army/Coast Guard combination fell behind after just six minutes to a Francois strike.
Defence Force veteran talisman Devorn Jorsling and assistant coach Anton Joseph were absent for personal reasons, while team captain and veteran attacking midfielder Jerwyn Balthazar’s late arrival forced him out of the starting-eleven.
Things went further south for the multiple-time former champions an hour before kick-off when head coach Marvin Gordon had to be rushed off to hospital due to illness.
The Defence Force coach was released from hospital hours later and is expected to lead his side against three-time defending champions Central FC on Friday as the Tetron Boys look to pick up the pieces from a disappointing defeat.
Arcia had levelled the soldiers two minutes before the break, sending a low finish beyond Stars’ goalkeeper Akel Clarke and into the far netting after recent signing Dylon King brilliantly controlled a pass in the area before setting up his teammate to score from the right.
Defence Force technical director Lloyd Andrews stood in, in the absence of Gordon and Joseph, and his side got close to forcing an own goal in the final minute of the half. Then from the resulting corner the Stars defence had to desperately clear of the line.
Two minutes into the second half Arcia failed to bury a second item when he headed wide after rising above the Stars defence to meet a corner swung in by his T&T international teammate Curtis Gonzales. And on the hour mark the lanky midfielder skied an attempt aimlessly overbar after he was teed up in the area.
Those misses would haunt Defence Force in the 68th minute when Winchester—one of many new signings at North East Stars this season—executed a cool finish past goalkeeper Andre Marchan off a low perfectly-placed Kordell Samuel cross to restore King’s men’s lead.
Winchester, who was denied twice in the first half by Marchan, was put through against the Defence Force shot-stopper with fifteen minutes left, but the former Central FC and Portland Timbers 2 attacker’s final touch let him down terribly.
Winchester, who also had a stint in Finland with PS Kemi, almost turned provider in the final minute of regular time when his pass found the boot of substitute Kerry Baptiste. However the former Pro League Golden Boot winner and Player of the Year drilled his attempt inches wide of the far upright.
Later on the night, Morvant Caledonia’s goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel and the crossbar had kept Jabloteh at bay. That’s until the 72th-minute when Morvant Caledonia defender Kareem Baptiste inadvertently turned a low Nathan Lewis cross past his own ‘keeper.
It was a moment of reward for Lewis, who had been terrorising his former employers down the left flank. His crosses in the 31st and 53rd minutes should have produced goals but Jamaican Keithy Simpson saw his respective efforts saved by Samuel and denied by the crossbar.
Samuel also made a superb save on the hour mark when he put behind a Vurlon Mills header off a free kick into the area by Jabloteh’s Jamaican captain Damian Williams.
In the end, Samuel’s heroics weren’t enough to help his younger teammates avoid defeat against their neighbouring rivals.
Morvant Caledonia will next travel against North East Stars from 8pm on Friday at the Arima Velodrome, and a day later San Juan Jabloteh will host St. Ann’s Rangers from 6pm at the Barataria Recreation Ground.
Results
Defence Force 1 (Hashim Arcia 43’) vs North East Stars 2 (Jomoul Francois 6’, Rundell Winchester 68’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Morvant Caledonia United 0 vs San Juan Jabloteh 1 ( Kareem Baptiste Own Goal 72’), at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Game 1
Defence Force: 1.Andre Marchan (GK), 2.Glynn Franklyn, 3.Jamali Garcia, 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 8.Christopher Durity, 10.Hashim Arcia, 15.Shaquille Bertrand (77.Reon Austin 87th minute), 17.Curtis Gonzales, 19.Thurlani George, 23.Kerry Joseph (12.Jemel Sebro 78th minute), 45.Dylon King (99.Jerwyn Balthazar 75th minute)
Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 18.Reon Moore, 22.Jelani John, 39.Akil Morris.
Coach: Marvin Gordon
North East Stars: 30.Akel Clarke (GK), 3.Kevon Villaroel, 6.Leston Paul, 7.Kishun Seecharan, 11.Rundell Winchester, 12.Elton John (Capt.), 14.Jomoul Francois (23.Akeem Garcia 70th minute), 15.Seon Thomas (Yellow Card), 17.Kordell Samuel (4.Kerry Baptiste 75th minute), 20.Yohance Marshall, 22.Jameel Neptune (19.Jelani Felix 61st minute).
Unused substitutes: 1.Jabari Bryce (GK), 16.Giovanni Abraham, 24.Jabari Brathwaite, 25.DeJon Waldropt.
Coach: Derek King
Referee: Cecile Hinds
Game 2
Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK), 2.Murilo Barbosa, 6.Taje Commissiong, 8.Anthony Charles, 9.Shakille Belle (28.Renaldo Francis 69th minute), 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.), 13.Rufuson Pierre Louis (24.Michael Ten-Pow 86th minute), 17.Kerry Daniel, 18.Maestro Mensah, 20.Kareem Baptiste, 23.Lester Joseph (29.Kelsey Benjamin 79th minute).
Unused substitutes: 31.DeJourn Charles (GK), 5.Joshua Sylvester, 19.Yahaya Amuzu, 22.Joshua Alexander.
Coach: Jamaal Shabazz
San Juan Jabloteh: 30.Shemel Louison (GK), 6.Akeem Benjamin, 9.Keithy Simpson, 11.Damian Williams (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 12.Kion Joseph, 13.Julio Noel (21.Dominic Douglas 75th minute), 15.Jesus Perez (Yellow Card), 16.Jairo Lombardo (22.Kadeem Hutchinson 69th minute), 18.Jevon Morris (17.Vurlon Mills 46th minute), 24.Adrian Reid, 27.Nathan Lewis.
Unused substitutes: 1.Javon Sample (GK), 5.Shakiyl Phillip, 20.Aaquil Campbell, 23.Kennedy Hinkson.
Coach: Keith Jeffrey
Referee: Rashby Mc Phie
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Reid, Campbell fires Jabloteh into Pro League lead.
ttproleague.com.
San Juan Jabloteh moved to the top of the Pro League 2017 standings today after escaping a feisty MIC-IT St. Ann's Rangers outfit with a late 2-0 win at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
A converted penalty by Jamaican defender Adrian Reid three minutes from the end of regular time and a stoppage-time strike from substitute attacker Aaquil Campbell earned the Keith Jeffrey-coached San Juan Kings full points against a side that had rattled their crossbar twice in the second half.
The win propelled Jabloteh (10 points) three spots up to occupy the summit -- one point ahead of W Connection and North East Stars, who had mixed results on Friday night, and three points ahead of three-time holders Central FC, who have a game in hand against North East Stars.
Jabloteh had enjoyed the better share of first-half chances, but had themselves to blame after Rangers' goalkeeper Cleon John put behind a Vurlon Mills effort and Keithy Simpson and Damian Williams missed gifts at the goal mouth.
Rangers too, were at their own fault.
Substitute winger Josh Toussaint and forward Xae Pierre De Fou both saw their efforts crash off the bar moments after teenaged midfield sensation Che Benny had forced Jabloteh goalkeeper Javon Sample into a low save from distance.
Toussaint was the first to rattle the Jabloteh crossbar after meeting a low Rennie Britto feed from the left, in a move that was created by a neat through-ball from Benny in the 66th minute.
Thirteen minutes later De Fou, who lifted an attempt inches overbar in the first half, followed suit when he scooped his effort onto the bar off a right side cross from tenacious Rangers midfielder Omari Lezama.
But coach Anthony Streete’s men, who only fell to a late 1-0 loss against Connection and played to a 1-1 draw with Police FC prior to facing Jabloteh, broke down at the death.
Jabloteh substitutes Kennedy Hinkson and Campbell had made the difference for Jabloteh—a side yet to show their full potential, albeit seated at the top of the PL standings.
Reid, Jabloteh’s penalty specialist, wrong-sided Rangers goalkeeping star, Cleon John in the 87th minute to break the deadlock after defender Shane Sandy brought down Hinkson – released by a Nathan Lewis feed – inside the box.
Campbell then completed the late victory two minutes into stoppage-time with a shot from the middle of the area that had too much sting for John’s outstretched arms. Lewis again involved after he was picked out by a long Jesus Perez cross to then provide the pass for Campbell, who did what teammates struggled to do in the first half.
Jabloteh, who held Central to a goalless draw and narrowly defeated Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia United 1-0 prior to facing Rangers, will travel against W Connection in a top-of-the-table clash on Friday 7 July at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Rangers meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they face Club Sando in a rescheduled fixture on Tuesday 4 July from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium before hosting North East Stars from 4pm on Saturday 8 July at the St. Augustine Secondary School ground.
Results
Friday Results
Police FC 1 (Gerard Williams Own Goal 55') vs W Connection 0, at Hasely Crawford Stadium;
Defence Force 0 vs Central FC 4 (Sean De Silva 64', 73', Johan Peltier 79', Nathaniel Garcia 84'), at Hasely Crawford Stadium;
Point Fortin Civic 1 (Kevin Rouse 35') vs Club Sando 1(Kevon Piper 33'), at Mahaica Oval;
North East Stars 1 (Rundell Winchester 42') vs Morvant Caledonia United 0, at Arima Velodrome.
Saturday Results
San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Adrian Reid 87' pen., Aaquil Campbell 90'+2.) vs St. Ann’s Rangers 0, at Larry Gomes Stadium.
Teams
San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK), 5.Shakiyl Phillip, 6.Akeem Benjamin, 9.Keithy Simpson (20.Aaquil Campbell 70th minute) (Yellow Card), 11.Damian Williams (Capt.), 15.Jesus Perez, 16.Jairo Lombardo (14.Hayden Tinto 46th minute), 17.Vurlon Mills (23.Kennedy Hinkson 81st minute), 22.Kadeem Hutchinson, 24.Adrian Reid, 27.Nathan Lewis.
Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK), 12.Kion Joseph, 18.Jevon Morris, 20.Aaquil Campbell, 21.Dominic Douglas.
Coach: Keith Jeffrey
St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 4.Shane Sandy, 5.Tekay Hoyce, 6.Omari Lezama, 12.Rennie Britto, 14.Xae-Pierre De Fou, 16.Stephon Smith, 17.Hakeem Baird (10.Josh Toussaint 52nd minute), 19.Anselm Jackson, 30.Che Benny (Yellow Card), 33.Osaze Springer (7.Sedale Mc Lean 69th minute).
Unused substitutes: 22.Christopher Biggette (GK), 3.Kareem Eastman, 15.Keshawn Hutchinson, 20.Aquil Selby, 28.Shem Alexander, 31.Jesse Williams.
Coach: Anthony Streete
Referee: Rashby Mc Phie
Upcoming Fixtures
04:07:17, 6:00pm, Club Sando v St. Ann’s Rangers, Ato Boldon Stadium
07:07:17, 6:00pm, Club Sando v Police FC, Ato Boldon Stadium
07:07:17, 8:00pm, W Connection vs San Juan Jabloteh, Ato Boldon Stadium
08:07:17, 4:00pm, St. Ann’s Rangers vs North East Stars, St. Augustine Secondary School Ground
08:07:17, 4:00pm, Morvant Caledonia United v Central FC, Larry Gomes Stadium
11:07:17, 6:00pm, Defence Force v Point Fortin Civic, Ato Boldon Stadium
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Defence Force 0 vs Central FC 4 (Sean De Silva 64', 73', Johan Peltier 79', Nathaniel Garcia 84'), at Hasely Crawford Stadium;
This hard to believe. DF is that bad, or they need a coach.
Defence Force: 1.Andre Marchan (GK), 2.Glynn Franklyn, 3.Jamali Garcia, 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 8.Christopher Durity, 10.Hashim Arcia, 15.Shaquille Bertrand (77.Reon Austin 87th minute), 17.Curtis Gonzales, 19.Thurlani George, 23.Kerry Joseph (12.Jemel Sebro 78th minute), 45.Dylon King (99.Jerwyn Balthazar 75th minute)
Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 18.Reon Moore, 22.Jelani John, 39.Akil Morris.
Coach: Marvin Gordon
These are some of the players they have. Arcia, Gonzales, Kerry Joseph, Sebro, Garcia, Balthazar, to name a few. What wrong in Teteron?
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Tyrone Charles double lifts Sando over Rangers for first win of the 2017 PL campaign.
ttproleague.com.
Tyrone Charles scored twice in a space of four minutes early in the second half to earn Club Sando a 2-0 win over his ex-employers St. Ann’s Rangers in a rescheduled Pro League (PL) clash on Tuesday night at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
The win, Sando’s first after four attempts this season, lifted coach Angus Eve’s side three spots up into sixth, hurdling Rangers, Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia United, but tied on four points with the latter.
Journeyman Charles, who, like seasoned PL players Akim Armstrong, Keyon Edwards and Akeem Redhead, joined Sando in pre-season, scored his first goal for the Oranges in style before getting to his double three minutes later against a ‘keeper, who had acrobatically kept out his 30-yard effort eight minutes from the break.
“We brought in Tyrone Charles for that purpose: to create and to score goals,” Eve told ttproleague.com after the game. “He is also very good on dead-ball situations, something we have been lacking. He is a good goal-scoring threat and good at breaking down the other teams. Losing (last season's PL top scorer) Akeem Roach was a big loss for us in terms of goals, so we also have to set a good base defensively and I thought we were very good with (Leslie) Russell, Trevin Latapy, (Kemuel) Rivers and young Nicholas Thomas at right-back.”
Eve, whose side held a loss-draw-draw record before last night’s fixture, added, “We have actually started a little better than last season although the first couple games we had the problem of gelling because I brought in about five attacking players.
“And, because I thought some of the players weren’t understanding what we are trying to do, tonight I went back with (regulars) Cornwall and Piper and incorporated two of the new forwards. We also went back with Jared London and Jay-son Joseph (in midfield) and tonight the synergy was better, the ball movement was better with guys who knew the system from last season.”
Charles, who really came to life in the 51st minute, dished out a couple step-overs to evade defender Shane Sandy -- who hit the floor in the penalty area -- before beating goalkeeper Cleon John at the near post to break the deadlock.
Then in the 54th minute, the 28-year-old Trinidad and Tobago winger popped up in the area again to bury a Keron Cornwall assist past John following an excellent team move by the hosts.
Ten minutes later Charles attempted a third, but his free kick from the top of the area afforded John a comfortable gather.
It was however, a turnaround by Sando, who were completely wasteful, especially in the first 20 minutes with Armstrong, Kevon Piper – at the end of the most enterprising move of the first half -- and Cornwall all spilling on scoring opportunities.
Nicholas Thomas was also a culprit of wastefulness, when three minutes into the second half, the Sando right-back fired inches overbar after he was picked out by a short feed from Piper in the area.
Rangers coach Anthony Streete, with his side on the ropes following Charles’ early second-half double, replaced Jesse Williams, Sedale Mc Lean and Jordan Devonish with winger Rennie Britto and forwards Anselm Jackson and Josh Toussaint respectively, in search of a comeback against his former club.
The changes, however, did not help Rangers avoid a third defeat this term, and St. Ann’s club remain winless after four games ahead of Saturday’s hosting of North East Stars at St. Augustine Secondary School ground from 4pm.
Instead it was Sando who created latter chances with John making a double-save, twice denying Cornwall in the 77 minute, and substitute Adan Noel drilling an effort inches wide of the far upright five minutes from time.
Rangers’ best effort against Sando was in the first half, and produced by midfielder Omari Lezama who put goalkeeper Stefan Berkeley into full stretch in the 37th minute.
The 22-year-old former Harlem Strikers playmaker lacks the physique one would imagine of a footballer and must improve on his fitness. And, while his noticeably strong passion to represent the Rangers’ shirt, coupled with his ability to read the game, find space and produce passes, compensates… a fitter, leaner Lezama would possibly be a bigger asset for Rangers.
Sando meanwhile, must return to action on Friday against Police from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium, preceding a top-of-the-table clash between leaders San Juan Jabloteh and W Connection from 8pm.
“It will be bit difficult,” Eve said of his upcoming clash against Police. “We have a shorter space of time to prepare. But it could work both ways, Police on a longer rest being a little rusty while we could be a bit leg-weary. We may have to think about [fresh legs] in certain areas… but I’m very happy with the performance tonight.”
Following Saturday’s clash between Rangers and North East Stars, action will return to the Ato Boldon Stadium on Tuesday with Defence Force and Point Fortin Civic to battle from 6pm, followed by Morvant Caledonia United taking on three-time holders Central FC from 8pm.
Results
Club Sando 2 (Tyrone Charles 51’, 54’) vs St. Ann’s Rangers 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Teams
Club Sando: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK), 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper, 10.Keron Cornwall (12.Michael Basdeo 89th minute), 11.Akim Armstrong (35.Adan Noel 80th minute), 13.Tyrone Charles (15.Keyon Edwards 76th minute), 16.Joel Leslie Russell (Capt.), 17.Jared London, 18.Trevin Latapy, 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jay-son Joseph.
Unused substitutes: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK), 4.Rondell Payne, 9.Jamal Gay, 14.Nical Stephens.
Coach: Angus Eve
St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.), 3.Kareem Eastman, 4.Shane Sandy, 6.Omari Lezama, 7.Sedale Mc Lean (19.Anselm Jackson 57th minute), 8.Jordan Devonish (10.Josh Toussaint 63rd minute), 14.Xae-Pierre De Fou, 16.Stephon Smith, 20.Aquil Selby, 31.Jesse Williams (12.Rennie Britto 54th minute), 33.Osaze Springer.
Unused substitutes: 22.Christopher Biggette (GK), 5.Tekay Hoyce, 17.Hakeem Baird, 18.Kristian Meloney,
Coach: Anthony Streete
Upcoming Fixtures
(Friday 07 July 2017)
Club Sando vs Police FC—6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
W Connection vs San Juan Jabloteh—8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
(Saturday 08 July 2017)
MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers vs North East Stars—4pm, St. Augustine Secondary School Ground
(Tuesday 11 July 2017)
Defence Force vs Point Fortin Civic—6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
Morvant Caledonia United vs Central FC—8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium
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WATCH: Tyrone Charles scores a brace in Club Sando’s 2-0 win over St. Ann’s Rangers (https://www.tv6tnt.com/news/7pmnews/play-of-the-day---wednesday-th-july/article_19e8bc34-6203-11e7-8adc-5733ae1bbf11.html). His first goal involves a step-over which results in a defender falling to the ground (think Messi vs Boateng).
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WATCH: Tyrone Charles scores a brace in Club Sando’s 2-0 win over St. Ann’s Rangers (https://www.tv6tnt.com/news/7pmnews/play-of-the-day---wednesday-th-july/article_19e8bc34-6203-11e7-8adc-5733ae1bbf11.html). His first goal involves a step-over which results in a defender falling to the ground (think Messi vs Boateng).
Embarrassing :-[
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Then some wonder why TT Pro league based players should have no business starting on the NT
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Benjamin inspires Connection comeback against Jabloteh; Cornwall stars as Sando run riot on Police.
ttproleague.com.
W Connection returned to the top of the Pro League 2017 standings last night with a 2-1 Neil Benjamin-inspired comeback win over previous leaders San Juan Jabloteh in the second game of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Benjamin equalised in the second half with a brilliant solo goal before being involved in two other items, scored by a Jabloteh shirt and substitute Jamal Charles—all after the visitors had grabbed the lead against the run of play from a converted penalty by Josiah Trimmingham in the first half.
The night’s appetizer also had its exciting moments, when Club Sando, in the earlier game were ruthless, defeating Police FC 4-0 for their second consecutive win on the trot.
Keron Cornwall scored on either side of the break for the Angus Eve-coached Sando, who also had second half items from midfielder Jarod London and substitute forward Adan Noel.
Eve’s starting had line-up remained unchanged after last Tuesday’s 2-0 win over St. Ann’s Rangers, and the Oranges went ahead on 21 minutes and never turned back.
Kevon Piper on a counterattack found Tuesday’s double scorer Tyrone Charles, who controlled off his chest inside the box before finding Cornwall in the middle, and the Sando forward held his composure before firing past a hapless Adrian Foncette in Police goal.
Cornwall failed to add another to his name in the 73rd minute when he spilled wide off another Charles pass.
But Sando were already two goals up by then thanks to a solid finish from team captain London, who beat the outstretched arm of Foncette five minutes into the second half—Piper with the assist again following a right side build-up by Sando involving Nicholas Thomas.
Police, who were eventually hurdled by Sando for fifth spot, were earlier denied twice by goalkeeper Stefan Berkeley but got within inches of pulling a goal back when Elijah Belgrave’s deflected rocket strike cannoned off the bar six minutes from time.
Cornwall, though, would get to his double on 87 minutes, putting the match totally out of the Lawmen’s reach with a three-nil score by smashing a low drive past Foncette from the right and into the far corner after running onto a Jay-son Joseph pass over the top and making light work of defender Ryan O’Neil inside the area.
Police surely considered themselves lucky not to concede another moments earlier when Sando substitutes Michael Basdeo and Akeem Redhead combined, but the latter—unchallenged at the back post—spilled a header wide.
However another substitute, Adan Noel, was in no charitable mood and completed the 4-0 rout deep in stoppage time. Nicholas Thomas, the promising right full-back, had given another of his attacking runs, then a defence-splitting feed to find Noel, who hit low past Foncette.
Connection, in the top of the table-clash, also celebrated their final goal of the night deep in stoppage-time when substitute and Grenada international Jamal Charles buried his shot past Jabloteh goalkeeper Javon Sample for the 3-1 win after combining with Benjamin in the area.
But it wasn’t best of nights in the finishing department for Connection, who should have at least, walked away double the goal advantage.
Connection’s first half of missed chances included falling behind after twenty-six minutes.
Trimmingham had converted powerfully from the penalty spot for the San Juan Kings after referee Keilon Bacchus ruled that Connection defender Gerard Williams had brought down Jamaican midfielder Keithy Simpson in the area.
Jabloteh forward Julio Noel then failed to add to Connection’s miseries and put his side in a favourable lead five minutes from the half when he fired overbar from inside the box after brilliantly controlling a Kion Joseph cross in mid-air ahead of defender Maurice Ford.
But moments after Dimitri Apai curled an attempt onto the Jabloteh crossbar early in the second half, Benjamin, who fed the pass to the Suriname forward, took matters into his own hands.
Benjamin, a lightening-paced winger, blew past Jabloteh’s evergreen utility player Kennedy Hinkson in the area before chipping Sample in the 55th minute to level the scores at 1-1 as the San Juan Kings conceded their first goal of the season.
Jabloteh, having to do without their star player Nathan Lewis due to a sport hernia, were no match for the attacking prowess of Connection and it was only a matter of time for the Savonetta Boys to take the lead.
That time wasn’t far away.
Three minutes after levelling his side, Benjamin found Alvin Jones inside the right of the area, and the latter powerful ball across the six yard area cannoned off the legs of Trimmingham and into the back of the Jabloteh net.
Own goal. Connection in front 2-1.
Sample, who had risked injury to his arm in the first half to keep out a powerful Jones’ free kick, couldn’t avoid the end of Jabloteh’s four-game unbeaten spell.
The shot-stopper was hung out to dry by his defence in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time and scorers Jamal Charles and Benjamin led the Connection 3-1 celebration.
Pro League 2017 action resumes from 4pm today (Saturday) at the Arima Velodrome when third-place North East Stars, with three wins in as many games, take on MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers.
Then on Tuesday, the Ato Boldon Stadium comes alive again with a double-header. Defence Force and Point Fortin Civic will battle from 6pm, followed by Morvant Caledonia United taking on three-time PL holders Central FC from 8pm.
Results
Club Sando 4 (Keron Cornwall 21’, 87’, Jared London 50’, Adan Noel 95’) vs Police FC 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
W Connection 3 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 55’, Josiah Trimmingham Own Goal 58’, Jamal Charles 90’+4) vs San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Josiah Trimmingham 26’ pen.), at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Game 1
Club Sando: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK), 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper (12.Michael Basdeo 83rd minute), 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Akim Armstrong, 13.Tyrone Charles (9.Akeem Redhead 78th minute), 16.Leslie Joel Russell (Yellow Card), 17.Jared London (Capt.) (35.Adan Noel 69th minute), 18.Trevin Latapy (Yellow), 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jay-son Joseph.
Unused substitutes: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK), 4.Rondell Payne, 5.Nical Stephens, 15.Keyon Edwards.
Coach: Angus Eve
Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK), 3.Ryan O’Neil, 5.Kenaz Williams (23.Shaquille Williams 66th minute), 6.Jibri Mc David, 9.Jameel Perry (Yellow Card), 10.Kareem Freitas (11.Micah Lewis 59th minute), 12.Niquan Caruth, 13.Dillon Kirton (Yellow Card), 20.Elijah Belgrave, 21.Todd Ryan (Capt.), 24.Keiron Benito (16.Joshua Leach 78th minute).
Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK), 4.Kadeem Boyce, 8.Kurdell Brathwaite, 38.Kevin Lewis.
Coach: Richard Hood
Referee: Rashby Mc Phie
Game 2
W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK), 3.Gerard Williams (Yellow Card), 4.Maurice Ford, 5.Triston Hodge, 6.Kevon Goddard, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr., 10.Dimitri Apai (23.Jamal Charles 75th minute), 13.Hughtun Hector, 16.Alvin Jones (32.Isaiah Hudson 78th minute), 26.Isaiah Garcia (21.Ronell Paul 87th minute), 99.Marcus Joseph.
Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK), 17.Qian Grosvenor, 24.Jameel Antoine, 30.Shaquille John.
Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier
San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK), 3.Josiah Trimmingham (Yellow Card), 6.Akeem Benjamin, 9.Keithy Simpson, 11.Damian Williams (Capt.), 12.Kion Joseph (20.Aaquil Campbell 80th minute), 13.Julio Noel, 16.Jairo Lombardo (7.Elijah Manners 63rd minute), 18.Jevon Morris, 22.Kadeem Hutchinson (17.Vernon Mills 63rd minute), 23.Kennedy Hinkson.
Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK), 5.Shakiyl Phillip, 14.Hayden Tinto, 21.Dominique Douglas.
Coach: Keith Jeffrey
Referee: Keilon Bacchus
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Kerry Baptiste nets twice to lift N/E Stars level with leaders Connection as Rangers remain bottom.
ttproleague.com.
Kerry Baptiste rolled back the years yesterday afternoon (Saturday) with a second-half double to give North East Stars a 2-1 win over MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers.
Baptiste had missed a first-half chance, but the 35-year-old 2009 Pro League Player of the Year and Golden Boot redeemed himself by scoring twice on the other side of the half to put North East Stars on course for a fourth straight win from as many matches this term, and they did it at no better place than in front of home fans at the Arima Velodrome.
The result put Derek King-coached Stars, with a game in hand against three-time holders Central FC, up one spot and level on 12 points with leaders W Connection, but second on goal-difference, while San Juan Jabloteh (10 points), who fell 3-1 against the Savonetta Boys on Friday night, slipped another spot into third.
Contrastingly, Rangers, suffering their fourth loss from five outings in the 2017 season, remained anchored at the bottom with just one point—the same as cellar-placed Point Fortin Civic, who must face Defence Force on Tuesday from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium, followed by Morvant Caledonia United against Central FC from 8pm.
King, who coached the now defunct Joe Public to a record five-title haul in back in 2009, reunited with his former star attacker, Baptiste, this season after taking over at North East Stars and owed a lot of Saturday’s win to the veteran poacher.
Yohance Marshall had a header cleared away on the goal line by Rangers attacker Anselm Jackson after the former LA Galaxy defender had made contact to a Leston Paul corner moments before the half.
However Baptiste, who holds the record for most PL goals scored in a season, broke the deadlock against Rangers in the 56th minute when he made connection to a free kick whipped into the area, and in the 64th minute cushioned his side from open play by beating goalkeeper Cleon John a second time.
Rangers then sliced the Stars’ lead in half a minute later through Josh Toussaint, who had the simple task of tapping into Akel Clarke’s goal on a squared pass by Jair Edwards following a neat move on the right.
But the St. Ann’s club couldn’t find the equalising item, let alone a comeback victory against a side that twice got within inches of scoring two more goals when Kevon Villaroel’s sizzling effort flew overbar on 70 minutes and when Leston Paul let another fly seven minutes from the end.
Rangers though, had made attempts on and off the pitch in Arima to excite the spectators, including a live closing-performance from Soca artiste Asten Issac.
Rangers will next face serial champions Central FC from 6pm on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium, followed by W Connection and North East Stars in a top-of-the-table clash from 8pm.
Results
St. Ann’s Rangers 1 (Josh Toussaint 65’) vs North East Stars 2 (Kerry Baptiste 56’, 64’), at Arima Velodrome.
Teams
St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.), 4.Shane Sandy, 6.Omari Lezama, 7.Sedale Mc Lean (33.Osaze Springer 70th minute), 9.Jair Edwards, 10.Josh Toussaint (32.Marvin Lee 87th minute), 12.Rennie Britto, 15.Keshawn Hutchinson, 16.Stephon Smith, 17.Hakim Baird, 19.Anselm Jackson.
Unused substitutes: 22.Christopher Biggette (GK), 3.Kareem Eastman, 8.Jordan Devonish, 20.Aquil Selby, 28.Shem Alexander.
Coach: Anthony Streete
North East Stars: 30.Akel Clarke (GK), 3.Kevon Villaroel, 4.Kerry Baptiste (16.Giovanni Abraham 75th minute), 6.Leston Paul, 11.Rundell Winchester (8.Adrian Noel 84th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 15.Seon Thomas, 17.Kordell Samuel (14.Jomoul Francois 55th minute), 20.Yohance Marshall, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia.
Unused substitutes: 1.Jabari Bryce (GK), 13.Kyle Bartholomew, 19.Jelani Felix, 25.DeJon Waldropt.
Coach: Derek King
Referee: Crystal Sobers
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Civic denied penalty but holds D/Force before Morv’t Caledonia tame serial champions Central.
ttproleague.com.
Last season’s Pro League bottom feeders Point Fortin Civic and Morvant Caledonia United were not in beatable mood last night, holding multiple-time former champions Defence Force and three-time Pro League holders Central FC goalless, respectively.
In fact, Civic and Morvant Caledonia – two sides given fresh life this season under returning coaches Reynold Carrington and Jamaal Shabazz respectively – could have walked away winners at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Civic had a clear penalty waved off by referee Cecile Hinds, who allowed play to continue after forward Keron Neptune was dragged to ground inside the box by Defence Force defender Glynn Franklyn five minutes into the second half.
It was the second penalty shout from the rejuvenated Neptune on the night, but the latter of his cries, in the opinion of many, should have easily warrant the official to point to the spot and show Franklyn—Defence Force’s last defender—a direct red card.
Civic, stepping one spot off the bottom of the standings where they finished last season but still in search of a first win this term, also had themselves too to blame despite coming away with a second consecutive draw after five games.
Neptune, who flashed an attempted inches overbar three minutes into the second half, was put through by former W Connection midfielder Jabari Mitchell on 55 minutes, but the veteran forward’s tame shot made for a comfortable wrap by Defence Force goalkeeper Andre Marchan.
Neptune then unselfishly rolled a pass to an oncoming Akinola Gregory, however his teenaged strike partner lifted an attempt overbar from the edge of the area.
Similarly, Civic were the more enterprising of the two sides in the first half, although a rocket header from Defence Force right-back Jerome Mc Intyre came closest to breaking the deadlock two minutes from the break, when it skidded off the bar.
Substitute Shaquille Bertrand, another pre-season acquisition by Defence Force coach Marvin Gordon, had a shot blocked away by Civic goalie Marvin Phillip ten minutes from time.
But on the opposite end, from virtually the final kick of the game, Trinidad and Tobago Under-17 midfielder Judah Garcia curled an attempt onto the bar.
Had it entered the far top corner of Marchan’s net, it would have been a fitting reward for Civic and the 16-year-old standout Garcia, who had played their hearts out.
“We just need to believe,” said Carrington after the 0-0 draw. “Some of the players (are) still doubting themselves. [But a] victory will [give us the belief]. We will not stop until we reach the level that we need to, to compete with every team.
“I must (also) say the guys worked hard tonight and (a) victory should have been in our favour. But we go away with a point; and we are still grateful for the point.”
Carrington, a former T&T national midfielder and captain, felt his side had created enough chances to win but also believes the officiating “could have been a little [more] consistent.”
Judah Garcia meanwhile, who debuted off the bench in a 1-1 draw with Club Sando on June 30, said, “The feeling is great coming (into) a senior team and starting, and giving a (strong) effort.”
The Shiva Boys Hindu College captain promoted from the Civic youth system, added, “[We are] a team in development, with a lot of young players (who) the coach is trying to gel [together]. So I’d say by the next two years, Point Fortin Civic can dominate the TT Pro League.”
Judah is youngest of four talented Garcia siblings: 19-year-old Trinidad and Tobago and Dutch top flight club AZ Alkmaar winger, Levi, Central FC midfielder Nathaniel, 24, and eldest of them all, 29-year-old Daniel Garcia, who is a former United Petrotrin and T&TEC standout midfielder.
Daniel was present at the Ato Boldon Stadium and appeared to be offering some coaching tips to Judah as they both looked on as Nathaniel’s Central FC took on Morvant Caledonia in the second game of the night’s double-header.
Nathaniel got close to goal too—his free kick two minutes inside the second half had flashed overbar as Central, champions of 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17, tried desperately to unlock Morvant Caledonia, a side that finished second-from-bottom in the last three seasons.
Tyrik John rattled the Caledonia upright on the stroke of halftime with a swerving attempt that surprised goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel in another rare attempt by the holders.
John had another go on the hour mark for Central, this time racing down the right and into box. But Caledonia defender Anthony Charles was equal to the task and did enough to force wide the forward’s attempt.
Charles also proved he can shoot too, lashing a 30-yard attempt inches wide of goalkeeper Stephon Seepersad’s far upright in the 79th minute.
Morvant Caledonia created two more chances near the end when substitute Kelsey Benjamin faied to make contact with a low cross by another substitute, Shakille Belle, at the goalmouth five minutes from time, then deep into stoppage-time Lester Joseph put final attempt off the night off the upright and out for a goal-kick.
Central must return to the Ato Boldon Stadium on Friday against St. Ann’s Rangers from 6pm, preceding a top-of-the-table clash between W Connection and North East Stars from 8pm.
Civic will also be in action on Friday when they host Police FC from 7pm at the Mahaica Oval.
Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia will next face each other from 4pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Saturday, while San Juan Jabloteh must host Club Sando on the same day from 5pm at the Barataria Oval (Recreation Ground).
Results
Defence Force 0 vs Point Fortin Civic 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Morvant Caledonia United 0 vs Central FC 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Game 1
Defence Force: 1.Andre Marchan (GK), 2.Glynn Franklyn, 3.Jamali Garcia, 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 8.Christopher Durity (4.Dave Long 61st minute), 10.Hashim Arcia (18.Reon Moore 76th minute), 17.Curtis Gonzales, 19.Thurlani George, 23.Kerry Joseph, 30.Trey Hanley (15.Shaquille Bertrand 63rd minute), 99.Jerwyn Balthazar (Capt.).
Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 16.Kellon Serrette, 22.Jelani John, 45.Dylon King.
Coach: Marvin Gordon
Point Fortin Civic: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK) (Capt.), 6.Glen Sutton, 8.Jamal John (13.Nickcolson Thomas 81st minute), 10.Jabari Mitchell, 11.Keron Neptune, 14.Shavon Frederick (32.Jerren Jackie 46th minute), 18.Trent Lougheed, 23.Kevin Rouse, 24.Akinola Gregory (53.Stephan Campbell 70th minute), 27.Darnell Hospedales, 34.Judah Garcia (Yellow Card).
Unused substitutes: 52.Akini Adams (GK), 16.Kelvin Modeste, 25.Shaquille Dublin, 99.Kevin Moodie.
Coach: Reynold Carrington
Referee: Cecile Hinds
Game 2
Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK), 6.Taje Commissiong, 8.Anthony Charles, 11.Quincy Ballah, 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.), 15.Otev Lawrence, 17.Kerry Daniel, 18.Maestro Mensah (9.Shakille Belle 52nd minute), 20.Kareem Baptiste, 23.Lester Joseph, 28.Renaldo Francois (29.Kelsey Benjamin 79th minute).
Unused substitutes: 5.Joshua Sylvester, 7.Kelrick Walters, 22.Joshua Alexander, 24.Michael Ten-Pow, 31.DeJourn Charles.
Coach: Jamaal Shabazz
Central FC: 1.Stephon Seepersad (GK), 5.Keston George, 6.Carlos Edwards (Capt.), 7.Jason Marcano (Yellow Card), 12.Taryk Sampson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel, 17.Jesse Joseph (10.Johan Peltier 56th minute), 18.Tyrik John (11.Jabari Carasquero 87th minute), 19.Nathaniel Garcia, 26.Mickaeel Gem Gordon (29.Ross Powden 90th+2 minute), 40.Sean Bateau.
Unused substitutes: 13.Rhondel Gibson, 24.Jules Lee, 30.Prince Walter, 46.John Charles.
Coach: Dale Saunders
Referee: Rashby McPhie
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Rangers stun Central; Stars’ Neptune, Samuel fire late to earn point against Connection.
ttproleague.com.
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
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Club Sando snatch late win against Jabloteh.
ttproleague.com.
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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Earl Jean calls on Gov’t and corporate T&T to continue Pro League support.
ttproleague.
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.
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Akeem Garcia fires NE Stars top of Pro League.
ttproleague.com.
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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Reon, King and Serrette bang the goals as D/Force maul 10-man W Connection; Central held by Sando.
ttproleague.com
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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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As if any more proof was needed to confirm it is an amateur league
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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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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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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.
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Akim Armstrong wins Wendy's Player of the Month gong, desirous of CONCACAF and overseas return.
ttproleague.com.
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.
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Jalani Felix delivers double against ex-club D/Force as North East Stars maintain shine.
ttproleague.com.
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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Connection held by Sando ahead of First Citizens Cup semis.
ttproleague.com.
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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First Citizens Cup semis postponed to Nov 3
ttproleague.com
(http://www.ttproleague.com/images/stories/news-2017/IMG_1234.JPG)
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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Home of T&T football.
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Hungry for ‘Moore’ success
T&T Newsday
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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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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This is a very old story yesterday Defence Force beat Central FC 4-0 That National Team Friendly was since May or June when we played W Connection
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Thanks, Breds. So Central getting demoted.
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Stars strikes back, maintains three-point lead on Pro League standings with Morv’t Caledonia win
ttproleague.com
North East Stars rebounded from recent disappointments of First Citizens Cup and FA Trophy exits to maintain a three-point lead at the top of the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017 standings with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Morvant Caledonia United.
The Stars, who were edged out in the quarter-finals of the First Citizens Cup on Oct. 14 at Larry Gomes Stadium against Point Fortin Civic then knocked out of the FA Trophy in the Round-of-16 last Sunday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium main field on penalties by Morvant Caledonia, were in no mood to let up their league lead, though they were made to work their socks off for every point on Tuesday’s return to Port-of-Spain.
Sheldon Holder scored twice in the first half to lift Morvant Caledonia in front before the break after former teammate Jameel “Shooter” Neptune had put the visitors in ahead at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field.
But veteran poacher Kerry Baptiste equalised for the Stars (40 points) early in the second half and Rundell Winchester’s eighth league goal of the season provided the winner well before the end to earn Derek King’s side a fourth consecutive league win and three important points with five PL games left and second-positioned W Connection (27 points) hot on their heels.
Connection, earlier at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, had stretched their unbeaten run to ten games in all competitions with a 2-1 comeback win over Police FC ahead of Friday’s crucial visit against North East Stars at the Arima Velodrome.
Police, third-from-bottom on the ten-team table with only 11 points, went ahead on 12 minutes through defender Jibri Mc David. But Connection hit back in the second half with two goals four minutes with Dimitri Apai and this season’s leading league scorer Neil Benjamin Jr. (10 goals) scoring in the 60th and 64th minutes respectively.
Third-placed Club Sando (22 points), still hopeful of a CONCACAF Champions League qualifying spot -- top two -- finish this season, were also in winners row, defeating cellar-positioned Point Fortin Civic (9 points) 4-2 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium main field.
Akim Armstrong opened the scoring from the penalty spot and Jayson Joseph made it two-nil before the break for the Angus Eve-coached side that had further goals from Keron Cornwall and Josiah Trimmingham before Civic, though unable to avoid a fourth consecutive league loss, reduced the score-line with a late goal each from Stephen Campbell and Shaquille Dublin.
Meanwhile, Central FC, the three-time Pro League holders, suffered a fourth league loss of their last five PL outings, going under 4-0 against 10-men Defence Force FC at Larry Gomes Stadium.
Reon Moore (8th minute), Hashim Arcia (16th minute) and Devorn Jorsling (64th minute) were all on target for Defence Force. The Army/Coast Guard combination also celebrated an own-goal credited to Couva Sharks’ defender Sean Bateau on 51 minutes.
Head coach Marvin Gordon, however, must make do without the services of Justin Garcia for Saturday’s league clash with Morvant Caledonia at the Hasely Crawford Stadium after the full back was ejected with 13 minutes left against Central on a second yellow card.
Defence Force (18 points) and San Juan Jabloteh (17 points), 2-0 winners over bottom-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers in St. Augustine, moved up a spot into fourth and fifth positions respectively, while Morvant Caledonia (16 points), with their loss, slipped two spots into sixth but three points ahead of Central.
Morvant Caledonia fell behind 1-0 on the half-hour mark when Stars winger Neptune pounced on a rebound at the goalmouth after Julius James directed a Densill Theobald free kick onto goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel’s cross bar.
The Eastern Stallions stormed back with a double from Guyana international forward Holder, who first towered in the box on 35 minutes to level the scores at 1-1 after heading a Kareem Joseph corner past fellow countryman and Stars’ goalkeeper Akel Clarke, who had seconds earlier matched a brilliant effort from Kelsy Benjamin but couldn’t save his side on the resulting corner.
Holder then completed his double three minutes from the half, hitting into the back of the net on a second bite following a neat improvised pass over the top by strike partner Benjamin.
But Baptiste, allowed to move free towards the back post, levelled the Stars 2-2 when he stabbed home a perfectly-placed Keston George cross four minutes into the second half.
Samuel, who produced a number of saves on the afternoon, was hung out to dry again on 63 minutes when Winchester, set free behind the Morvant Caledonia defence thanks to wise-thinking from Baptiste and Theobald, curled his shot beyond the reach of shot-stopper and into the back of the net for the 3-2 score.
Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017
Round Two Match Day Four results
(Tuesday 24 October 2017)
W Connection 2 (Dimitri Apai 60’, Neil Benjamin Jr. 64’) vs Police FC 1 (Jibri Mc David 12’), at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;
Club Sando 4 (Akim Armstrong 41’ pen., Jayson Joseph 44’, Keron Cornwall 48’, Josiah Trimmingham 62’) vs Point Fortin Civic 2 (Stephen Campbell 83’, Shaquille Dublin 89’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium;
Central FC 0 vs Defence Force FC 4 (Reon Moore 8’, Hashim Arcia 16’, Own Goal Sean Bateau 51’, Devorn Jorsling 64’), at Larry Gomes Stadium;
MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 0 vs San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Jairo Lombardo 52’, Nathan Lewis 85’), at St. Augustine Secondary School Ground;
Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Sheldon Holder 35’, 42’) vs North East Stars 3 (Jameel Neptune 30’, Kerry Baptiste 49’, Rundell Winchester 63’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium training field.
Upcoming Trinidad and Tobago Pro League fixtures
Round Two Match Day Five
(Friday 27 October 2017)
North East Stars vs W Connection, 6pm, Arima Velodrome;
Police FC vs Point Fortin Civic (venue and time TBD).
(Saturday 28 October 2017)
Morvant Caledonia United vs Defence Force FC, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium main field.
(Sunday 29 October 2017)
Club Sando vs San Juan Jabloteh, 3:30pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;
St. Ann’s Rangers vs Central FC, 3:30pm, St. Augustine Senior Secondary Ground.
Teams at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field on Tuesday
Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 5.Joshua Sylvester, 6.Taje Commissiong, 8.Anthony Charles (17.Kerry Daniel 65th minute), 10.Sheldon Holder, 11.Quincy Ballah (23.Lester Joseph 75th minute), 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.), 15.Otev Lawrence, 20.Kareem Freitas, 22.Joshua Alexander, 29.Kelsy Benjamin (28.Renaldo Francois 65th minute).
Unused substitutes: 31.De Journ Charles (GK); 3.Richard Williams, 9.Sedale Mc Lean, 14.Simeon Bailey, 31.De Journ Charles.
Coach: Abdallah Phillips
North East Stars: 30.Akel Clarke (GK); 2.Keston George, 3.Kevon Villaroel, 4.Kerry Baptiste (19.Jalani Felix 75th minute), 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester (17.Kordell Samuel 80th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald, 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune (23.Akeem Garcia 88th minute).
Unused substitutes: 1.Darren Wilson (GK); 10.Duane Muckette, 14.Jomoul Francois, 16.Giovani Abraham.
Coach: Derek King
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"who were in Ecuador with the national team,"
Allyuh cold boy, allyuh ent say nutten..Insider gone Outside or wha ?
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Sublime Elton John strike shoots Stars six points clear on Pro League table
ttproleague.com
North East Stars pulled six points clear at the top of the Pro League 2017 standings on Friday night after edging second-positioned W Connection 1-0 to set the stage for new champions this season with three-time holders Central FC seventh and just 13 points from 12 of their 18 league games.
Elton John’s fine chip from the edge of the box to beat an advancing W Connection goalkeeper Julani Archibald after just three minutes eventually snapped the visitors ten-game undefeated run in all competitions and earned the hosts maximum points at the Arima Velodrome to maintain Derek King side's one-hundred percent unbeaten record -- with six wins and one draw -- at the iconic venue.
North East Stars (33 points), chasing a second league crown since winning the title in 2004 under Guyana-born coach James Mc Lean, are against Club Sando, Police FC and San Juan Jabloteh in their last three league games but not before hosting MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 4pm in Tuesday’s league fixture at the Arima Velodrome in search of three more points.
Meanwhile Connection (27 points), who have rivals Central, Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia United in their last three league fixtures, must first turn their focus to Tuesday’s league visit to Barataria Oval against San Juan Jabloteh from 5pm then on to the semi-final round of the First Citizens Cup on Nov. 3 against Club Sando.
Sando (22 points), third on the Pro League standings, will host Jabloteh from 3:30pm at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on Sunday with the hopes of improving their mathematical chance of earning a CONCACAF Champions League qualifying spot which goes to the top two PL finishers.
Connection had themselves to blame against North East, a side they allowed to claw back a late 2-2 draw on Jul. 14 in Round One, after team captain and veteran midfielder Hughtun Hector -- in his first game back from injury -- spilled overbar in Arima with the goal at his mercy just over the hour mark following a defensive error by the hosts.
Moments later Hector tried to redeem himself with a neat free-kick delivery but substitute Weslie John headed wide of the target after meeting the cross near the back post. Then, three minutes from the end of regular time, a headed attempt from midfield hard-man Briel Thomas cannoned off the bar as Stuart Charles-Fevrier’s side failed to draw level before the final blow of referee Gordon Maloney’s whistle.
Stars, who survived a couple scares near the break, also had their moments of missed chances with defender Julius James heading overbar five minutes from the half off a corner swung in by Kerry Baptiste, who later failed to capitalise from the edge of the six-yard when he was picked out in the area by an improvised pass from second-half substitute Kordell Samuel.
Archibald was forced into a save from Keston George just before the hour mark and a couple minutes later, Densill Theobald should have had, at least, forced the Connection goalie into another save, but fired inches wide of the top corner from the top of the box.
The Stars, though, would hold on for a fifth consecutive league win thanks to their captain Elton John’s third league goal and fourth in all competitions this season, but first in open play with his previous three scored from the penalty spot.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Point Fortin Civic moved two spots off the bottom, leapfrogging Rangers and Police to go eight after holding off the latter for a 2-1 win at the Barataria Oval in the only other fixture contested on Friday.
Shackiel Henry opened the scoring for his first league goal of the season since returning to Civic from Connection in mid-season and Shaquille Dublin, for his second goal in as many matches, made it two-nil early in the second half before Kareem Perry pulled a goal back for Police on the hour mark.
Police, though having the majority of chances including a Todd Ryan penalty effort which hit the bar midway through the second half, surrendered to a third loss of their last four league outings, while Civic snapped a four-game losing run in the league before hosting Defence Force from 6pm on Tuesday at Mahaica Oval in a dress rehearsal of the of their First Citizens Cup semi-finals clash against the holders on Nov. 3.
Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017
Round Two Match Day Five
Friday’s (27 October 2017) results
Police FC 1 (Kareem Perry 60’) vs Point Fortin Civic 2 (Shackiel Henry 24’, Shaquille Dublin 52’), Barataria Oval;
North East Stars 1 (Elton John 3’) vs W Connection 0, at Arima Velodrome.
Upcoming
Remaining Round Two Match Day Five fixtures
(Saturday 28 October 2017)
Morvant Caledonia United vs Defence Force, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium main field.
(Sunday 29 October 2017)
Club Sando vs San Juan Jabloteh, 3:30pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;
MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers vs Central FC, 3:30pm, St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.
Round Two Match Day Six
(Tuesday 31 October 2017)
Police FC vs Club Sando, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field;
Central FC vs Morvant Caledonia United, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Main Field;
North East Stars vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 4pm, Arima Velodrome;
San Juan Jabloteh vs W Connection, 5pm, Barataria Oval;
Point Fortin Civic vs Defence Force, 6pm, Mahaica Oval.
Teams at the Arima Velodrome on Friday
North East Stars: 30.Akel Clarke (GK); 2.Keston George, 3.Kevon Villaroel, 4.Kerry Baptiste (19.Jalani Felix 78th minute), 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester (17.Kordell Samuel 69th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald (Yellow Card), 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia (10.Duane Muckette 81st minute).
Unused substitutes: 1.Darren Wilson (GK); 7.Kishun Seecharan, 13.Kyle Bartholomew, 14.Jomoul Francois.
Coach: Derek King
W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 3.Gerard Williams, 4.Maurice Ford, 5.Triston Hodge, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr, 10.Dimitri Apai, 11.Shirvone Malik St. Prix (14.Euller Eduardo Couto 88th minute), 13.Hughtun Hector, 16.Alvin Jones (Yellow Card), 19.Briel Thomas, 24.Jameel Antoine (23.Weslie John 64th minute).
Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK); 2.Frank Padilla Gil, 20.Daniel Diaz, 21.Ronell Paul, 26.Isaiah Garcia.
Officials
Referee: Gordon Maloney
Assistant Referee 1: Kevin Lewis
Assistant Referee 2: Atiba Phillip
Fourth Official: Gregory Lewis
Match Commissioner: Frank Rodriguez
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Morris, Moore, Bertrand steer Defence Force in 3-1 win over Morv’t Caledonia.
ttproleague.com
Defence Force celebrated victory number eight from their last nine matches in all competitions with a 3-1 win over rivals Morvant Caledonia United in their Round Two Match Day Five clash of the 2017 Pro League season on Saturday afternoon at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Akil Morris, Reon Moore and Shaquille Bertrand -- three faces still bidding to solidify their places among a rebuilding Army/Coast Guard combination -- were on target for coach Marvin Gordon’s side while veteran Morvant Caledonia player and captain, Kareem Joseph, snatched the lone item for the hosts from the penalty spot.
But Defence Force, although defeated just once in their last ten outings in all competitions, remain fourth on the standings with 21 points—one less than third-positioned Club Sando.
Sando will host fifth-positioned San Juan Jabloteh (17 points) from 3:30pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on Sunday while simultaneously at the St. Augustine Secondary School Ground, bottom-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers (9 points) will host last season’s three-peat Champions Central FC (13 points), who currently occupy seventh position, three points behind Morvant Caledonia.
Morvant Caledonia fell behind against Defence Force after just eight minutes when right winger Morris completed a wonderful team move by firing past goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel for his first league goal of the season.
Samuel, who denied Morris a second midway through the first half and was equal to a Devorn Jorsling free kick which was aimed at the keeper’s top left corner early in the second half, was beaten again on 66 minutes.
Defence Force left winger Moore rounded the Morvant Caledonia shot-stopper in the box before hitting into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead with his fifth league goal of the season.
But Joseph, wrong-sided Andre Marchan -- who had earlier denied him on a free kick -- from the spot three minutes later to slice the Morvant Caledonia deficit after referee Nicholai Nyron awarded a penalty for a Curtis Gonzales’ foul on substitute Kelsy Benjamin in the middle of the box.
Morvant Caledonia, however, could not avoid a second consecutive league defeat this week after Tuesday’s 3-2 loss against league North East Stars (33 points), who on Friday night, extended their lead at the summit to six points with a 1-0 win over second-placed W Connection last night in Arima.
Bertrand, who replaced Trinidad and Tobago attacking midfielder with sixteen minutes left, completed the Defence Force scoring in the third and final minute of stoppage-time with his first army goal after rounding Samuel and hitting past two Morvant Caledonia shirts for the 3-1 finish after failing on a similar opening eight minutes earlier.
Defence Force will next travel to Mahaica Oval against home team Point Fortin Civic from 6pm on Tuesday, before facing the southerners again three days later in the semi-final round of the First Citizens Cup on Friday.
Morvant Caledonia, who were led by assistant coach Abdallah Phillips in their last four games in all competitions in absence of regular head coach Jamaal Shabazz, will return to the Hasely Crawford Stadium main field from 3:30pm on Tuesday against Central FC.
Results
Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kareem Joseph 69’ pen.) vs Defence Force 3 (Akil Morris 8’, Reon Moore 66’, Shaquille Bertrand 90’+3), at Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Teams
Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 6.Taje Commissiong, 10.Sheldon Holder, 11.Quincy Ballah (29.Kelsy Benjamin 64th minute), 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.) (23.Lester Joseph 78th minute), 14.Simeon Bailey, 15.Otev Lawrence, 17.Kerry Daniel, 20.Kareem Baptiste, 22.Joshua Alexander, 28.Renaldo Francois (9.Sedale Mc Lean 82nd minute).
Unused substitutes: 31.De Journ Charles (GK); 5.Joshua Sylvester, 13.Rufuson Pierre Louis, 18.Maestro Mensah.
Coach: Abdallah Phillips
Defence Force FC: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 3.Jamali Garcia, 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 9.Devorn Jorsling (32.Jameel Cooper 88th minute), 10.Hashim Arcia (15.Shaquille Bertrand 74th minute), 13.Marvin Jones, 17.Curtis Gonzales, 18.Reon Moore, 37.Cassim Keller (20.Levi Serries 64th minute), 39.Akil Morris, 99.Jerwyn Balthazar.
Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 2.Glynn Franklyn, 12.Jemel Sebro, 16.Kellon Serrette.
Coach: Marvin Gordon
Referee: Nicholai Nyron
Upcoming Games
(Sunday 29 October 2017)
Club Sando vs San Juan Jabloteh, 3:30pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;
St. Ann’s Rangers vs Central FC, 3:30pm, St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.
(Tuesday 31 October 2017)
Police FC vs Club Sando, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium (Training Field);
Central FC vs Morvant Caledonia United, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium (Main Field);
North East Stars vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 4pm, Arima Velodrome;
San Juan Jabloteh vs W Connection, 5pm, Barataria Oval;
Point Fortin Civic vs Defence Force, 6pm, Mahaica Oval.
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Club Sando improve CONCACAF chances with 5-0 win over Jabloteh.
ttproleague.com.
Club Sando produced their biggest Pro League win margin of the season on Sunday, beating San Juan Jabloteh 5-0 to move within two points of second-positioned W Connection with just four games left.
North East Stars leads the ladder with 33 points—six points clear of Connection (27 points), while Sando (25 points), the Angus Eve coached side ambitious of CONCACAF status, are hoping for a top-two PL finish which secures CONCACAF Champions League qualifying spots.
Akim Armstrong and Keron Cornwall celebrated their fifth and fourth league goals of the current campaign to cushion Sando before the break thanks to Michael Basdeo who frolicked with a goal and two assists before late substitutes Akeem Redhead and Adan Noel completed the comprehensive win.
The Oranges join Central FC, 5-0 winners over Point Fortin Civic on Jun. 23, for the second biggest league win margin of the season after North East Stars, who whipped the three-time defending PL champions, Central, 6-0 on Sep. 22.
Central’s miserable run this season continued on Sunday, needing a Sean De Silva equaliser three minutes into stoppage-time to hold bottom-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers to a 2-2 draw at St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.
Defender Aaquil Selby had levelled the hosts in the 55th minute from the penalty for his first league since joining Rangers from Jabloteh in mid-season before teammate and forward Xae-Pierre De Fou made it 2-1 on 82 minutes—all after Jason Marcano had given the seventh-positioned Couva Sharks the lead on 10 minutes.
Central, who, like Jabloteh have pointed to financial struggles for on-field performances this season, have won just two matches in their last 15 games in all competitions.
Jabloteh, who last Tuesday’s defeated Rangers 2-0 for their first win in five league fixtures, fell behind against Sando after just twelve minutes.
Armstrong casually rolled the ball into the back of Javon Sample’s net after meeting a defence-splitting Basdeo pass and rounding the Jabloteh ‘keeper in the box.
Basdeo produced another delightful feed to put Cornwall through on goal behind defender Jevon Morris, and Cornwall, who like Armstrong were still fresh from scoring in a 4-2 league win over Civic last Tuesday, completed the move with a simple finish past Sample for a 2-0 lead.
Sando were close to improving the lead on three separate occasions with Trevin Latapy and Armstrong hitting just wide, and the upright denying Keyon Edwards.
Sample, who had thwarted a Jayson Joseph attempt early in the second period, produced a top drawer save ten minutes into the second half to match a swerving right-footed cracker from Basdeo.
Basdeo attempted a third assist in the 66 minute as Sando continued to look the better of the two sides, but Edwards was a fraction too late on the winger’s low cross from the left and unable to put the ball on target.
Basdeo finally had his name on the scoresheet for his second league goal of the season from point-blank range in the 73rd minute to put the score at 3-0. Basdeo was picked out free by Cornwall’s low cross from the right to score on an exposed Jabloteh net, redeeming himself after hitting overbar on a similar opportunity two minutes after Sando’s opening item on another cross from Cornwall.
Sando, though, were far from finished. Two more goals before the final whistle followed to complete the 5-0 win.
Redhead, who replaced Basdeo with three minutes regular time left, celebrated his first league goal for Sando with a power left-footed strike past Sample in the 90th minute at the end of a counterattack through another substitute, Noel, who had replaced Armstrong in the 74th minute.
Noel then wrapped up the scoring in the third minute of stoppage-time, firing past the Jabloteh goalie from inside the right of the box after hitting wide on a similar opportunity moments earlier.
Sando will next face Police FC from 3:30pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field on Tuesday in search of three more league points and a booster ahead of Friday’s clash against seven-time First Citizens Cup champions W Connection in the 2017 semi-finals.
Connection, meanwhile, must visit Jabloteh on Tuesday from 5pm at Barataria Oval.
Results
Club Sando 5 (Akim Armstrong 12’, Keron Cornwall 20’, Michael Basdeo 73’, Akeem Redhead 90’, Adan Noel 90’+3) vs San Juan Jabloteh 0, at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;
St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Aaquil Selby 52’ pen., Xae-Pierre De Fou 82’) vs Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 10’, Sean De Silva 90’+3), at St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.
Teams
Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 5.Nical Stephens, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Akim Armstrong (35.Adan Noel 74th minute), 12.Michael Basdeo (9.Akeem Redhead 87th minute), 15.Keyon Edwards (23.Nicholas Thomas 81st minute), 17.Jarod London, 18.Trevin Latapy (Yellow Card), 27.Jay-son Joseph, 38.Josiah Trimmingham.
Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 8.Kevon Piper, 13.Tyrone Charles, 16.Leslie Joel Russell.
Coach: Angus Eve
San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK); 3.DeJon Waldropt, 4.Nkosi David, 7.Elijah Manners (Capt.), 15.Jesus Perez, 16.Jairo Lombardo, 17.Sean Bonval (25.Shakiyl Phillip 46th minute), 18.Jevon Morris, 19.Shawndel Augustus (12.Keron Bethelmy 59th minute), 22.Kadeem Hutchinson, 27.Nathan Lewis (23.Kennedy Hinkson 46th minute).
Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK); 13.Julio Noel, 21.Domique Douglas, 11.Damian Williams.
Coach: Keith Jeffrey
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Stars rain goals on Rangers, go nine points clear to put hand on Pro League title.
ttproleague.com.
North East Stars improved their psychological advantage on challengers W Connection with a 6-0 hammering of cellar-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers on Tuesday afternoon to stretch their lead at the top of the Pro League 2017 standings to nine points with just three regular games left.
Rundell Winchester, with his ninth league goal this season, Densill Theobald, Kevon Villaroel, Akeem Garcia and Jomoul Francois each got their names on the scoresheet while an own goal credited to Rangers’ defender Shane Sandy assisted in the hosts impressive result at the Arima Velodrome.
The Stars, now with one hand on the Pro League crown, are 36 points at the summit while Connection (27 points) and Club Sando (25 points) -- both with a game in hand after their fixtures against San Juan Jabloteh (Barataria Oval) and Police FC (Hasely Crawford Stadium training field) respectively on Tuesday were postponed due to waterlogged pitches -- occupy second and third positions, respectively.
“We haven’t won yet,” said Stars head coach Derek King. “(…) but we are in a good position to win the league three more games left. There are a couple make-up games for other teams but we are responsible for our destiny, and the main concentration right now is to keep our guys focused.”
King, who commended his players for the team’s “magnificent” league form, added, “There were the disappointments in the FA Trophy and First Citizens Cup, but our players have maintained good vibes in the league which has always been our main focus this season to go on and represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Caribbean Club Championship then hopefully onto CONCACAF.”
King also said North East Stars were not spared by the current financial crisis faced across the league and by extension the country but praised owner Darryl Mahabir’s commitment and honesty to the team. “We have built more than just a team with good experience and youth this season—we have built a family at North East Stars.”
The Stars, undefeated at the Arima Velodrome with six wins and one draw, will welcome Club Sando at the iconic venue next Tuesday in search of three more points and a seventh straight league win.
But King believes it won’t be a walk in the park.
“We expect a very tough game against Club Sando,” said the Stars’ coach. “They have everything to play for with the available CONCACAF [qualifiers] spot. They are a quality team, with quality players that can produce goals.”
Central FC, the three-time Pro League holders, edged Morvant Caledonia United 3-2 to hurdle the Eastern Stallions and Jabloteh for fifth position on Tuesday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium main field despite torrential downpours affecting the Barataria Oval and Hasely Crawford Stadium training field.
Sheldon Holder scored his second league double in eight days for Morvant Caledonia, but the Guyana international forward’s strikes in the 9th and 75th minutes weren’t enough against the Couva Sharks.
Morvant Caledonia’s early lead was cancelled out by an own goal credited to Ghanaian defender Maestro Mensah on 11 minutes before Kaydion Gabriel handed Central the lead on half hour. Then with eight minutes left Jason Marcano snatched the Central winner after Holder had completed his double to level the hosts.
Later on at Mahaica Oval, fourth-positioned Defence Force (24 points) edged hosts Point Fortin Civic to a 1-0 in a dress rehearsal of Friday’s First Citizens Cup 2017 semi-final clash.
Jerome Mc Intryre’s debut goal for the Army/Coast Guard combination earned coach Marvin Gordon’s side full points and a boost in confidence ahead of their First Citizens Cup semi-final one date with Civic from 6pm on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium .
Club Sando are against seven-time champions W Connection in semi-final two from 8pm.
Results
Central FC 3 (Own Goal Maestro Mensah 11’, Kaydion Gabriel 30’, Jason Marcano 82’) vs Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Sheldon Holder 9’, 75’’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium (Main Field);
North East Stars 6 (Rundell Winchester 15’, Densill Theobald 33’, Own Goal Shane Sandy 39’, Kevon Villoroel 51’, Akeem Garcia 60’, Jomoul Francois 76’) vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 0, at Arima Velodrome;
Point Fortin Civic 0 vs Defence Force 1 (Jerome Mc Intyre 32’), at Mahaica Oval;
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Hey fellas, I'm currently in Trinidad and was hoping to catch a game. I did see a game on Tuesday between central and w connection being played at ato boldon. Can anyone confirm if this game was moved? The website is so messed up. I'll be here until the 11th. Thanks in advance!
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Hey fellas, I'm currently in Trinidad and was hoping to catch a game. I did see a game on Tuesday between central and w connection being played at ato boldon. Can anyone confirm if this game was moved? The website is so messed up. I'll be here until the 11th. Thanks in advance!
FA Trophy (Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field):
Tuesday, November 7th: Club Sando Moruga vs Morvant Caledonia United @4pm
Tuesday, November 7th: Police FC vs Defence Force @6:15pm
Wednesday, November 8th: Point Fortin Civic vs 1976 FC Phoenix @4pm
Wednesday, November 8th: W-Connection vs Guaya United @6:15pm
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Todd Ryan hits Police winner against Jabloteh ahead FA Trophy clash with Defence Force.
ttproleague.com
Evergreen Police FC midfielder Todd Ryan scored at the death to earn the Blues their first Pro League win in almost two months, and first league win over San Juan Jabloteh since 2015 with a 3-2 result on Sunday in a rescheduled Round One Match Day Seven fixture at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Elijah Belgrave scored one and set up another scored by Keion Wilson to cushion Richard Hood’s Lawmen within the first eight minutes before Jabloteh stormed back beyond the halfway mark of the second half with two goals in a space of four minutes scored by Nathan Lewis and substitute Sean Bonval who ended with a goal and assist.
But seconds before the final whistle in the third and final minute of stoppage-time, the 33-year-old Ryan snatched the winner to give Police a confidence booster two days before facing Defence Force in a battle-of-the-armed forces in the quarter-final round of the 2017 FA Trophy.
Police will tackle Defence Force from 6:15pm on Tuesday to complete a quarter-final day one double-header of the FA Trophy at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field after Club Sando Moruga and Morvant Caledonia United lock horns from 4pm.
Wednesday, the HCS training field will complete the FA Trophy quarter-final round with another double-header when Point Fortin Civic face Tobago’s 1976 FC Phoenix from 4pm, and from 6:15pm Guaya United will tackle W Connection, who like Defence Force, are fresh from securing their place in the 2017 final of the First Citizens Cup.
Sunday’s rescheduled PL result, however, only saw Police (14 points), with a game in hand, hurdle Point Fortin Civic (12 points) for eighth position on the top-flight standings, three points down from Central FC and Jabloteh who are fifth and sixth respectively, and two points behind seventh-positioned Morvant Caledonia United with just three regular league games left.
Belgrave, though occupying a left full-back role, fired Police ahead with his third league goal of the season in the fifth minute when he swooped in to bury the ball into the back of Shemel Louison’s net after the Jabloteh goalie’s failure to foil an initial attempt from Kareem Freitas.
Then three minutes later Belgrave provided a left side cross for striker Keion Wilson to celebrate his first goal of the season with a simple finish past Louison for a 2-0 Police lead.
Belgrave was unlucky not to seal the win near the end when his blast from the left miraculously cannoned off the bar, and Jabloteh were also lucky not to concede when, from the resulting play, midfielder Kaashif Thomas’s strike from the top of the box flashed overbar.
Jabloteh, whose previous league loss to Police came in a 3-1 result in March 2015, had rebounded from an abysmal first half on Sunday thanks to second half changes by Keith Jeffrey, who reinforced his attack with Sean Bonval and Kadeem Hutchinson at the expense of defender De Jon Waldropt and midfielder Elijah Downy.
Lewis sliced the Jabloteh deficit in the 73rd minute with a simple finish to beat his Trinidad and Tobago national teammate, goalkeeper Adrian Foncette, off a right side Bonval cross for his third league goal and ninth in all competitions this season.
Bonval then executed a fine finish past Foncette to level the scores at 2-2 after linking brilliantly with Hutchinson inside the box. Foncette, who early in the second half had denied Lewis and Julio Noel, was unable to preserve his side’s advantage.
But Bonval would later cost his side a superb comeback win after completely missing a low Lewis cross with the goal at his mercy in the 81st minute, then three minutes later from another Lewis feed struck the side netting.
Police then sealed all three points with the 3-2 victory when deep in stoppage-time, Ryan, after latching onto a through-ball from Freitas, unleashed a low drive that beat the legs of Louison for the winner and his third league goal this season.
Results
Police FC 3 (Elijah Belgrave 5’, Keion Wilson 8’, Todd Ryan 90’+3) vs San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Nathan Lewis 73’, Sean Bonval 77’), at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Teams
Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK) (Capt.); 3.Ryan O’Neil, 7.Kareem Perry (23.Shakuile Williams 72nd minute), 10.Kareem Freitas, 13.Dillon Kirton, 20.Elijah Belgrave, 21.Todd Ryan, 25.Kaashif Thomas, 29.Clevon Mc Fee, 32.Keion Wilson (16.Joshua Leach 59th minute), 40.Xavier Wheeler (12.Nequan Caruth 82nd minute).
Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK); 4.Kadeem Boyce, 5.Kenaz Williams, 30.Isaiah Mc Lean.
Coach: Richard Hood
San Juan Jabloteh: 30.Shemel Louison (GK); 3.De Jon Waldropt (22.Kadeem Hutchinson 46th minute), 4.Nkosi David, 5.Shakiyl Phillip, 7.Elijah Manners, 8.Elijah Downy (17.Sean Bonval 46th minute), 11.Damian Williams (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 13.Julio Noel (Yellow Card) (19.Shawndel Augustus 73rd minute), 18.Jevon Morris, 23.Kennedy Hinkson, 27.Nathan Lewis.
Unused substitutes: 1.Javon Sample (GK); 12.Keron Bethelmy, 21.Domique Douglas.
Coach; Keith Jeffrey
Referee: CJ O’Brien
Upcoming FA Trophy 2017 Quarter Final Round
(Tuesday 7 November 2017)
Club Sando Moruga vs Morvant Caledonia United, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field;
Police FC vs Defence Force, 6:15pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field.
(Wednesday 8 November 2017)
Point Fortin Civic vs 1976 FC Phoenix, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field;
Guaya United vs W Connection, 6:15pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field.
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Hey fellas, I'm currently in Trinidad and was hoping to catch a game. I did see a game on Tuesday between central and w connection being played at ato boldon. Can anyone confirm if this game was moved? The website is so messed up. I'll be here until the 11th. Thanks in advance!
FA Trophy (Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field):
Tuesday, November 7th: Club Sando Moruga vs Morvant Caledonia United @4pm
Tuesday, November 7th: Police FC vs Defence Force @6:15pm
Wednesday, November 8th: Point Fortin Civic vs 1976 FC Phoenix @4pm
Wednesday, November 8th: W-Connection vs Guaya United @6:15pm
Thanks alot tallman!! :beermug:
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Akim Armstrong scoops second Wendy’s Pro League Player of the Month
ttproleague.com
Club Sando attacking midfielder Akim Armstrong has pipped other top performers to scoop his second Wendy’s Pro League Player of the Month this season, taking the gong for October.
Armstrong, who won the honour for July, rallied the most votes for October, narrowly pipping such players as Defence Force’s Curtis Gonzales and Central FC’s Sean De Silva.
“Again, full credit goes to my teammates, the coach, and the rest of the staff,” said the 29-year-old Armstrong. “I am only a piece of the puzzle and we have worked together as a team.
“This season Club Sando have quality all around the pitch. We have a very competitive team and there is always the possibility to win whosoever takes the field for Club Sando. We have quality players such as Tyrone Charles and Kevon Piper among the senior players and even much younger guys like Nicholas Thomas and Michael Basdeo.”
Armstrong, who moved from Morvant Caledonia United to Sando this season continues to prove an essential member of coach Angus Eve’s team and his performances during October saw the team win three, draw one and loss one in all competitions.
Armstrong, who has done well in the false-nine position this season, scored a double over Morvant Caledonia in a 3-1 quarter-final win of the First Citizens Cup and scored the equalising goal in a 1-1 league draw with W Connection to keep the Oranges in the hunt for a CONCACAF qualifying spot.
His performances during the month of October also included converting an opening goal from the penalty in a 4-2 league win over Point Fortin Civic and opening the scoring in his team’s 5-0 league win over San Juan Jabloteh.
“My [newfound] inspiration comes from my family,” explained the Sando star, who along with girlfriend Danielle James, welcomed their son Giovanni Armstrong into this world last Christmas day.
That Christmas present he said, changed a lot in his life and has made him a lot more focused.
Club Sando (25 points) trail Pro League leaders North East Stars (36 points) by eleven points with three regular league games left, but Eve’s side are two points adrift of second-positioned W Connection and still within a top-two league finish which qualifies teams to the Caribbean Club Championship which serves as the qualifying tournament to CONCACAF tournaments such as the CONCACAF Champions League and recently formed CONCACAF League.
Sando will face Police FC from 3:30pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in one three rescheduled league matches on Sunday but must first take on Point Fortin Civic from 6pm on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium in the third-place match of the First Citizens Cup before holders Defence Force and W Connection battle in the 2017 title match from 8pm.
In Sunday’s other rescheduled league matches, San Juan Jabloteh will host W Connection from 4pm at Barataria Oval and Central FC must visit Point Fortin Civic from 5pm at Mahaica Oval.
“It’s no secret that qualifying for the Caribbean Club Championship – CONCACAF qualifiers – is our (Club Sando) main goal this season,” added Armstrong. “But we would also like to win a Cup for Club Sando because the club have never done anything major since coming into the Pro League.”
Sando’s last hope of lifting a title this season will come in the Pro Bowl which is expected to begin later this month.
Wendy’s Pro League Player of the Month Season 2017
Cleon John (MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers) – June
Akim Armstrong (Club Sando) – July
Glenroy Samuel (Morvant Caledonia United) – September
Akim Armstrong (Club Sando) – October
First Citizens Cup 2017
(Friday 17 November 2017)
Third-place
Point Fortin Civic vs Club Sando, 6pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Final
Defence Force vs W Connection, 8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.
Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017
(Sunday 19 November 2017)
Rescheduled Round Two Match Day Six fixtures
Police FC vs Club Sando, 3:30pm, at Hasely Crawford Stadium;
San Juan Jabloteh vs W Connection, 4pm, Barataria Oval.
Rescheduled Round Two Match Day Three fixture
Point Fortin Civic vs Central FC, 5pm, at Mahaica Oval.
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Lawrence: Pro League must improve.
T&T Newsday Reports.
Dennis Lawrence, coach of the Trinidad and Tobago football team, is keen to see growth, especially in the TT Pro League, as he looks towards the immediate future.
Lawrence saw the TT team draw their last two international matches at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva — 2-2 against Grenada on Saturday and 1-1 against Guyana on Tuesday.
During Tuesday’s post-match media conference, Lawrence said, “The idea is to continue working and continue to progress as a group. As we go along, we’ll start elevating the level of the competition.
“If you play the wrong opposition, you’ll take 10 steps back. We need to start going forward.”
Lawrence pointed out, “I believe that we need to improve the Pro League, and that will help us in improving the next step. Consistently we’ve been in the Hex (final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying). We need to improve the Pro League, because we need to become better in CONCACAF.”
Lawrence had a 25-member team for the two games at Couva and was pleased to get a look at all his players.
“I was happy to have them,” he said. “Coming out of these two games, I’ve got a clear idea now who are the ones we can go forward with, the ones that need to go back to their clubs and continue to work.”
The TT coach added, “We didn’t get the results that we wanted but I think we learnt a lot about a lot of these players, from the time we worked together, in the build-up to the game and in the camp.
During his time as TT coach since January, Lawrence has used Kenwyne Jones, Jan-Michael Williams, Khaleem Hyland, Kevin Molino and Sheldon Bateau as team captains.
Asked if he has identified a long-term TT skipper, Lawrence replied, “I’ve got a different view on that because I’ve always believed in a game captain and I’ve always believed in a team captain.
There is no guarantee in football these days. You are not guaranteed (that) you’re going to be in the starting XI.
“What I’ve done during the period that I’ve been here (is) I’ve allowed people who have shown the right attitude, who’ve shown the good leadership, to be responsible for the captain’s armband. I think I’ve found a couple that have been very good in it so far.”
Lawrence admitted that he has mixed feelings over his tenure as TT coach thus far.
“I’ve enjoyed leading my country again,” said the 43-year-old. “I haven’t enjoyed the results that went with some of the games. But what I’m enjoying now is the youngsters, taking (them) and mould them towards what I think we need to have in this country.”
The TT coach stated, “We need to have people that would represent this country with pride.
We want to be winners, but there is always a process. We’re still a young group and I don’t think we’re ready yet to say we can take on the world. We’re not at that level yet, but we have to become at that level.”
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Lawrence: Pro League must improve.
T&T Newsday Reports.
Dennis Lawrence, coach of the Trinidad and Tobago football team, is keen to see growth, especially in the TT Pro League, as he looks towards the immediate future.
Lawrence saw the TT team draw their last two international matches at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva — 2-2 against Grenada on Saturday and 1-1 against Guyana on Tuesday.
During Tuesday’s post-match media conference, Lawrence said, “The idea is to continue working and continue to progress as a group. As we go along, we’ll start elevating the level of the competition.
“If you play the wrong opposition, you’ll take 10 steps back. We need to start going forward.”
Lawrence pointed out, “I believe that we need to improve the Pro League, and that will help us in improving the next step. Consistently we’ve been in the Hex (final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying). We need to improve the Pro League, because we need to become better in CONCACAF.”
Lawrence had a 25-member team for the two games at Couva and was pleased to get a look at all his players.
“I was happy to have them,” he said. “Coming out of these two games, I’ve got a clear idea now who are the ones we can go forward with, the ones that need to go back to their clubs and continue to work.”
The TT coach added, “We didn’t get the results that we wanted but I think we learnt a lot about a lot of these players, from the time we worked together, in the build-up to the game and in the camp.
During his time as TT coach since January, Lawrence has used Kenwyne Jones, Jan-Michael Williams, Khaleem Hyland, Kevin Molino and Sheldon Bateau as team captains.
Asked if he has identified a long-term TT skipper, Lawrence replied, “I’ve got a different view on that because I’ve always believed in a game captain and I’ve always believed in a team captain.
There is no guarantee in football these days. You are not guaranteed (that) you’re going to be in the starting XI.
“What I’ve done during the period that I’ve been here (is) I’ve allowed people who have shown the right attitude, who’ve shown the good leadership, to be responsible for the captain’s armband. I think I’ve found a couple that have been very good in it so far.”
Lawrence admitted that he has mixed feelings over his tenure as TT coach thus far.
“I’ve enjoyed leading my country again,” said the 43-year-old. “I haven’t enjoyed the results that went with some of the games. But what I’m enjoying now is the youngsters, taking (them) and mould them towards what I think we need to have in this country.”
The TT coach stated, “We need to have people that would represent this country with pride.
We want to be winners, but there is always a process. We’re still a young group and I don’t think we’re ready yet to say we can take on the world. We’re not at that level yet, but we have to become at that level.”
Wrong job dude. National Coach don't have the luxury to mold youngsters, but to select the right players, provide strategy, instill confidence, and build a winning record.
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Wrong job dude. National Coach don't have the luxury to mold youngsters, but to select the right players, provide strategy, instill confidence, and build a winning record.
Cocorite, if the clubs were doing their job, then DL would not have to do any nurturing. But seeing that way too many of our players falling short in the internationall games, he is left with no choice but to do just that. SH had the same issues with his tenure as coach.
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Connection whip Jabloteh to pull five points clear of Sando for CONCACAF qualifying spot.
ttproleague.com.
Neil Benjamin Jr. contributed with two assists off the bench to return W Connection – fresh from their record-extending eighth First Citizens Cup triumph – to winning ways in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League with a decisive 3-0 win over hosts San Juan Jabloteh in a rescheduled fixture at Barataria Oval on Monday.
Benjamin, who entered play after the interval, set up Dimitri Apai to open the scoring, then his shot later on allowed Jameel Antoine to cushion the Savonetta Boys on the rebound before another substitute, Marcus Joseph, completed the comfortable victory with a superb free kick at the death.
The win pulled the second-positioned Connection (30 points) five points clear of Club Sando (25 points) to strengthen coach Stuart Charles Fevrier’s men’s position for a top-two finish which earn teams CONCACAF qualifying spots in the form of the Caribbean Club Championship.
The multiple-time former Caribbean champions also moved within six points of North East Stars—the Derek King coached-side with a hand on the PL 2017 crown with just three league games left and on a six-game league winning streak.
The Stars, already qualified for next season’s Caribbean Club Championship, will look to restore their nine-point PL lead today (Tuesday) from 4pm at the Arima Velodrome when they host Club Sando – the Angus Eve coached-side coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat against Police FC in one of two rescheduled league fixtures last Sunday.
Connection meanwhile, must resume league play on Wednesday from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium against rivals Central FC, whose miserable season continued last Sunday with a 2-1 loss at Point Fortin Civic.
Apai, double-scorer against Defence Force in the final of the 2017 First Citizens Cup last Friday, broke the deadlock against Jabloteh in the 66th minute after Benjamin controlled a Marcus Joseph cross into the box and fed the Suriname international for a simple finish past goalkeeper Javon Sample who had made two brilliant saves in the first half to deny Malik Shirvone St. Prix and Brazilian Euller Eduardo Couto.
Jabloteh, who had a free kick goal disallowed early on, fell further behind in the 82nd minute when Antoine fired past the hapless Sample who initially blocked out a shot from Benjamin but could not help his side avoid a sixth league loss in their last seven league games.
Joseph then unleashed a left-footed free kick from the top of the box, beating the height of the wall and leaving Sample motionless at the ball entered the back of the Jabloteh net to complete the 3-0 win—the kind of result Fevrier would look to in league outings later this week and into Sunday’s FA Trophy semi-final clash with 1976 FC Phoenix from 4pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium. Police FC will tackle Morvant Caledonia United in semi-final two from 6:15pm.
Results
San Juan Jabloteh 0 vs W Connection 3 (Dimitri Apai 66’, Jameel Antoine, 82’, Marcus Joseph 89’), at Barataria Oval.
Teams
San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK); 3.DeJon Waldropt, 5.Shakiyl Phillip, 7.Elijah Manners, 11.Damian Williams (Capt.), 12.Keron Bethelmy, 17.Sean Bonval, 18.Jevon Morris, 21.Domique Douglas (22.Kadeem Hutchinson 6th minute), 23.Kennedy Hinkson (13.Julio Noel 88th minute), 27.Nathan Lewis.
Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK); 4.Nkosi David.
Coach: Keith Jeffrey
W Connection: 33.Jason Belfon (GK); 2.Frank Padilla Gil, 10.Dimitri Apai, 11.Malik Shirvone St. Prix (3.Gerard Williams 74th minute), 14.Euller Eduardo Couto (99.Marcus Joseph 57th minute), 19.Briel Thomas, 20.Daniel Diaz (7.Neil Benjamin Jr. 46th minute), 21.Ronell Paul, 23.Weslie John, 24.Jameel Antoine, 26.Isaiah Garcia.
Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK); 4.Maurice Ford, 5.Triston Hodge, 37.Cephas St. Rose.
Coach: Stuart Charles Fevrier
Referee: Joel Cox
Upcoming Fixtures
(Tuesday 21 November 2017)
North East Stars vs Club Sando, 4pm, Arima Velodrome;
Morvant Caledonia United vs Point Fortin Civic, 5pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium (training field);
Defence Force vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.
(Wednesday 22 November 2017)
San Juan Jabloteh vs Police FC, 4pm, Barataria Oval;
Central FC vs W Connection, 6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.
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Tyrone Charles trips up N/E Stars as Sando snatch late draw.
ttproleague.com.
Leaders North East Stars allowed full points to slip — possibly delaying the Pro League 2017 celebrations till the final match day next week — after being held to a 1-1 draw at the death by visiting Club Sando.
But a loss today for challengers W Connection against Couva rivals Central from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium will crown the Derek King-coached Stars, with an unassailable 37 points, 2017 Pro League champions with two games to spare against Police FC and San Juan Jabloteh.
Leaders North East Stars allowed full points to slip — possibly delaying the Pro League 2017 celebrations till the final match day next week — after being held to a 1-1 draw at the death by visiting Club Sando.
But a loss today for challengers W Connection against Couva rivals Central from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium will crown the Derek King-coached Stars, with an unassailable 37 points, 2017 Pro League champions with two games to spare against Police FC and San Juan Jabloteh.
Akeem Garcia looked to have put the Stars on their way to a seventh consecutive league win with his fourth league goal this term early in the second half on a wet Tuesday afternoon at the Arima Velodrome.
But ex-Stars’ winger Tyrone Charles levelled the visiting Sando from a free kick – and he knows how to hit them – in virtually the final kick of the game to stun the Stars, though unable to snap the hosts’ undefeated record at the iconic Arima venue since calling it home at the start of the current season.
The result, however, slowed the title favourites, North East Stars, with W Connection (30 points) seven points behind ahead of today’s Couva Clásico. But not enough for Sando (26 points) who were hurdled for third position by Defence Force (27 points) who later whipped cellar-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 4-0 to join the second-positioned Savonetta Boys in chase of a top-two finish which earns teams CONCACAF qualifying spots in the form of the Caribbean Club Championship.
Devorn Jorsling opened the scoring for the Army/Coast Guard combination early in the first half at the Ato Boldon Stadium before second half goals by Reon Moore, Christopher Durity and, from the penalty spot, Curtis Gonzales, saw the Marvin Gordon coached outfit rebound from their disappointing First Citizens Cup final loss to Connection last Friday.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Point Fortin Civic came from behind to defeat visitors Morvant Caledonia United 3-1 at Mahaica Oval and suddenly the southerners are in the race for a top-half finish this season, moving four spots up to occupy fifth position.
Jabari Mitchell levelled Civic midway through the first half after Guyana international Sheldon Holder had fired Morvant Caledonia in front moments earlier. Then forwards Akinola Gregory and Shackeil Henry, scorers in a 2-1 win over Central last Sunday, found the back of Morvant Caledonia’s net within the first fifteen minutes of the second half to complete a second league win on the trot for the hosts.
Coach Renold Carrington’s Civic (18 points), though, are only one point ahead of Police FC, Central and Jabloteh who are all in action today.
Earlier at the Arima Velodrome, Garcia broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half from close up, beating goalkeeper Kelvin Henry after a Jameel Neptune free kick crashed off Sando’s defensive wall.
But the Stars, who had a Rundell Winchester attempt cleared off the line by Sando defender Trevin Latapy on quarter of an hour and a wide header from the Tobagonian forward moments later, failed to find a cushion though enjoying the better share of the game, and were made to pay after giving away a free kick on top the box in the dying moments.
Charles then stepped up to beat the Stars wall and rookie goalie Darren Wilson – who had denied the Sando winger two minutes before the break – to level the game.
Results
North East Stars 1 (Akeem Garcia 50’) vs Club Sando 1 (Tyrone Charles 90’+3), at Arima Velodrome;
Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Sheldon Holder 17’) vs Point Fortin Civic 3 (Jabari Mitchell 24’, Akinola Gregory 47’, Shackeil Henry 60’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium (training field);
Defence Force 4 (Devorn Jorsling 7’, Reon Moore 48’, Christopher Durity 87’, Curtis Gonzales 89’ pen.) vs St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Ato Boldon Stadium.
Teams
North East Stars: 1.Darren Wilson (GK); 2.Keston George, 4.Kerry Baptiste (7.Kishun Seecharan 76th minute), 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester (17.Kordell Samuel 74th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald, 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia (8.Adrian Noel 87th minute).
Coach: Derek King
Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry GK); 5.Nical Stephens, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper (17.Jarod London 76 minute), 10.Keron Cornwall (15.Keyon Edwards 76th minute), 11.Akim Armstrong, 12.Michael Basdeo (23.Nicholas Thomas 76th minute), 13.Tyrone Charles, 16.Leslie Joel Russell, 18.Trevin Latapy, 35.Adan Noel, 38.Josiah Trimmingham.
Coach: Angus Eve
Referee: Marlon Peruse
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WATCH: Highlights of W-Connection’s 3-0 win over San Juan Jabloteh
https://www.youtube.com/v/-r14xwO-Zjo
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Connection virtually secures CONCACAF return but N/E Stars one win away from Pro League title
ttproleague.com.
Caribbean powerhouse W Connection could join leaders North East Stars at next season’s CONCACAF qualifiers by way of the Caribbean Club Championship having virtually secured a top-two finish in the 2017 Pro League with a 3-1 victory over former champions Central FC last night.
But with Connection (33 points) four points adrift of the Pro League leaders and just two matches left, North East Stars (37 points) can lift the PL crown for the first time since 2004 on the penultimate day (Friday) with a win against Police FC who they must tackle from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Connection, two hours later (8pm), will clash against third-positioned Defence Force (27 points) who, not only trail the Savonetta Boys by six points but also by a far lesser goal-difference.
Only if the Stars – a side undefeated in their last nine league outings – lose their remaining matches against Police and San Juan Jabloteh and Connection post wins against Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia, can the Savonetta Boys miraculously hurdle Derek King’s side for the 2017 crown.
Neil Benjamin Jr., the Golden Boot frontrunner, scored his 11th league goal and sixteenth in all competitions this season after Marcus Joseph opened the scoring in the second half, and St. Lucian forward Shirvone Malik St. Prix completed the win in stoppage-time to earn to keep Connection’s narrow mathematical league chance alive and advantage ahead of Defence Force for a top-two finish.
Connection, the multiple-time former Caribbean champions, once secured, will return to CONCACAF qualifying after failing to qualify for the 2017 Caribbean Club Championship while North East Stars are expected to debut on the international stage having forfeited their place at the 2015 Caribbean Club Championship after winning their maiden Pro League crown.
Also yesterday, Jabloteh snapped a four-game losing spell to climb three spots to occupy fifth on the Pro League standings after holding off Police FC in a seven-goal thriller with a 4-3 win at Barataria Oval.
Sean Bonval (19’), Dominic Douglas (39’), Keron Bethelmy (86’) and Kadeem Hutchinson (90’) each put their names on the scoresheet for Jabloteh while defender Ryan O’Neil (52’, 90’+2) scored twice and Elijah Belgrave (88’) once in the Lawmen’s attempt to turn the game around in the second half.
Results
San Juan Jabloteh 4 (Sean Bonval 19’, Dominic Douglas 39’, Keron Bethelmy 86’, Kadeem Hutchinson 90’) vs Police FC 3 (Ryan O’Neil 52’, 90’+2’, Elijah Belgrave 88’), at Barataria Oval;
Central FC 1 (Jiron Francis 85’) vs W Connection 3 (Marcus Joseph 49’, Neil Benjamin Jr. 81’, Shirvone Malick St. Prix 90’+4), at Ato Boldon Stadium.
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WATCH: Highlights of North East Stars’ 1-1 draw with Club Sando and Defence Force’s 4-0 win over St. Ann’s Rangers
https://www.youtube.com/v/87wKpKxu2nQ
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Allyuh see that big bald patch in the Velodrome.
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Allyuh see that big bald patch in the Velodrome.
Hard to miss.
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WATCH: W-Connection maintain a firm grip on second place in the T&T Pro League with a 3-1 win over rivals Central FC.
https://www.youtube.com/v/xEtTNeXArSw
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North East Stars crowned Pro League champions for the first time since 2004.
ttproleague.com.
North East Stars have reunited with the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League crown – after thirteen years – thanks to a star-studded squad, “togetherness”, backing from owner Darryl Mahabir, and Derek King, who has once more proven his ability as one of the best young coaches of the twin-island republic.
King’s side won the Pro League on the penultimate day (last night) after a second-half Keston George header – for his first ever league goal – secured the 2017 title with a 1-0 win against a stubborn Police FC outfit at the Home of Football, Ato Boldon Stadium.
Afterwards the 24-year-old George, who joined the Stars from then three-time Pro League holders Central FC last August, said, “Words can’t express [the feeling] because before the game I was talking to a friend and he [said] ‘you’re going to score the game winner today’ and I [responded] ‘I hope I do’.
“And to actually do it tonight was amazing—the best feeling in the world. From the time [the] ball hit the back of the net it was just exhilaration.”
The talented midfielder-turned-defender added, “Tonight it was win at all costs. Don’t give up anything; stick as a team don’t matter what happens. And we did that really well and [got the result].”
Adrian Foncette was brilliant throughout, including a double-save early on, but the Police custodian could not rescue his side when George headed substitute Kishun Seecharan’s right side cross back across the six yard area and into the far upper corner for the all-important goal.
The win improved the Stars’ tally to an unassailable 40 points before second-placed W Connection (33 points) – at the same venue – allowed third-position Defence Force (30 points) to rebound for a 2-1 stoppage-time win to force the final CONCACAF qualifiers spot –top-two finish – to be decided on the final day next Tuesday.
Connection, the recently crowned First Citizens Cup champions, must however temporarily shift their focus to Sunday’s FA Trophy semi-finals against 1976 FC Phoenix from 4pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium before Police FC and Morvant Caledonia United, 3-0 league winners over MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers yesterday, lock horns in semi-final two from 6:15pm.
The true celebration, according to King, will, however, happen next Tuesday with a party-like atmosphere when his new Pro League champions host San Juan Jabloteh from 6pm at the Arima Velodrome in their final match of 2017 before switching focus to next season’s CONCACAF qualifiers by way of the Caribbean Club Championship and the new Pro League season.
King, who, in 2009, led Joe Public to the Pro League title and became the youngest coach to win the crown, heaped praise on his North East Stars’ players, club owner Mahabir and staff for the club’s first league success since Guyanese coach James Mc Lean guided them to the title in 2004.
“We have players here for the first time, some younger ones who have never won a title,” said an elated King. “(…) and they stuck together as one and I think the togetherness and the Arima vibes really brought this team together.”
King, 37, a discarded Trinidad and Tobago national coach at various levels, who only returned to top flight club coaching at the start of the season said it has been a tremendous joy in preparing a team daily for the rigors of a season.
Stars owner, Mahabir, credited the players’ effort despite the financial struggles faced across the league. “Tough season,” he said. “(…) but congrats to the guys.”
The Sangre Grande businessman, optimistic over the future of North East Stars with new financial partnerships a possibility, appeared eager to see his side debut at next season’s Caribbean Club Championship.
Meanwhile veteran poacher and now six-time league winner Kerry Baptiste has set big goals for next season.
“We want to win CFU (Club Championship), move on to CONCACAF and win Champions League,” said the 35-year-old ex-Trinidad and Tobago international who stands one of the many current Stars’ players with Caribbean and CONCACAF club competition experience.
Baptiste who, perhaps, created history by becoming the first player to win the Pro League with four different clubs (San Juan Jabloteh, Joe Public, Central FC and North East Stars) said a lot of credit must go to owner Mahabir and coach King.
He said Mahabir and King have put a lot of energy into the players despite financial struggles among other challenges.
“Through all the struggle and now to cop the title, it’s a great feeling for us,” said Baptiste. “All praises go to God. Thank God for it so much.
“It was very difficult but at the end of the day experience beats all. This team has a lot of experience, a lot of senior guys like Yohance Marshall, Densill Theobald and Elton John and so [on]. These guys [brought] a lot of seniority to the table and that is what helped us through the season this year.
“It was tough but we held our own and continued to work hard don’t matter what struggle we had. Most important we stuck together as a team and at the end we reaped the benefit—Pro League champions 2017.”
Results
Morvant Caledonia United 3 (Sheldon Holder 30’, Simeon Bailey 73’, Sedale Mc Lean 90’+2) vs St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Hasely Crawford Stadium;
Police FC 0 vs North East Stars 1 (Keston George 75’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Defence Force 2 (Devorn Jorsling 16’, Shaquille Bertrand 90’+3) vs W Connection 1 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 75’), at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Teams
Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK) (Capt.); 3.Ryan O’Neil, 4.Kadeem Boyce, 12.Nequan Caruth, 13.Dillon Kirton, 17.Dexter Alleyne, 20.Elijah Belgrave (7.Kareem Perry 76th minute), 23.Shakuile Williams (10.Kareem Freitas 46th minute), 25.Kaashif Thomas, 29.Clevon Mc Fee, 32.Keion Wilson (16.Joshua Leach 72nd minute).
Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK); 2.Jasimar Ashers, 8.Kurdell Brathwaite, 38.Kevin Lewis.
Coach: Richard Hood
North East Stars: 1.Jesse Peters (GK); 2.Keston George, 4.Kerry Baptiste (6.Anslem Jackson 74th minute), 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester (17.Kordell Samuel 74th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald, 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia (7.Kishun Seecharan 67th minute).
Unused substitutes: 30.Jabari Bryce (GK); 8.Adrian Noel, 13.Kyle Bartholomew, 15.Seon Thomas.
Referee: Rashby Mc Phie
Video - North East Stars 2017 Pro League crowning reactions (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mpi6DLX1A2w)
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Profitable model exist in football: TTPL CEO.
ttproleague.com.
Having generated over $150 million in invested capital from team owners in over the past 14 years, T&T Pro League (TTPL) CEO Dexter Skeene said, “nothing uplifts the country like football.
“Football at the highest level promotes unity, excitement, pride, creativity, passion for excellence and success, values which many businesses relate to or associate with.”
He said although the various owners remained committed to the TTPL, it was time other players stepped up to the plate. It has to be viewed from an economic standpoint as a means of contributing to the diversification of the economy and positioned to take advantage of sport tourism opportunities.
Skeene said the goal is to transform the Pro League into a viable business model. An overhaul is being undertaken with a series of initiatives to change how people view football and the Pro league.
“It is a time for rationalisation and transition to a new way of thinking, creating a platform for businesses to use football and sports as a vehicle to market their goods and services.”
Expressing his belief that there is money to be made from Professional Football, Skeene said global models had demonstrated the need for investment and patience by relevant parties before profits could be realized drawing parallels to the MLS with pioneers, Lamar Hunt, Phillip Antschutz and Bob Kraft investing over one hundred million ($100 million US $) over ten years before earning television revenues.
“T&T is no different, we need to attract investors and build revenue streams by monetising the assets we own. Football friendly facilities need to be developed in communities where the teams and fans reside with the teams given the opportunity to manage the venues”.
Skeene said it was also about attracting investors and ensuring the infrastructure was in place to help develop athletes. It is about making the Pro League more accessible, working with the players, brands and media to get the message to an increased audience and add value for everyone.
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WATCH: Highlights of Morvant Caledonia United’s 3-0 win over St. Ann’s Rangers
https://www.youtube.com/v/gF0KNz_SeRg
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W Connection seals CFU qualification spot.
T&T Guardian Reports.
W Connection will join newly crowned T&T Pro League champions and débutantes North East Stars at next season’s Concacaf Champions League qualifying in the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship despite a 1-0 loss to Morvant Caledonia United at Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on Tuesday.
Playing in the final match of the 2017 season, W Connection entered the match knowing they had already qualified for the CFU Championship, after third placed Defence Force was earlier held to a 0-0 draw by fourth-placed Club Sando, at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
At the Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima, champions North East Stars was hoping to end on winning note, just as they started in front of home fans, but instead ended with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of fifth-placed San Juan Jabloteh.
Stars’ coach Derek King’s idea to field a number of non-starters backfired in the first-half with Julio Noel, Sean Bonval and Kadeem Hutchinson scoring past goalkeeper Jabari Brice to put Jabloteh 3-0 ahead.
But in the second-half, King, responded by replacing Jabari Brathwaite and Seon Thomas after the break with 2006 World Cup midfielder Densill Theobald and talented midfielder-turned-defender Keston George, respectively, and got a positive response.
Forward Rundell Winchester headed in a Theobald in the 69th minute corner for his tenth league to finish two shy of 2017 topscorer winner Neil Benjamin Jr of W Connection while winger Kishun Seecharan scored a brilliant goal three minutes later midway through the second half.
Elton John then tried from distance to level the scores while Seecharan saw another attempt brilliantly matched by goalkeeper Shemel Louison whose outstretched leg kept the ball from entering the back of the net and preserve his team’s slim lead until the end.
At Couva, Kerry Daniel scored in the 67th minute for Morvant Caledonia who finished sixth, an improvement for the former Caribbean champions after ending second from bottom in the previous three Pro League seasons.
Elsewhere, Police was ruthless against last season’s three-peat league champions Central FC and came away with a 7-2 in the first match at Couva, a confidence booster ahead of their T&T Football Federation FA Trophy final versus recent First Citizens Cup winner W Connection on December 17 while Pt Fortin Civic snared the biggest league win of the season with a 7-0 victory over cellar-placed MIC-IT St Ann’s Rangers at Mahaica Oval led by a beaver-trick from Jared Bennet.
When the FA final kicks off, W Connection will be chasing a fifth title having lifted the trophy in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2013-14 while Police FC will be hunting a fourth crown after previous triumphs in 1975, 1990 and 1994.
Results
Defence Force 0 vs Club Sando 0
Jabloteh 3 (Julio Noel 3rd, Sean Bonval 21st, Kadeem Hutchinson 32nd) vs North East Stars 2 (Rundell Winchester 69th, Kishun Seecharan 72nd)
Point Fortin Civic 7 (Jared Bennett 7th, 47th, 54th, 75th, Nathaniel Garcia 27th, 76th, Kevin Moodie 69th) vs St Ann’s Rangers 0
Police FC 7 (Shaquille Williams 20th, 58th, Dexter Alleyne 29th, 35th, Kurdell Brathwaite 5th, Keon Wilson 54th, Tirik John 90+1 Own-Goal) vs Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 12th, Dexter Alleyne 56th Own-Goal)
Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kerry Daniel 67th) vs W Connection 0
RELATED NEWS
Jabloteh tame Stars; Connection lose but cements CONCACAF return, and Civic end with a bang.
ttproleague.xom.
Caribbean powerhouse W Connection will join Pro League champions and debutants North East Stars at next season’s CONCACAF qualifying in the Caribbean Club Championship – expected to begin next March – despite losing in yesterday’s final slate of league matches which brought to a close the 2017 PL season.
Connection, multiple-time former Caribbean champions, were edged 1-0 at the Ato Boldon Stadium by Morvant Caledonia United in the closing game of the PL calendar but had already cemented a top-two finish — which earns Trinidadian teams places at the Caribbean Club Championship — after third-place finishers Defence Force were earlier held to a 0-0 draw by fourth-placed Club Sando at Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Kerry Daniel scored midway through the second half for Morvant Caledonia who finished sixth—an improvement for the former Caribbean champions after ending second from bottom in the previous three PL seasons.
Connection, who missed out on the international stage this year, are far from finished. The 2017 First Citizens Cup champions and PL runners-up led by longstanding coach Stuart Charles Fevrier must face Police FC in the FA Trophy final which has a new proposed date of December 8.
Police were ruthless against last season’s three-peat league champions Central FC, defeating the Couva Sharks 7-2 in the earlier game at Ato Boldon Stadium yesterday but finished eighth. And although steadily on the drop in recent years, the Lawmen can end a two-decade-plus title drought with the FA Trophy.
Coach Richard Hood’s men, for a second game on the trot after defeating Morvant Caledonia 5-1 in last Sunday’s FA Trophy semi-finals, proved their finishing ability with Shaquille Williams and defender Dexter Alleyne both scoring twice against Central following midfielder Kurdell Braithwaite’s opening strike.
Striker Keion Wilson also got on the scoresheet in the second half for the Lawmen before an own goal credited to Central defender Tyrik John in stoppage-time completed the comfortable victory.
Alleyne, though, also had an own goal to his name for Central’s second goal after veteran midfielder Jason Marcano scored his seventh goal in all competitions this season for the Sharks.
But further south, Point Fortin Civic snared the biggest league win of the season with a 7-0 victory over cellar-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers at Mahaica Oval.
Forward Jared Bennet led with his first professional beaver-trick while mid-season midfield signing Nathaniel Garcia grabbed a double in the contest that also saw Kevin Moodie score in front of home fans on their final display of the season.
Civic, though, finished seventh, ahead of, in descending order, Police, Central and Rangers, for their best placing since finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons under current coach Reynold Carrington who returned at the helm this season after the Point Fortin outfit ended bottom last term.
Elsewhere yesterday, new Pro League champions North East Stars were hoping to end on winning note – just as they started in front of home fans – after securing the crown on the penultimate day, but instead conceded their first loss at the iconic Arima Velodrome despite a creditable second-half fight back against fifth-placed San Juan Jabloteh who held on for a 3-2 win.
Stars’ head coach Derek King’s idea to field a number of non-starters backfired in the first half with Julio Noel, Sean Bonval and Kadeem Hutchinson scoring past goalkeeper Jabari Brice to put Jabloteh three nil ahead with just over half hour played.
But the champion coach, King, responded by replacing Jabari Brathwaite and Seon Thomas after the break with 2006 World Cup midfielder Densill Theobald and talented midfielder-turned-defender Keston George, respectively, and got the change in momentum.
Forward Rundell Winchester headed in a Theobald corner for his 10th league – finishing two goals adrift of 2017 Golden Boot winner Neil Benjamin Jr. who scored 12 league goals for Connection – and winger Kishun Seecharan scored a brilliant goal three minutes later midway through the second half.
However it wasn’t enough to complete the Stars’ clawback despite King’s men pulling off the majority of shots including a blast from distance from Elton John that flew just wide and another Seecharan attempt which was brilliantly matched by Jabloteh ‘keeper Shemel Louison whose outstretched leg kept the ball from entering the back of the net.
Results
Defence Force 0 vs Club Sando 0, at Hasely Crawford Stadium Outside Field;
North East Stars 2 (Rundell Winchester 69’, Kishun Seecharan 72’) vs San Juan Jabloteh 3 (Julio Noel 3’, Sean Bonval 20’, Kadeem Hutchinson 32’), at Arima Velodrome;
Point Fortin Civic 7 (Jared Bennet 7’, 47’, 54’, 75’, Nathaniel Garcia 27’, 76’, Kevin Moodie 69’) vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 0, at Mahaica Oval;
Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 12’, Dexter Alleyne Own Goal 56’) vs Police FC 7 (Kurdell Braithwaite 5’, Shaquille Williams 20’, 58’, Dexter Alleyne 29’, 35’, Keion Wilson 54’, Tirik John Own Goal 90+1’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;
W Connection 0 vs Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kerry Daniel 67’), at Ato Boldon Stadium.
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I cannot say anything negative about the players in the Pro League ..the players are doing their best. The ProLeague as a whole ..as a matter of fact all Pro football in the W.I lacks professionalism.
The problem is knowledge of the game at the Pro Level. The Pro League needs coaches who are at the level on Dennis Lawrence and Steve Hart.
The tactics is very much to be desired..because the coaches and trainers are limited in their scope the result is less than the Pro standard.
Long ago players played so much free football as kids the game taught the player so much that the player rose to a professional standard on his own.
Nowadays these licenced coaches are everywhere limiting the potential of players...
one can see when these same players play under professional coaches how much better they look. In my opinion this is the main reason why the Pro League football is obzuky and unattractive. It is certainly not
entertaining and it is not beautiful.
The solution: Go Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Costa Rica and bring coaches and trainers to work at the various clubs..dem fellas will certainly make a difference.
Imagine Stuart Charles Fevrier Football is the standard of Pro Football in the Caribbean ..something is not right.
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Lawwwd...Ah know allyuh mean well, eh..but TT have to much spoil adults, i can't imagine the chirren. Just think it, and reach out and get it..just so.. if we cyah get it now, somebody mus be f-ing up or Dan Blocking we (aging mehself ;D ) . well, to many to change, so just have to ignore, take cuss for that, and let the ppl who doing the wuk, actually work with the tools they have
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2017 Pro League Standings
P W D L F A Pts
North East Stars 18 12 4 2 39 15 40
W Connection 18 10 3 5 33 19 33
Defence Force 18 9 4 5 27 20 31
Club Sando 18 8 6 4 28 16 30
San Juan Jabloteh 18 8 2 8 27 33 26
Morvant Caledonia United 18 6 4 8 19 21 22
Point Fortin Civic FC 18 6 3 9 26 29 21
Police FC 18 5 5 8 29 29 20
Central FC 18 4 5 9 23 37 17
St. Ann’s Rangers 18 2 4 12 12 44 10
2017 Pro League Goalscorers.
TWELVE
Neil Benjamin Jr (W Connection) - 12
TEN
Rundell Winchester (North East Stars) - 10
EIGHT
Sheldon Holder (Morvant Caledonia United) - 8
Marcus Joseph (W Connection) - 8
SIX
Reon Moore (Defence Force) - 6
Jared Bennett (Point Fortin Civic) - 6
Sean Bonval (San Juan Jabloteh) - 6
FIVE
Sean De Silva (Central FC) - 5
Akim Armstrong (Club Sando) - 5 (2-Pen)
Keron Cornwall (Club Sando) - 5
Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force) - 5
FOUR
Jason Marcano (Central FC) - 4 (1-Pen)
Mickaeel Jem Gordon (Central FC) - 4
Hashim Arcia (Defence Force) - 4
Kareem Joseph (Morvant Caledonia United) - 4 (1-Pen)
Akeem Garcia (North East Stars) - 4
Kerry Baptiste (North East Stars) - 4
Elijah Belgrave (Police FC) - 4
Nathan Lewis (San Juan Jabloteh) - 4
Dimitrie Apai (W Connection) - 4
THREE
Adan Noel (Club Sando) - 3
Tyrone Charles (Club Sando) - 3
Elton John (North East Stars) - 3 (1-Pen)
Jameel Neptune (North East Stars) - 3
Akinola Gregory (Point Fortin Civic) - 3
Shackiel Henry (Point Fortin Civic) - 3
Dexter Alleyne (Police FC) - 3 (1 Own-Goal)
Joshua Leach (Police FC) - 3
Todd Ryan (Police FC) - 3 (1-Pen)
Julio Noel (San Juan Jabloteh) - 3
Kadeem Hutchinson (San Juan Jabloteh) - 3
Xae Pierre De Fou (St. Ann’s Rangers) - 3
Jameel Antoine (W Connection) - 3
TWO
Johan Peltier (Central FC) - 2
Kaydion Gabriel (Central FC) - 2
Josiah Trimmingham (Club Sando) - 2
Kevon Piper (Club Sando) - 2
Keyon Edwards (Club Sando) - 2
Jerwyn Balthazar (Defence Force) - 2
Kellon Serrette (Defence Force) - 2
Shaquille Bertrand (Defence Force) - 2
Kerry Daniel (Morvant Caledonia United) - 2
Densill Theobald (North East Stars) - 2
Jalani Garcia (North East Stars) - 2
Jomoul Francois (North East Stars) - 2
Kevon Villaroel (North East Stars) - 2
Jabari Mitchell (Point Fortin Civic) - 2
Kevin Moodie (Point Fortin Civic) - 2
Matthew Bartholomew (Point Fortin Civic) - 2
Nathaniel Garcia (Point Fortin Civic) - 2
Shaquille Dublin (Point Fortin Civic) - 2
Jameel Perry (Police FC) - 2
Kareem Freitas (Police FC) - 2
Keion Wilson (Police FC) - 2
Kurdell Brathwaite (Police FC) - 2
Ryan O’Neil (Police FC) - 2
Shaquille Williams (Police FC) - 2
Josiah Trimmingham (San Juan Jabloteh) - 2 (1 Own-Goal) (1-Pen) - before moving to Club Sando
Kennedy Hinkson (San Juan Jabloteh) - 2
Josh Toussaint (St. Ann’s Rangers) - 2
Kathon St Hillaire (St. Ann’s Rangers) - 2
Shirvone Malik St. Prix (W Connection) - 2
ONE
Carlos Edwards (Central FC) - 1
Jiron Francis (Central FC) - 1
Nathaniel Garcia (Central FC) - 1 - before moving to Point Fortin Civic
Sean Bateau (Central FC) - 1 (1-Own-Goal)
Tirik John (Central FC) - 1 (1-Own-Goal)
Akeem Redhead (Club Sando) - 1
Jared London (Club Sando) - 1
Jayson Joseph (Club Sando) - 1
Michael Basdeo (Club Sando) - 1
Nical Stephens (Club Sando) - 1
Akil Morris (Defence Force) - 1
Christopher Durity (Defence Force) - 1
Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force) - 1 (1-Pen)
Dillon King (Defence Force) - 1
Jerome Mc Intyre (Defence Force) - 1
Kareem Baptiste (Morvant Caledonia United) - 1 (1 Own-Goal)
Lester Joseph (Morvant Caledonia United) - 1
Maestro Mensah (Morvant Caledonia United) - 1 (1 Own-Goal)
Renaldo Francois (Morvant Caledonia United) - 1
Sedale Mc Lean (Morvant Caledonia United) - 1
Simeon Bailey (Morvant Caledonia United) - 1
Taje Commissiong (Morvant Caledonia United) - 1
Duane Muckette (North East Stars) - 1
Jelani Felix (North East Stars) - 1
Keston George (North East Stars) - 1
Kishun Seecharan (North East Stars) - 1
Kordell Samuel (North East Stars) - 1
Yohance Marshall (North East Stars) - 1
Glenn Sutton (Point Fortin Civic) - 1
Kevin Rouse (Point Fortin Civic) - 1
Stephen Joseph (Point Fortin Civic) - 1
Stephen Campbell (Point Fortin Civic) - 1
Clevon Mc Fee (Police FC) - 1
Jibri Mc David (Police FC) - 1
Kareem Perry (Police FC) - 1
Aaquil Campbell (San Juan Jabloteh) - 1
Adrian Reid (San Juan Jabloteh) - 1 (1-Pen)
Dominic Douglas (San Juan Jabloteh) - 1
Jairo Lombardo (San Juan Jabloteh) - 1
Jesus Perez (San Juan Jabloteh) - 1
Jevon Morris (San Juan Jabloteh) - 1
Keron Bethelmy (San Juan Jabloteh) - 1
Aaquil Selby (St. Ann’s Rangers) - 1 (1-Pen)
Anslem Jackson (St. Ann’s Rangers) - 1
Gerald Meloney (St. Ann’s Rangers) - 1
Micah Lansiquot (St. Ann’s Rangers) - 1
Neil Mitchell (St. Ann’s Rangers) - 1
Shane Sandy (St. Ann’s Rangers) - 1 (1 Own-Goal)
Briel Thomas (W Connection) - 1
Gerard Williams (W Connection) - 1 (1 Own-Goal)
Isaiah Hudson (W Connection) - 1
Jamal Charles (W Connection) - 1
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TTFA President congratulates ‘Stars’ on Pro League success
TTFA Media
Following the exciting conclusion of the TT Pro League, the President and the Board of Directors of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association wish to congratulate this season’s Champions Northeast Stars for a fantastic run which saw them capturing the top prize in the nation’s highest tier of football.
“I will personally like to congratulate Northeast Stars, their Staff and administrators for capturing the Pro League title in grand style under difficult conditions.” said TTFA President David John-Williams.
“I must say a special congratulations to club owner Daryll Mahabir who continues to be one of the league’s visionary and refuses to give up despite the difficulties encountered this season” John-Williams continued.
“The product Northeast produced on and off the field has been a credit to them and the League as both continue to improve with the aim of conquering the region next. The TTFA will do all in its power to support teams at the higher level,” the TTFA President concluded.
The Arima based club will now look forward the the Concacaf Caribbean Club Championship and the Champions League. Joining them in regional competition will be W Connection FC who grabbed second place in the Pro League ahead of Defence Force, with Club Sando finishing in fourth.