Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum

Sports => Football => Topic started by: Spursy on October 11, 2017, 04:35:09 PM

Title: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Spursy on October 11, 2017, 04:35:09 PM
Beast Mode activated ! Impressed by this young man. Welcome to the thread life Alvin <3

Something tells me he will be at a very big club very very soon.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: gawd on pitch on October 11, 2017, 05:00:57 PM
Beast Mode activated ! Impressed by this young man. Welcome to the thread life Alvin <3

Something tells me he will be at a very big club very very soon.

Yeah. A USL or MLS team.. The irony
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: maxg on October 11, 2017, 08:27:19 PM
For some reason 51 degrees crossed my mind.  ::)
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Flex on November 05, 2017, 05:27:08 AM
Jones not resting on his laurels
By Jah-Vaughn Harrison (Newsday).


Retribution was the feeling 23-year-old Alvin Jones got after scoring the winning goal against the United States, on October 10, in their 2018 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Zone Final Round qualifier at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

Trinidad and Tobago prevailed 2-1 in the match, a result which saw the US fail to make the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

“My father, Kelvin Jones, was on the national team when USA knocked us out (of) the World Cup in 1989 so I feel a sense of vindication when I scored that winning goal this time around,” Jones said about one of his glory moments of his career thus far.

Coming from a football home, ever since he was young, the sport was instilled in Jones and his two older brothers, one of whom, Joevin, plays alongside him on the national team.

His other brother Marvin, is a member of Defence Force’s Pro League team.

Jones said, “My father always wanted us to be footballers.”

And it was at age 18 when he got his first big break when he started playing for W Connection. The defender had his share of disappointments having been overlooked by both Seattle Sounders and Kansas City in the American MLS.

“It taught me life is full of disappointment. You just got to get up and try again,” Jones said during a recent interview.

Coming from a family of footballers, things can get a little competitive at times. Jones had this to say about his brother Joevin.

“He’s always motivating me and pushing me, but I see competition. I want to achieve just as much or even more than he has accomplished.”

Currently Jones’ mission is to get signed to a club overseas. A big Arsenal FC supporter, the former W Connection captain believes that, for Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, one of the major steps will be to return to the top of CFU (Caribbean Football Union).

According to Jones, “Once we can conquer the CFU it will prepare us for the big leagues.”

A past student of East Mucurapo Secondary, Jones sees it as necessary to give back to the youths of both his alma mater and hometown of Carenage by becoming a professional coach or getting involved in programmes, both in schools and camps.

When he’s not aspiring to becoming the next Alexis Sanchez (the Arsenal and Chile striker), Jones finds time to relax, either out fishing or putting a few balls on the golf course.

Jones always wants to be growing and improving his game.

“Playing against USA was one the toughest games yet and I want to be able to top that performance,” he said.

Jones credits a lot of his success to his father and brothers and he only hopes to continue to learn from them as he aims to be the best he can be.

Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Sando prince on November 05, 2017, 06:48:31 PM
well leh we hope the 'big team' come for him soon because longer he stay playing Trini iz longer his talent will be undeveloped
.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on November 08, 2017, 05:59:18 PM
WATCH: Defender Alvin Jones chats about the goal that denied the USA entry into the 2018 World Cup

https://www.youtube.com/v/0q80SkmNGoc
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on May 02, 2018, 07:06:39 PM
WATCH: National and W Connection defender Alvin Jones talks about his footballing frustrations

https://www.youtube.com/v/rpMIQumfxks
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Deeks on May 03, 2018, 06:00:37 AM
Good Luck!
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: vb on May 03, 2018, 05:31:09 PM
Nice interviews. But he have to cut down on the ¨Yuh know.¨

He might end up being called Alvin ¨Yuh know,¨Jones.

Yuh know. ,-)

VB
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on December 07, 2018, 10:39:43 AM
WATCH: Highlights of Trinidad and Tobago International and W Connection right-back, Alvin Jones

https://www.youtube.com/v/h5TT1Ifp1tg
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Deeks on December 07, 2018, 04:49:54 PM
He is a blade man. pooyah!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Cocorite on December 07, 2018, 05:09:02 PM
Good vid. Excellent work rate. Should be picked up by a bigger club by now
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on January 11, 2019, 07:59:07 AM
Alvin on trial with SV Darmstadt 98

(https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/49895706_10157137128914314_6864474928721166336_o.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=f0ee7f83fb79bbae1234f4418dcad17f&oe=5C8D0406)
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: soccerman on January 11, 2019, 08:18:25 AM
Goodluck to him, hopefully it works out with JJ being there.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Deeks on January 11, 2019, 06:41:18 PM
Good! Good!. Congrats. God Bless!
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tiresais on January 14, 2019, 05:22:13 AM
He could do a number abroad - he was one of the standout W Connection players who had a chance at more. 
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: soccerman on January 28, 2019, 02:20:08 PM
I wonder how the trial went or is going?
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tiresais on January 29, 2019, 02:31:57 AM
Unsuccessful;

https://www.liga-zwei.de/sv-darmstadt-98-kein-vertrag-fuer-alvin-jones/

(google translate of important bit;)

"While the search for a new center-back continues, Alvin Jones, who has been tested in the training camp in Spain, is not required. The 24-year-old right-back, brother of Joevin Jones, could not completely convince coach Dirk Schuster and returns to Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Darmstadt Echo."
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Trini _2026 on January 29, 2019, 09:35:08 AM
Unsuccessful;

https://www.liga-zwei.de/sv-darmstadt-98-kein-vertrag-fuer-alvin-jones/

(google translate of important bit;)

"While the search for a new center-back continues, Alvin Jones, who has been tested in the training camp in Spain, is not required. The 24-year-old right-back, brother of Joevin Jones, could not completely convince coach Dirk Schuster and returns to Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Darmstadt Echo."

but he does not play center back well on to asia
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tiresais on January 29, 2019, 12:32:26 PM
Unsuccessful;

https://www.liga-zwei.de/sv-darmstadt-98-kein-vertrag-fuer-alvin-jones/

(google translate of important bit;)

"While the search for a new center-back continues, Alvin Jones, who has been tested in the training camp in Spain, is not required. The 24-year-old right-back, brother of Joevin Jones, could not completely convince coach Dirk Schuster and returns to Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Darmstadt Echo."

but he does not play center back well on to asia

Says they considered him a Right Back - probably not the best use of his passing range.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: soccerman on January 29, 2019, 01:15:21 PM
The way it is worded, it seems like they tried him as a center back even though they know he's a right back.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: andre samuel on February 06, 2019, 06:26:48 PM
Unsuccessful;

https://www.liga-zwei.de/sv-darmstadt-98-kein-vertrag-fuer-alvin-jones/

(google translate of important bit;)

"While the search for a new center-back continues, Alvin Jones, who has been tested in the training camp in Spain, is not required. The 24-year-old right-back, brother of Joevin Jones, could not completely convince coach Dirk Schuster and returns to Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Darmstadt Echo."

I heard today that he got thru with a contract.  Not sure with who.  Will see if i get more details tmrw.  I wish him all the best!
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Jefferz on February 07, 2019, 11:58:39 AM
Unsuccessful;

https://www.liga-zwei.de/sv-darmstadt-98-kein-vertrag-fuer-alvin-jones/

(google translate of important bit;)

"While the search for a new center-back continues, Alvin Jones, who has been tested in the training camp in Spain, is not required. The 24-year-old right-back, brother of Joevin Jones, could not completely convince coach Dirk Schuster and returns to Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Darmstadt Echo."

I heard today that he got thru with a contract.  Not sure with who.  Will see if i get more details tmrw.  I wish him all the best!

I heard it's with Minnesota United. It would be a great move with Kevin looking out for him. That's where Kerron was supposed to go before his unfortunate incident. Really hoping all goes well.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: soccerman on February 07, 2019, 01:25:33 PM
Unsuccessful;

https://www.liga-zwei.de/sv-darmstadt-98-kein-vertrag-fuer-alvin-jones/

(google translate of important bit;)

"While the search for a new center-back continues, Alvin Jones, who has been tested in the training camp in Spain, is not required. The 24-year-old right-back, brother of Joevin Jones, could not completely convince coach Dirk Schuster and returns to Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Darmstadt Echo."

I heard today that he got thru with a contract.  Not sure with who.  Will see if i get more details tmrw.  I wish him all the best!

I heard it's with Minnesota United. It would be a great move with Kevin looking out for him. That's where Kerron was supposed to go before his unfortunate incident. Really hoping all goes well.
Cummings was supposed to go to Orlando while Molino was there but glad to hear something is in the works for AJ.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Jefferz on February 07, 2019, 01:29:15 PM
Unsuccessful;

https://www.liga-zwei.de/sv-darmstadt-98-kein-vertrag-fuer-alvin-jones/

(google translate of important bit;)

"While the search for a new center-back continues, Alvin Jones, who has been tested in the training camp in Spain, is not required. The 24-year-old right-back, brother of Joevin Jones, could not completely convince coach Dirk Schuster and returns to Trinidad and Tobago, according to the Darmstadt Echo."

I heard today that he got thru with a contract.  Not sure with who.  Will see if i get more details tmrw.  I wish him all the best!

I heard it's with Minnesota United. It would be a great move with Kevin looking out for him. That's where Kerron was supposed to go before his unfortunate incident. Really hoping all goes well.
Cummings was supposed to go to Orlando while Molino was there but glad to hear something is in the works for AJ.

Ah, you are correct there, and I'm hearing back not that it may not be Minnesota. Will hit y'all back when I know more.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: FF on February 07, 2019, 07:59:48 PM
It go be Al Jazeera, Guatemala City Perros or Bhagwansingh United out of Bangalore.

Off chance he moving to La Horquetta Rangers.  ;D






j/k. Wishing him all the best on the potential moves
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Trini _2026 on February 18, 2019, 05:30:15 AM
Any news ?
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: asylumseeker on February 18, 2019, 06:36:03 AM
Any news ?

Not a peep.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: asylumseeker on February 18, 2019, 06:37:50 AM
It go be Al Jazeera, Guatemala City Perros or Bhagwansingh United out of Bangalore.

Off chance he moving to La Horquetta Rangers.  ;D






j/k. Wishing him all the best on the potential moves

Or Finland? :)
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Trini _2026 on February 23, 2019, 11:06:38 AM
Alvin Jones is training with the provisional squad .. I guess no contract yet
Title: Energy FC sign Trinidad and Tobago International Alvin Jones
Post by: Tallman on April 09, 2019, 11:03:29 AM
Energy FC sign Trinidad and Tobago International Alvin Jones
By Tyler Vaughn (energyfc.com)


Energy FC have signed defender Alvin Jones, pending league and federation approval, Head Coach Steve Cooke announced today. The 24-year-old joins OKC from Trinidad and Tobago Pro League club W Connection FC, where he had played since 2012, winning two league titles and featuring in the Concacaf Champions League on six occasions.

Jones has also made 16 appearances for the Trinidad and Tobago national team at the senior level, scoring one goal. His lone goal is an infamous one in United States’ Soccer history, as it came in the match on October 10, 2017 that eliminated the US men’s national team from 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.

In addition to caps at the senior level, Jones has made appearances with the Trinidad and Tobago U20 and U23 national teams.

“With Alvin Jones, you’re bringing in a player with really good experience”, said Cooke. “He has good experience in international competition, played in Concacaf Champions League games, played for Trinidad and Tobago a number of times and has played against some of the best in the game. Alvin is a really solid human and is a hardworking, professional young man. He’s also very versatile. He has played right back, can play in the middle of midfield and can play right midfield. That versatility means wherever we play him, he’s going to be a big addition to the group. I’m delighted to be able to add another player of that pedigree to our squad.”

Energy FC are on the road this weekend, as they travel to take on Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. CDT at H-E-B Park.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Trini _2026 on April 11, 2019, 12:25:34 AM
Seems.like the MLS not looking at our players anymore
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on April 11, 2019, 06:07:40 AM
Seems.like the MLS not looking at our players anymore

Who could they conceivably look at?
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on April 21, 2019, 04:34:55 PM
WATCH: Alvin Jones' long-range deflected strike gives Oklahoma City Energy FC a 1-0 win over Orange County SC

https://www.youtube.com/v/kINMwFGD-sM?start=12
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on August 12, 2019, 05:26:52 PM
WATCH: Alvin Jones' lofted pass sets up the opening goal in Energy FC's 2-1 loss to Fresno FC.

https://www.youtube.com/v/Hidumzo3gsE?start=57
Title: Real Salt Lake signs defender Alvin Jones
Post by: Tallman on December 09, 2019, 02:28:02 PM
Real Salt Lake signs defender Alvin Jones
RSL Communications


Real Salt Lake has signed DF Alvin Jones ahead of the 2020 season.  The Trinidad and Tobago right back brings international experience and one year in the USL Championship to bolster the depth on RSL’s back line.

“We’re happy to add a player of Alvin’s caliber to help make the team better.  He’s good on the ball and has good attributes in the attacking third.  He’s athletic.  He’s strong,” RSL Head Coach Freddy Juarez said.  He’s a national team player and we hope that experience can make us a better team overall.”

Jones, 25, spent the 2019 season with OKC Energy FC in the USL Championship, where he had one goal and two assists in 21 matches after signing in mid-April.  Previously, he had played with W Connection in Trinidad, winning two league titles in six seasons and making six appearances in CONCACAF Champions League.

In addition, he has 19 caps for the Trinidad and Tobago National Team, scoring one goal against the U.S. National Team against the U.S. National Team on October 10, 2017 in 2018 World Cup Qualifiers.

Real Salt Lake finished the 2019 season third in the Western Conference at 16-13-5 (53 points) and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals for the second consecutive season.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: asylumseeker on December 09, 2019, 02:37:43 PM
Welcome news in terms of the player moving to the MLS. However, tempered by the reality that Freddy is new at this gig and if he is replaced we could be back to a familiar script if another manager is brought in.

Congrats to Alvin Jones!
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Deeks on December 09, 2019, 08:24:59 PM
Nice, Nice!!!
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Cocorite on December 09, 2019, 09:07:20 PM
Welcome news in terms of the player moving to the MLS. However, tempered by the reality that Freddy is new at this gig and if he is replaced we could be back to a familiar script if another manager is brought in.

Congrats to Alvin Jones!

Indeed. Really glad to see this and happy for him.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Sando prince on December 12, 2019, 09:26:42 AM

Good luck to Alvin  :beermug: Saw the news on Soca Music Tv Facebook yesterday
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Peong on December 12, 2019, 10:09:03 AM
Congrats to him, I hope to see him on meh tv. 
Anybody familiar with the RSL squad?  How good are his rivals for a starting spot?
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on November 26, 2020, 11:49:49 AM
WATCH: Particularly known for his infamous 40-yard belter that helped to deny the USA a place at the 2018 World Cup, Real Salt Lake defender Alvin Jones talks about that goal as well as his career in America.

https://www.youtube.com/v/uD8d6M2f8_Q
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Flex on November 30, 2020, 04:41:06 PM
RSL cuts Alvin Jones ahead of 2021 MLS season
T&T Guardian Reports.


T&T senior men’s football team utility player, Alvin Jones, 26, is on the lookout for a new club.

This after Jones, the younger sibling of Seattle Sounders midfielder Joevin Jones was one of several players released by US Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake FC on Monday.

The club website stated on Monday that Real Salt Lake in announcing several roster updates ahead of the 2021 season exercised the contract options on eight players from its 2020 roster.

With 14 other returning players under contract and three additional players already signed ahead of the 2021 season, the announcement gives RSL 25 players on its current roster.

The website stated that Real Salt Lake exercised the options of goalkeeper David Ochoa; defenders Justen Glad and Erik Holt; midfielders Everton Luiz and Justin Portillo; and forwards Maikel Chang, Douglas Martinez and Tate Schmitt.

Also, RSL announced that it has declined the contract options of defender Alvin Jones; midfielder Luis Arriaga; and forwards Giuseppe Rossi and Julian Vazquez while goalkeeper Andrew Putna and midfielders Kyle Beckerman and Luke Mulholland are out of a contract.

However, there is still hope that the younger Jones who only featured in one match all season for RSL can return to the club as it was stated that conversations about returning to the roster in 2021 are ongoing with several players.

The 2020 MLS Expansion Draft is scheduled for Tuesday, December 15 with the End-of-Year Waivers scheduled for Wednesday, December 16 at 11 am.

Free Agency is also beginning at that time. Additionally, the MLS Re-Entry Process begins with Stage 1 on Thursday, December 17, while Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Process is set to take place on Tuesday, December 22.

A full MLS list of players eligible for Free Agency, End-of-Year Waivers and the Re-Entry Process will be announced by the League at a later date.

The Carenage-born Jones, spent the 2019 season with OKC Energy FC in the United Soccer League Championship, making 21 appearances after moving from T&T's W Connection where he won two titles in six seasons and featured in the Concacaf Champions League.

He is best-known among MLS fans for scoring the game-winning goal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD8d6M2f8_Q&feature=emb_title) for T&T to sink the USA men's national team 2018 Russia World Cup hopes.

While Jones heads out the RSL door, another T&T player will be hoping to make an impact next season at the club in 22-year-old defender Noah Powder.

Powder completed the last season in the United Soccer League Championship Division with Real Monarch, having played a key role in their title-winning 2019 campaign.

Before joining the Monarchs, Powder built a successful career in the USL Championship at New York Red Bulls II and in 2016, helped lift the side to the 2016 USL Championship title win as well.

In 2018, Powder contributed to making Orange County SC the Western Conference leaders, taking the California side to the Western Conference Final.

Internationally, Powder brings with him international experience having played for the T&T Under-17s and Under-20s, making a total of 13 appearances and notching four goals between the two.

Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on August 14, 2021, 04:35:45 PM
Alvin's Plea - The Fight against Racism Discussion

https://www.youtube.com/v/5ce7ybjoafU
Title: Forward Madison signs Trinidad and Tobago defender Alvin Jones
Post by: Tallman on March 24, 2022, 12:07:37 PM
Forward Madison signs Trinidad and Tobago defender Alvin Jones
forwardmadisonfc.com


Forward Madison FC have signed 27-year-old defender Alvin Jones, pending league and federation approval. Jones is famous for his goal that eliminated the US Men’s National Team from 2018 World Cup contention in the qualifying rounds.

Jones is originally from Trinidad and Tobago, where he debuted in 2014 playing for his national team. The defender has made 32 career appearances for Trinidad and Tobago, and he contributed an impactful goal over that time.

“Alvin will have a positive impact on the group through his international and domestic experience,” Forward Madison Assistant Coach Neil Hlavaty said. “We’re very excited to welcome Alvin to Madison, his speed and technicality will work well in USL League One.”

As for his club career, Jones first signed with W Connection FC in the TT Pro League. He played with the team from 2012-2018, made 13 appearances and scored a goal with the team.

For the 2019 season, Jones came to the US where he signed with the Oklahoma City Energy FC. The 6-foot right back had a breakout season as he appeared in 22 games with OKC FC and managed to contribute two assists and a goal.

After leaving OKC FC, Jones signed with the Real Monarchs and played in one game before joining Real Salt Lake City in 2020.

Jones has proven that his presence on the defensive side of the ball can be effective in improving a club’s all-around defensive ability. The defender has also made some impressive plays on the offensive side in the limited opportunities he’s been granted. Now a Flamingo, Jones is primed for a big 2022 with the club.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FOoUmwpWUAEK1LS?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Trini _2026 on March 24, 2022, 04:06:21 PM
No MLS eh
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: asylumseeker on March 24, 2022, 11:55:22 PM
No MLS eh

“We’re very excited to welcome Alvin to Madison, his speed and technicality will work well in USL League One.”

Feet on the ground. If they are to be believed ...
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on March 25, 2022, 01:59:44 PM
No MLS eh

How would he have been able to get there when he has been inactive for so long? Alos when he was in the MLS he did not get any playing time.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on August 14, 2022, 09:22:51 AM
WATCH: Alvin Jones's 95th minute equalizer earns Forward Madison FC a 1-1 draw with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

https://www.youtube.com/v/E54mzpo_kzE
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Peong on August 14, 2022, 10:09:23 AM
Like he pull a hamstring or wa? Well taken goal and I hope he not hurt
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Deeks on August 14, 2022, 07:18:16 PM
Like he pull a hamstring or wa? Well taken goal and I hope he not hurt

Hope not!!!!
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on October 10, 2023, 08:33:52 AM
Warrior Profile: Alvin Jones brings versatility, tenacity
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)


FAST, physical, athletic and blessed with a powerful right-footed shot, T&T men's footballer Alvin Jones can be a match-winner on any day.

Though he plays at right back, the 29-year-old Jones is known for his bombarding runs down the flank and long-range shots which can echo around any stadium he plays in.

Brother of veteran Soca Warriors playmaker Joevin Jones, and son of 1990 "Strike Squad" member Kelvin Jones, Alvin has always had football in his blood. He made his professional debut in 2012 as a teenager for the "Savonetta Boys" of W Connection – a regular in Concacaf club competitions at the time and a six-time T&T Pro League champion.

Following in the footsteps of his brother and his dad, it didn't take long for Alvin's play to be recognised by T&T men's coach Stephen Hart. He made his Soca Warriors debut at 20 in October 2014 in a 2-0 win versus St Lucia in a Caribbean Cup qualifier at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Balmain, Couva.

Jones featured sparingly For T&T following his debut, but many would argue his breakthrough in the national colours came three years after his first appearance at the same Balmain venue.

Mocked by the US press after heavy rain caused flooding at the stadium, the Americans were expected to crush T&T, who were bottom of the six-team Concacaf World Cup qualifying standings, in a failed campaign to reach Russia 2018. The US boasted players such as captain Michael Bradley, goalkeeper Tim Howard and rising US star Christian Pulisic, now at Italian Serie A club AC Milan.

However, T&T, then coached by Dennis Lawrence, pulled off a massive upset against the US in a now famous match on October 10, 2017. With T&T up 1-0 in a must-win game for the US on their World Cup qualification bid, Alvin collected a pass from team captain Khaleem Hyland and stunned Howard and the US team with a right-footed blast which arrowed into the corner from 30-plus yards. Alvin's goal sparked wild scenes on the sidelines and it was a goal which led to T&T's 2-1 win – knocking the US out of World Cup contention.

In a 2017 interview with Newsday, Alvin said he felt his goal helped the Strike Squad get some "justice" for their painful World Cup qualification loss to the US in 1989.

After thrilling local fans on that fateful night in Couva and during his time in the T&T Pro League, Alvin sought to make T&T's right back spot his own. He had a six-year wait before he got another goal in national colours though.

He has featured for T&T in three consecutive Concacaf Gold Cup campaigns in 2019, 2021 and 2023, getting past 40 international caps in the process. During the 2021 Gold Cup group stage, Alvin was one of many T&T players to put their body on the line as the Soca Warriors eked out a goalless draw with nine-time Gold Cup champions Mexico.

Alvin's play for Connection and T&T hasn't gone unnoticed, and the Carenage defender has had stints in the US with Oklahoma City, Real Salt Lake and Forward Madison from 2019-2022.

Back in T&T, the all-action right back has found a new home with Tiger Tanks Club Sando. In the inaugural T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) season this year, Jones scored seven goals – including a number of free kicks – to help Club Sando to a third-placed finish and a spot in the Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield. Once again, Jones showed off his shooting range as he scored a wicked, right-footed free kick in a Caribbean Shield semi-final loss against Martinique's Golden Lion FC on August 11.

Alvin's golden touch also came back in the red, white and black, as he scored in a friendly versus Guatemala before the 2023 Gold Cup. He then netted T&T's first goal of the Concacaf showpiece tournament in a 3-0 victory over St Kitts and Nevis on June 25. Alvin played all three matches at the Gold Cup event as T&T made a first round exit.

He was not included in coach Angus Eve's squad as T&T won their first two games of the ongoing Concacaf Nations League (CNL) A 2023/24 campaign to top the group after the two opening fixtures. However, Alvin has been named in T&T's squad for their CNL encounter against Guatemala at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, on Friday. He will try to rekindle his goal-scoring touch against Guatemala as T&T eye a CNL quarterfinal spot. After all, he does have fond memories of this month.
Title: Re: Alvin "Hurricane" Jones Thread
Post by: Tallman on January 03, 2024, 07:01:30 AM
Still hungry: Alvin Jones talks about returning overseas, and Copa America ambitions
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)


For Alvin Jones, the last year has been a roller-coaster with deep dips and huge highs.

His highpoint was scoring a free kick winner against the United States in a 2-1 win in a CONCACAF Nations League A second leg match, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in November.

But he also experienced the low of being dropped from the national team following a disastrous showing at the 2023 Gold Cup in July, having also not secured a contract overseas last season.

Jones, 29, had served one-year contracts over the previous four years, playing with OKC Energy, Real Salt Lake, Real Monarchs and Forward Madison, in the United States.

Following his time abroad, he returned to local football in early 2023. Playing in a right-back position, he scored seven goals in ten matches and helped Tiger Tanks Club Sando to third spot in the inaugural Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football league (TTPFL).

Now with Miscellaneous Police FC, he joins elder brother Joevin Jones —the former America-based MLS midfielder— and is hoping for an even better second TTPFL season.

“As a lil’ kid I’ve always been in and around the Police dressing room. I have a lot of history when it comes to Police,” he said, explaining that with his father Kelvin Jones playing, and later coaching the lawmen, he has always had an association with the Police team.

Jones believes that a good local season could serve as a springboard to an overseas campaign once again.

“I trying to get ‘Defender of the Season’ and things like that,” Jones declared. “I’m using these games to keep my fitness, and building to try and get a contract overseas.”

Jones also triumphantly returned to the national set-up for a pair of CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final matches last in November. His tenure in national colours had appeared ended, following a clear-out of older players by coach Angus Eve after the team’s dismal showing at the CONCACAF Gold Cup last July.

Jones was among those dropped, including goalkeeper Marvin Phillips, his brother Joevin, Sheldon Bateau and the retired Kevin Molino, all having gone past age 30.

While many accomplished national footballers --his good friend Molino and Densill Theobald included— cannot boast of having played on a winning senior national team against the USA, Jones has done it twice, both times scoring the match winner with his trademark rocket free kick.

“It’s one of my strengths,” he noted. “Kicking the ball, passing the ball, that’s definitely one of my strengths. The free kick was the right timing. It was good for the fans, for the team, and victory helped us a lot to have that confidence to go into the next round and try to qualify for the Copa America.”

For Jones, qualification for the Copa American 2024 will be huge. T&T play Canada in a one-off eliminator on March 23 at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, with the winners securing a berth in Group A --alongside World Cup champions Argentina, Chile and Peru.

“It’s everything going to this tournament,” Jones stated. “We all see the draw. We can play against the likes of (Lionel) Messi, (Argentina) World Cup winners and the last Copa America winners.”

He continued: “For me the draw alone is everything. Once I get the opportunity to represent the country, I will be putting my best foot forward and trying to help the team in all aspects, defence and even in attack. So, for me, it’s huge.”

Despite the tough assignment come March, Jones is of the view the No.96-ranked Soca Warriors are capable of beating Canada, a team listed 48 places above them. “It’s just one game and it’s a neutral ground, which is a good advantage for us,” he said. “It’s just for us to stay focused and keep that momentum we had in (the Nations League) group stage. The last game we played, we won over the USA. Obviously, the confidence is there.” But he added: “We have to be focused, patient. At times we will be suffering and don’t have the ball. We just have to first enjoy the game and hopefully we come out with the win.”

Jones also had a message for local football fans, citing that 50 per cent of the Trinidad and Tobago unit comes from the local league.

“I think the fans should come out (to) the Pro League and push the players, not only the players on the national team, but for the players that want to be on the national team. It will give them that drive to try and make the team and it will only make us as a country better if we have 50, 60, 80 players knocking on the door (and trying) to come (on to) the national team.”
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