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31

Football / Re: The Legends are coming.

« on: May 12, 2024, 12:10:22 PM »

Legends vs All-Stars score big time
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

BRAZILIAN Kaka and local striker Anthony Wolfe both scored hat-tricks in an entertaining 5-5 draw featuring the Brazilian Legends against a Trinidad and Tobago All-Stars squad in a “fete match” charity event on Friday night, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Promoters I95FM certainly scored, drawing an almost full capacity. Despite the princely price of admission--as much as $450 for the covered section of the HCS--local fans were willing to pay for the entertainment and a lime.

The draw was Kaka, Cafu, Rivaldo and Edmílson, a quartet of 2002 FIFA World Cup-winning stars, lining up with and against some of T&T best-ever footballers, and a couple of Caribbean stars.

Making a return to local football was the “Mexican Wave”, one dedicated to popular recently deceased nuts vendor “Jumbo”. Just like in past times, the wave never seemed to want to stop.

Brazilians Kaka and Cafu appeared to be still full of enthusiasm for the beautiful game; the disappointment would have been Rivaldo, who it seems has lost a lot of his touches, and was a peripheral figure on the field.

Apparently is not only England’s Peter Crouch who likes to pull on dreadlocks, but apparently Cafu as well. Has Cafu evolved into a “nasty” player defensively, or is it that we never noticed it before?

Either way, Collin Samuel did not like it a bit when the Brazilian tugged at his dreads, halting the 2006 T&T winger running to goal. Whenever left behind, Cafu made sure that his opponent’s run ended abruptly, getting a couple of crossed looks-- but none serious enough to evolve into anything more.

Still-active Police FC striker Anthony Wolfe, a member of T&T’s 2006 World Cup squad, threatened to take the spotlight away from the Brazilian visitors, firing in an early hat-trick, giving the All-Stars a 3-1 lead at the end of the first of three, 30-minute periods.

That could not be allowed. And when Wolfe threatened to score a fourth, he was immediately pulled off, only to return in the final of the three “thirds”, with the team balanced at 3-3.

It was Kaka who would draw the Legends level at 1-1, combining with Cafu before scoring and cancelling out Wolfe’s opening goal, a diving, low header sending the ball past Kelvin Jack, another member of the 2006 WC squad.

Kaka and Cafu were ever present. Kaka blew past both Cyd Gray and Clayton Ince up the flank, finding Kafu, whose blistering drive was kept out by Clayton Ince, who showed that he is no back number.

Our own “greatest ever”, midfield magician Russell Latapy, showed some touches, and also tried an audacious chip over Jack, which at Latapy’s best, might have dropped in, instead of over the bar.

Kaka and Cafu both netted as the Legends dominated the second period with two goals, levelling the score at 3-3, and leaving all to be decided in the final half-hour period. By then, most were walking rather than running. Nobody was defending much. Well, except for a now bulked-up former national captain Khaleem Hyland, who dropped his pounds on a few opponents, including a shoulder to the face of the still pencil-thin Kendall “Jaggy” Jagdeosingh.

Kaka would go on to complete his hat-trick when scoring from the penalty spot, but not to be outdone his former Orlando City teammate Kevin Molino would start and finish the move which ended in the final goal for the Legends.

If nothing else, Friday night’s event showed Trinidadians love entertainment and Brazilians. But do they love football? That well be tested on June 5, when the real thing begin with the start of the 2006 FIFA Men’s World Cup qualifying against Grenada. Let’s see how many show up at the same venue, when no Brazilians will be present.

LEGENDS TEAM:

Kelvin Jack (GK), Cafu, Earl Jean, Russell Latapy, Kevin Molino, Rivaldo, Carlos Edwards, Kaka, Khaleem Hyland, Kenwyne Jones, Ansil Elcock, Kern Cupid, Kendall Velox, Elijah Joseph, Lyndon Andrews

Coach: Jamaal Shabazz

ALL-STARS TEAM:

Clayton Morris, Aurtis Whitley, Clint Marcelle, Cyd Gray, Hutson Charles, Devorn Jorsling, Arnold Dwarika, Leonson Lewis, Collin Samuel, Cornell Glen, Curtis Gonzales, Densill Theobald, Keon Daniel, Carlyle Mitchell, Anthony Wolfe, Ataulla Guerra, Hayden Tinto, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Marvin Faustin, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Marvin Phillip (GK)

Coach: Angus Eve

32

Football / Re: Thread for T&T vs Guyana Games (13 & 15 of May-2024)

« on: May 10, 2024, 06:52:05 PM »

Schoolboy Sween gets maiden Soca Warriors call-up
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

T&T men's football coach Angus Eve has named a 25-man squad for his team's two friendlies against Guyana at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on May 13 and 15 respectively.

Similar to a pair of friendlies against Jamaica two months ago, the Soca Warriors coach has chosen a squad largely comprising locally based players, with Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) standout Lindell Sween among the players called up on Friday.

Eve initially picked a 26-man squad, but Tiger Tanks Club Sando defender Jamal Jack was a late scratch due to injury.

Earlier this week, Eve said next week's matches will provide an opportunity to expose new players to the international scene as T&T look ahead to their first Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifier against Grenada at the Hasely Crawford venue on June 5. On June 8, the Warriors will face Bahamas on the road in their second qualifier.

"We see these games as very important cogs in the wheel of our preparations going into the World Cup campaign for 2026," Eve said, via a May 7 T&T Football Association (TTFA) release. "It's an ongoing programme that we have started since I have come on board where we get some international games to get the locally based players up to speed."

The 17-year-old Sween, who can be utilised as an attacking midfielder or a striker, represented T&T at the Concacaf under-17 championship last year, and he was also a member of the T&T squad which contested the Concacaf under-20 championship on home soil in February. Sween was hampered by a leg injury in the latter tournament, though, and he was substituted just before halftime in the first game, before featuring in T&T's last game of the campaign against Canada.

Last month, the San Juan North Secondary student, who also plays with Caledonia in the T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL), was named as one of the SSFL's top five players for the 2023 season.

The T&T squad includes veteran Belgian-based defender Sheldon Bateau, regulars Alvin Jones, Duane Muckette, Ross Russell Jr and Defence Force centre back Justin Garcia, who was named as the TTPFL Player of the Year last season.

The goalkeeping trio of Christopher Biggette, Adrian Foncette and Denzil Smith have also been retained by Eve, while Prisons FC goalie Aaron Enill has been selected on the back of fine form between the sticks in the TTPFL. The former Defence Force goalkeeper has been key in Prisons' run to the First Citizens Knockout Cup semis, helping them to penalty shootout wins against Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic and MIC Matura ReUnited respectively.

There are first time call-ups for seven players, with central midfielders Simeon Bailey, Daniel David and 1976 FC Phoenix's Adriel George all in line for their debuts. Flankers Ezekiel Kesar and Josiah Wilson have also been rewarded for their good form in the TTPFL for Point Fortin Civic and league leaders Miscellaneous Police FC, respectively.

On Wednesday night, Kesar, a former Naparima College player, scored his tenth goal of the TTPFL campaign when Civic were hammered 6-1 by Caledonia at the Arima Velodrome.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm on both days, with tickets being sold at the venue on game day. The covered section is priced at $75, with $50 for the uncovered section.

Soca Warriors squad:

Goalkeepers: Christopher Biggette (Defence Force), Aaron Enill (Prisons FC), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Denzil Smith (Club Sando).

Defenders: Sheldon Bateau (SK Beveren), Liam Burns (AC PoS), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Shervohnez Hamilton (Club Sando), Alvin Jones, Robert Primus (Police FC), Andre Raymond (Unattached), Ross Russell Jr (La Horquetta Rangers), Josiah Trimmingham (Montego Bay United).

Midfielders: Simeon Bailey, Josiah Wilson (Police FC), Daniel David (La Horquetta Rangers), Adriel George (1976 FC Phoenix), Kevon Goddard, Matthew Woo Ling (Defence Force), Duane Muckette, Michel Poon-Angeron (AC PoS), Lindell Sween (Caledonia).

Forwards: Ezekiel Kesar (Point Fortin Civic), Isaiah Lee (La Horquetta Rangers), Brent Sam (Defence Force).

33

Football / Re: Gavin Hoyte Thread

« on: May 09, 2024, 07:18:49 PM »

Gavin Hoyte on leaving Maidstone United after five years at the Gallagher Stadium
By Craig Tucker (KentOnline)

Club captain Gavin Hoyte had a feeling his time at Maidstone United was coming to an end.

Hoyte, 33, received a guard of honour from team-mates before the Stones’ play-off eliminator against Aveley after it was announced he would be leaving.

It was a special moment for the former Arsenal defender after five years at the Gallagher Stadium, with his family in on the surprise as they followed him on to the pitch.

Hoyte’s final appearance came as a late substitute during Maidstone’s FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Coventry at the end of February.

Even back then he felt he was approaching the end of the road with the Stones.

“I got a bit emotional at the end of that game,” said Hoyte, who joined from Dagenham in the summer of 2019.

“I hadn’t been told at the time but it felt like it was all coming to an end.

“Sometimes you get that feeling as a player that the club is going to start to move on.

“I’m getting older and I need to start looking at other things, another job and things like that.

“I didn’t feel that was going to be my last game but it felt like it would be my last season.”

Hoyte’s departure was confirmed in a meeting with manager George Elokobi, assistant boss Craig Fagan, head of recruitment Zach Foster-Crouch and director of football Bill Williams.

“The gaffer said he wasn’t going to offer me a new contract for next season,” added Hoyte, who intends to play on elsewhere.

“I respected everything he said.

“He said thank you for everything you’ve done for the club but we’re going to go in a new direction.

“I knew myself it was coming so I wasn’t too upset.

“Obviously it was still emotional to hear you’re not going to stay on but I knew myself I probably couldn’t carry on at Maidstone.”

Out of respect for his captain, Elokobi informed Hoyte of his decision before the end of the season.

He wanted fans to be able to show their appreciation for a player who’s given everything.

There was a surprise guard of honour and presentation before the Aveley match, with Hoyte also unaware his wife, children and dad were there.

“I didn’t know what was going to happen,” said Hoyte.

“I walked out and saw the players lining up and then Sol (Wanjau-Smith) and Lucas (Covolan) were saying look behind you and my family were there.

“To do all that, it just shows what type of club it is. You don’t get that at non-league clubs.

“It was a very, very emotional time and to hear the fans sing my name was amazing.”

Hoyte rediscovered his love for the game at Maidstone after an unhappy spell with Dagenham.

He’d considered giving up before Hakan Hayrettin, then head coach under John Still, picked up the phone.

The right-back quickly became a crowd favourite at the Gallagher as Maidstone’s Mr Consistent.

He captained the side for much of their National League South title-winning campaign of 2022 and also led them on their history-making FA Cup run this season.

“I look back on my time at Maidstone and straight away I smile,” said Hoyte. “It’s been an unbelievable journey.

“The year before, when I was at Dagenham, I didn’t play much and I was thinking whether I still wanted to play.

“I was really down that season but then I got the call from Hak to come to Maidstone.

“That first year I felt like I did really well and I went from strength to strength.

“I always gave my all and the fans knew that.

“They always supported me.

“I went from being at a club where I didn’t feel part of it to feeling loved and being so together with everybody.”

Hoyte took the armband during the title season after Elokobi, then still a player at the Gallagher, was sidelined for months by a groin injury.

The pair lifted the league trophy together and Hoyte was made permanent captain following Elokobi’s retirement.

He leaves with great memories of a championship success and a glorious FA Cup run, including a 2-1 fourth-round win at Premier League new boys Ipswich.

“I always said I wanted to win a league and I managed to achieve that,” he said.

“Everything about that season, the togetherness of the team, I really enjoyed it, but I think getting to the fifth round of the FA Cup has topped it.

“It has to because I don’t think that’s going to be achieved in who knows how many years?

“To play at grounds like Ipswich and Coventry and those scenes against Barrow and Stevenage at home, you can’t beat that.

“When you’re leading out a non-league side at a Championship ground, it’s incredible.

“I’d played at Portman Road with Watford but that was nowhere near the same as going there with Maidstone.

“It was just where we’d worked so hard to get there, there was all the build-up and you’re seeing fans who you’ve got to know watching their team at a big ground like Ipswich.”

34

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: May 09, 2024, 12:52:14 PM »

AC POS survive scare vs Phoenix to move within a point of TTPFL leaders Police
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) title hopefuls AC PoS (38 points) moved within a point of leaders Miscellaneous Police FC (39 points) when they got an exciting 3-2 win over 1976 FC Phoenix at the Arima Velodrome on May 8.

AC PoS, who finished an agonising second in the inaugural TTPFL season last year, have a game in hand on their rivals Police and similar to last season, they will have their fate in their own hands once more.

AC PoS have two games left against the fourth-placed Tiger Tanks Club Sando (32 points) and sixth-placed Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic (23 points) on May 11 and 19 respectively. Meanwhile, in what promises to be an intriguing final day of the season on May 19, Police will play the cellar-placed Central FC.

With maximum points from their last two games, the “Capital Boys” will be crowned champions on 44 points. Any slip up from coach Walt Noriega’s team, and the lawmen will be well positioned to pip them on the line.

Fresh from their gripping 3-3 draw with Police on May 5, Phoenix started the game full of confidence and they should have taken the lead in the 18th minute when their top marksman Mickaeel “Jem” Gordon was provided with a glorious one-on-one chance. Five minutes later, Gordon drew a fine low save from veteran AC PoS goalkeeper Marvin Phillip after a probing run from midfielder Adriel George.

Phoenix’s wasted chances were AC PoS’s gain, though, and the title chasers struck twice in the space of three minutes to get some daylight. In the 28th minute, midfielder John-Paul Rochford scored with a right-footed shot after receiving a cut back from defender Liam Burns. Attacker Sedale McLean then rolled into an empty net on the half hour mark to make it 2-0 after Phoenix goalie Duvaughn Daniel collided with his burly centre back Jeremiah Bristol as they pursued a loose ball.

In the 56th minute, Phoenix finally made good on their early promise and hard running when Gordon swept home from close range after a lovely counter-attack involving George and centre forward Che Richards to grab his 11th goal of the season. Gordon made the AC PoS defenders uncomfortable with his darting runs in behind, and he spurned a presentable chance just after the hour mark after rounding Phillip and sending a tame effort toward goal.

Similar to the first half, the visiting Tobago outfit were swiftly punished by AC PoS when Grenadian attacker Saydrel Lewis tapped in at the back stick in the 63rd minute after a lovely square from Rochford. Lewis could have doubled his tally four minutes later, but Daniel saved smartly at the first post to stop a firm right-footed shot.

The visitors ensured AC PoS had a shaky final few minutes in Arima, as Phoenix substitute Jahiem Harry scored with a powerful shot from outside the area after getting a layoff from George.

Phoenix got stoppage-time heroics in their last outing to salvage a draw versus Police, but they just fell short in their attempts to take a point off the Capital Boys.

35

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Justin Araujo-Wilson

« on: May 09, 2024, 08:00:54 AM »

FC Vysočina Jihlava vs MFK Cherubim (August 25, 2023)
https://twitter.com/socawarriors/status/1695253224503067118

FC Vysočina Jihlava vs FK Varnsdorf (May 3, 2024)
https://x.com/socawarriors/status/1786746500816519368

MFK Vyškov vs FC Vysočina Jihlava (May 8, 2024)
https://x.com/socawarriors/status/1788336686750990473

36

Football / Re: Justin Araujo-Wilson

« on: May 09, 2024, 07:56:20 AM »

Justin Araujo-Wilson opens the scoring with a brilliant strike from just outside the penalty area during FC Vysočina Jihlava's 3-3 draw against FK Varnsdorf.
https://x.com/socawarriors/status/1786746500816519368

Justin Araujo-Wilson pounces on a loose ball in the penalty area and blasts it into the back of the net to score the game-winner in FC Vysočina Jihlava's 1-0 win over MFK Vyškov.
https://x.com/socawarriors/status/1788336686750990473

37

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Aubrey David

« on: May 08, 2024, 09:52:04 PM »

CS Cartaginés vs Sporting San José (May 8, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/HwgKABhpcVY?start=182" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/HwgKABhpcVY?start=182</a>

38

Football / Re: Aubrey David Thread

« on: May 08, 2024, 09:51:23 PM »

Aubrey David scores with a looping header from 12 yards out to earn CS Cartaginés a 1-1 draw with Sporting San José.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/HwgKABhpcVY?start=182" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/HwgKABhpcVY?start=182</a>

39

Football / Thread for T&T vs Guyana Games (13 & 15 of May-2024)

« on: May 08, 2024, 04:14:53 PM »

Soca Warriors to play Guyana in two friendlies on May 13 and 15
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Trinidad and Tobago's men's football team will play Guyana in a pair of friendly internationals at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on May 13 and 15.

Coach Angus Eve says the games present the local-based players with a chance to stake their claim ahead of the Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifiers which commence against Grenada on June 5, as well as the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League A cycle which begins in September.

Eve said a handful of new players will be given the opportunity in the two matches owing to their good form in the ongoing 2023/24 T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) season. Defenders Sheldon Bateau, Josiah Trimmingham and Andre Raymond, who became a regular fixture at left back toward the backend of the Soca Warriors' 2023/24 Nations League campaign, have completed their respective club seasons and are expected to be involved in the friendlies.

Eve also said players such as Daniel David, Ezekiel Kesar, Isaiah Lee, Matthew Woo-Ling and the Miscellaneous Police FC pair of Simeon Bailey and Josiah Wilson will be in the mix.

"We see these games as a very important cog in the wheel of our preparations going into the World Cup campaign for 2026," Eve said, via a T&T Football Association release.

"It's an ongoing programme that we have started since I have come on board where we get some international games to get the locally based players up to speed (to) see how they perform against international opposition."

Guyana, who are coached by former T&T coach Jamaal Shabazz, gained promotion for the upcoming Nations League A campaign after topping their Nations League B group which included Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas and Puerto Rico.

"Guyana is also in the League A of the Nations League so it's not slouches we will be playing. It gives the local players a final opportunity to be seen outside of their league against international opposition so that we can pick the final squad. That is what these exercises are about."

In March, T&T played Jamaica in a pair of friendlies ahead of their Copa America 2024 play-in with Canada. Eve utilised a heavy local contingent in those outings and gave debuts to several players. T&T lost the first friendly 1-0, before playing to a goalless draw in the second match.

Eve says next week's venture will be similar.

Eve said meetings with TTFA president Kieron Edwards, who assumed office on April 13, have been fruitful.

"The TTFA president has been in the media saying how positive the meetings were and we think they were also positive from our end. He and his new board are committed to helping us and the country to qualify for another World Cup."

Shabazz, who hailed the Soca Warriors as "formidable opponents," praised the TTFA and the Guyana Football Federation for their huge investments with the staging of the friendly matches.

"Of course, whether it is football, cricket, hockey or rugby, when Guyana plays T&T we want to win so it's also going to be a title fight."

Kick-off will be 7 pm on both days, with tickets priced at $75 (covered section) and $50 (uncovered section).

40

Football / FIFA Football for Schools Thread

« on: May 08, 2024, 02:52:07 PM »

TTFA launches Fifa Football for Schools project
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

After three days of coaching workshops and practical activities involving primary school students at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo and Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, the T&T Football Association (TTFA) launched the Fifa Football for Schools programme at the Malabar venue on Tuesday.

Geared toward introducing the game to young boys and girls in otherwise untapped rural communities and schools, the Football for Schools programme is expected to kickstart on May 13 in primary schools across Trinidad. Over 40 coaches will be involved in the programme, with 56 Trinidad schools being invited to participate in the project, to go along with eight Tobago schools.

Fifa Football for Schools manager Antonio Buenano Sanchez will oversee the programme, and he guided the coaches through their paces on Tuesday as they conducted varying drills with eager students.

Approximately 40 students went through different drills and played friendly scrimmages, with schools such as Arima Presbyterian, Avocat Vedic School, Bonne Aventure Presbyterian, Carapichaima RC and Tunapuna Government Primary School being represented. Roughly 20 coaches guided the players through the sessions, with youth coaches such as Sharaz Ali and Cedric Hazelwood among those giving their instructions from the sidelines. Former national players Kern Cupid, Dexter Cyrus and Afiya Matthias were also involved in the coaching sessions.

Rajesh Latchoo, head of coach education and the TTFA’s director of youth football, said the aim of the programme is to grow the game at the grassroots level, which can lead to the unearthing of hidden gems.

Starting with the two-month long Football for Schools programme, Latchoo said the goal is to have children from four to 14 playing the game on a consistent basis for a seven-month period. Latchoo said due to the primary school syllabus and the timing of the launch, the first cycle of the programme targeted children who completed their Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exams this year.

Latchoo is also one of the project leads on the national steering group, which includes members of the TTFA, the Ministry of Education, Sport Company of T&T (SporTT), Ministry of Sports and Community Development and the National Primary School League.

“As members, our job was to bring football to communities that may not have had football, or schools that may not have had football. It’s about growing the game and teaching the kids technical skills and life skills,” Latchoo said.

“The programme is heavy on life skills and we use football as the vessel to introduce or reinforce that because the Ministry also has value, as well as the TTFA, in what will be enforced in the schools.”

Latchoo said the programme will help feed into the TTFA’s high performance programme, and he believes the momentum will be taken into the Generation Amazing programme and the Primary Schools league.

Earmarked for the July-August period, Latchoo said the Generation Amazing programme will be similar to the Football for Schools programme, but will be geared specifically for communities.

Latchoo said the programmes will aid coach education and “benefit all different departments of the TTFA.”

“There’s an app Fifa has (Football for Schools) which allows the coaches access to the different types of sessions. The TTFA will help govern the syllabus and then the app will help them get content.

“This will give us an opportunity to see some of our young coaches who would have just recently completed their C club licence.”

The confirmed listing of schools in the Fifa Football for Schools programme will be finalised on Friday.

41

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: May 07, 2024, 05:06:29 PM »

TTPFL title race blown open, Police draw 3-3 with Phoenix
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

The title race for the 2023/24 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) took another interesting twist on Sunday evening, when leaders Miscellaneous Police FC (39 points) were held to an exciting 3-3 draw by 1976 FC Phoenix at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago.

The result took Police four points clear of second-placed AC PoS (35 points) at the TTPFL's summit. However, with the solitary game left against cellar-placed Central FC, Police will have to depend on AC PoS to drop points in their remaining matches to secure the top spot.

AC PoS have three games left in the season, including a meeting against Phoenix on Wednesday.

The Tobago outfit certainly played the role of spoiler in their clash with Police, and they led twice in the six-goal thriller in Bacolet before scoring dramatically in stoppage time to grab a point.

Phoenix took the lead in the fourth minute when their talisman Mickaeel "Jem" Gordon scored his tenth goal of the season after receiving a lovely pass from midfielder Adriel George. Xavier Rajpaul equalised for Police in the 17th minute, but Phoenix restored their lead just past the half-hour mark when Che Richards finished off another move involving the busy George.

The teams went into the halftime interval level at two apiece as Police flanker Kadeem Hutchinson headed in a left-side cross from Josiah Wilson in the 41st minute.

In the 65th minute, the lively Wilson turned from provider to scorer when he gave the lawmen the lead with a rasping shot from outside the area to make it 3-2.

Police seemed to be heading for the precious three points to take them six points clear of AC PoS, but they were denied by late friendly fire when substitute Anthony Wolfe inadvertently headed a set piece past Police goalkeeper Adrian Foncette in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage-time to level the scores at 3-3.

Phoenix consolidated seventh spot on the table with the draw, and they will do their best to further impact the title run-in on Wednesday when they meet title challengers AC PoS.

TTFPL tier one standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts

1.Police FC*19*11*6*2*42*20*22*39

2.AC PoS*17*10*5*2*40*19*21*35

3.Defence Force FC*18*10*4*4*33*18*15*34

4.Club Sando*18*9*5*4*30*21*9*32

5.La Horquetta Rangers*18*7*4*7*36*33*3*25

6.Point Fortin Civic*18*6*5*7*25*20*5*23

7.1976 FC Phoenix*17*7*2*8*27*32*-5*23

8.Prisons FC*19*7*1*11*24*35*-11*22

9.Caledonia*18*5*6*7*26*25*1*21

10.Eagles FC*18*5*4*9*21*28*-7*19

11.Central FC*18*0*2*16*12*65*-53*2

42

Football / Re: 2024 First Citizens Cup Thread

« on: May 07, 2024, 04:53:01 PM »

Biggette stars in shootout as Army advance to First Citizens Cup semis
T&T Newsday

DEFENCE Force goalkeeper Christopher Biggette won the battle of the Soca Warriors custodians on Sunday evening, as he made two saves in a penalty shootout versus Tiger Tanks Club Sando to send the Army through to the First Citizens Knockout Cup semifinals.

In the second match of a quarterfinal doubleheader at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation grounds, Defence Force scored late in regulation time to tie the game at 2-2, before holding their nerves in the penalty shootout to get a 4-1 triumph.

Club Sando forward Shackiel Henry continued his stellar form in the knockout tournament, and he opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Army defender Justin Garcia scored in the 20th minute to bring the defending champions on level terms.

Henry scored again in the 77th minute to give Sando a 2-1 lead as he grabbed his fifth goal in the FCB Cup. Having defeated T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) leaders Miscellaneous Police FC in the round of 16, Sando looked destined to land another major scalp in form of last season’s League and Cup winners.

However, attacker Shaquille Bertrand scored the vital equaliser in the 82nd minute – paving the way for Biggette’s heroics from the spot.

Kicking first, Defence Force were perfect from the spot as Garcia, Jelani Felix, Dylon King and Matthew Woo Ling all fired past Soca Warriors custodian Denzil Smith. Biggette upstaged his TT teammate as he saved the first two spot kicks from Shervohnzez Hamilton and Henry to help seal Army’s passage to the semis.

In the other quarterfinal in La Horquetta, cellar-placed TTPFL tier one team Central FC showed off their superiority when they blanked tier two outfit San Fernando Giants by a 4-0 margin.

Man-of-the-Match Kyle Bartholomew scored in either half, while Levin Caballero and Miguel Williams scored the other goals to send Central through to the semis.

43

Football / Re: Men's U-17 Thread

« on: May 06, 2024, 04:56:38 PM »

Cooper content with drawn series...T&T U-17s lose 2nd Jamaica friendly
T&T Express

HEAD coach of the Trinidad and Tobago men’s national Under-17 team Shawn Cooper said his team will leave Jamaica with their heads high despite losing 2-1 in the second of two friendly internationals against the young Reggae Boyz at the JFF Technical Centre on the UWI Mona campus, yesterday.

Having won the first game 1-0 last week, Cooper said his players had the same approach yesterday, however, the scoreline went in favour of the hosts.

T&T went ahead in the 15th minute through Salim Soanes before Orel Miller brought the scores level in the 38th. Jahmari Nolan hit the winning goal in the 61st for Jamaica. T&T won the first of the two friendly internationals 1-0 on Friday, with former St Benedict’s College flanker Akel Vesprey scoring in the 90th minute.

Both teams are preparing for their 2025 CONCACAF Men’s Under 17 World Cup qualifying matches. After the match, Cooper said: “Coming out here with a 1-1 in the series is very good for us. For this group to get this sort of result...it wasn’t just a 2-1 victory, it was a hard-fought 2-1 result...We think we came out on top here today,” the T&T coach said.

Reflecting on the game, Cooper said two errors at the back cost his side. Cooper explained that they had to make do with a “makeshift” back-line and that “the communication wasn’t there.” “They went through with a run and this is what they were trying to do all game but when we had the first-choice back five, they dealt with it,” he said

“Most of our boys were playing on Astro Turf for the first time and playing at nine o’clock is difficult and telling on your legs and we picked up a couple of injuries but the game was played at a terrific pace, so it would have had a toll on the boys,” Cooper continued.

“They wanted to win to level the series. For me, leaving here one-all in the series, I think I am on top. We took the first rubber. They had to come hard to equalise, so we are leaving Jamaica with our heads held high,” the T&T coach said added.

In terms of the importance of the series, Cooper said: “It is always beneficial in playing Jamaica. “This game was played like a proper international game and not like a training game or a friendly. Some of our guys saw what it takes to play at the international level and it is all well for their development.”

The T&T coach added: “We are hoping to go foreign and see what guys we have that can fill in. We have a number of guys at Inter Miami who played against Olympic Lyon last night, so we have about three of them. We are looking to broaden our horizons so that when we go back to Trinidad, with the exposure these guys have, it will only do well for us in going forward.”

44

Football / Re: Republic Bank National Youth Football League Thread.

« on: May 06, 2024, 04:41:31 PM »

City FC in hunt for Republic Cup titles
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

City FC stayed in contention for two 2024 Republic Cup National Youth Football League crowns after registering quarterfinal wins in both the under-14 and under-20 divisions on April 28.

City FC recorded the biggest win of all the boys' quarterfinal matches when they hammered Creek SCC by a 5-0 margin at the Republic Bank Sports Club, Barataria in the under-14 age group.

Cardinals defeated Ultimate Unisons by a 2-1 margin in their under-14 quarterfinal, while Union Hall United blanked World Class Soccer Clinic 2-0.

Cox Coaching School, the losing finalists in the Trinidad leg of last year's under-13 competition, got a handsome 4-0 win over Arima Araucans.

In the under-20 division, City FC emerged with a 2-1 win against Central outfit Crown Trace FC at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar. Chaguanas North Secondary standout Justin Lewis gave Crown Trace a 26th-minute lead, but second-half goals from Aydon Caruth and 2023 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division winner Caden Trestrail gave City FC the comeback result.

Evolution FC edged HVC FC 3-2 in their under-20 quarterfinal as Josiah Hypolite scored a second-half penalty to settle the affair. Athletic International Academy edged San Juan Jabloteh 5-3 on penalties after a goalless stalemate in their under-20 quarterfinal.

In the other under-20 quarterfinal, national under-20 forward Malachi Webb put the Premier SC team on his back when he scored a beaver trick in a thrilling 4-3 victory against Pro Series, last year's under-15 and under-17 winners in the Trinidad leg of the tourney.

In the under-16 age group, Pro Series stayed alive as they scored twice in a four-minute span in the second half to beat Point Fortin Youth Academy 2-0 at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella.

A Gershom Chase brace helped Trendsetter Hawks to a 2-1 win over Gasparillo Youths, while Beatnix and FC Ginga booked their respective under-16 semis spots with wins over World Class and Cox Coaching School.

In the girls' under-20 division, MIC Matura ReUnited and Trincity Nationals advanced to the semis with contrasting wins against Crown Trace and Talent and Energy. Pleasantville FC and Pro Series won their quarterfinal matches by default.

45

Football / Re: 2024 First Citizens Cup Thread

« on: May 06, 2024, 03:40:00 PM »

AC Port of Spain, Prisons FC in First Citizens Cup semis
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Prisons FC and TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) title hopefuls AC PoS advanced to the semifinals of the First Citizens Knockout Cup on May 5, with victories over MIC Matura ReUnited and Eagles FC respectively.

AC PoS, who are currently in second spot behind leaders Miscellaneous Police FC in the TTPFL tier one, held off a plucky Eagles FC outfit by a 2-1 margin at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella.

Soca Warriors playmaker and AC PoS captain Duane Muckette was the standout figure for the "Capital Boys," and he scored a first-half double to give his team a 2-0 lead at the halfway stage. Eagles' Haitian winger Exilus Angelo scored via the penalty mark in the 49th minute. However, AC PoS held on for the result to keep their hopes of a TTPFL double alive.

At the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Prisons continued their resurgence as they got a hard-fought 5-4 penalty shootout victory over TTPFL tier-two outfit Matura after playing to a 1-1 stalemate through regulation time in their quarterfinal.

Prisons, who held AC PoS to a 1-1 draw in the TTPFL on Thursday, took a 78th-minute lead through flanker Brendan Figuera. Matura then got an equaliser from Omari Lezama in the 89th minute to force the match into the dreaded shootout.

Similar to their tense round of 16 penalty shootout win over Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic FC, Prisons held their own from the spot to stay in contention for the Cup.

After press time, tier-two outfit San Fernando Giants took on tier-one strugglers Central FC, while defending champions Defence Force played Tiger Tanks Club Sando in a heavyweight tier-one clash.

46

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Reon Moore

« on: May 02, 2024, 09:36:14 AM »

Pacific FC vs TSS Rovers (May 1, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Cr8kfDPHyoU?start=240" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Cr8kfDPHyoU?start=240</a>

47

Football / Re: Reon Moore Thread

« on: May 02, 2024, 09:35:05 AM »

Reon Moore scored in the dying seconds to earn Pacific FC a 1-1 draw with TSS Rovers in regulation time. Pacific FC eventually triumphed 5-4 on penalties, to earn a spot in the quarter-finals the of Canadian Championship.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Cr8kfDPHyoU?start=240" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Cr8kfDPHyoU?start=240</a>

48

Football / Re: Men's U-17 Thread

« on: April 30, 2024, 09:43:32 AM »

T&T U-17s for Jamaica camp, friendlies
T&T Express

This country’s Men’s Under-17 national football team will travel to Jamaica from May 1-8, for a residential training camp inclusive of three friendly matches versus Jamaica’s U-17s and a club side.

The current T&T U-17 selection features several players who have graduated from the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association High Performance Programme and competed at the CONCACAF Boys Under-15 Championship in the Dominican Republic last August, recording memorable wins against Costa Rica and Qatar.

The team, which has been under the guidance of Shawn Cooper since 2023, was initially undergoing preparations for the CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Qualifiers, first slated to be held in August 2024. However, on April 18, CONCACAF issued a circular advising that the Qualifying matches for the FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup was now moved from 2024 to 2025.

This therefore meant that there would be additional time for preparations for the CONCACAF U-17 Championship.

A release yesterday stated that the TTFA felt it would be best to provide opportunities for the national team to face international opposition and further dates for camps and talent identification are continuing to be identified for the rest of 2024 ahead of the qualifiers in 2025.

While in Jamaica, the U-17 boys will play Jamaica on Friday and Sunday before concluding their trip with a friendly versus a club team next week Tuesday.

This initiative is in line with the TTFA’s application to the FIFA Talent Development Scheme which aims to provide additional resources to member associations for the elite youth national teams.

TTFA President Kieron Edwards insisted that there will be continuous efforts to provide opportunities for exposure and match preparation for the various national teams.

“In keeping with the executive’s mantra to strengthen partnerships and our relationship with our brothers in CFU, we are pleased to be embarking on this journey to Jamaica,” said Edwards.

“Despite the challenges, the commitment to the continued development of our high-performance programme shines through. This trip marks a pivotal step towards our U-17 team’s quest to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2025. It’s a testament to the dedication of all involved, securing this opportunity mere days after the new executive’s installation.”

T&T U-17 Squad

Goalkeepers: Mikhail Clement (Naparima College), Necose Moore (Chaguanas North Secondary)

Defenders: Jimally Renne (Presentation College, San Fernando), Jaydon Caprietta, Jeremiah Daniel, Antonio Hills (all Naparima College), Dimitre Jones, Keston Richards (both Arima North Secondary), Salim Soanes (St Benedict’s College)

Midfielders: Antuan Louison, Seth Hadeed (both Fatima College), Alejandro Harper, Eran Mc Leod (both St Mary’s College), Nikosi Foncette, Kyron Baptiste (both Presentation College, San Fernando), Jasai Theophilus, Jayden Christophe (both Queen’s Royal College), Riquelme Phillips (Speyside High), Adasa Richardson (Naparima College)

Forwards: Jonathan Mason (Fatima College), Josiah Simmons (Presentation College, San Fernando)

49

Football / Re: Point Fortin Civic FC Thread.

« on: April 30, 2024, 09:14:28 AM »

Point Fortin mourns youth football coach Neville 'Coachie' Frederick
By Narissa Fraser (T&T Newsday)

THE borough of Point Fortin is mourning veteran youth football coach Neville “Coachie” Frederick, who died over the weekend at 66.

Frederick coached hundreds of youngsters at the Point Fortin Civic Centre FC, including the likes of senior men’s national team assistant coach Reynold Carrington, national defender Aubrey David and former national players Avery John and Nkosi Blackman.

Many took to social media to pay tribute to the Mahaica native, who was responsible for many falling in love with football, and guiding young boys along the right path.

Frederick was coached by Point Fortin football legend Leroy DeLeon, and began coaching in 1980.

Speaking to Newsday, Carrington said Frederick was a coach, mentor and a father figure to him. He began training with Frederick around age ten.

“He represented the true meanings of those things…

“We were there as youngsters, not knowing where funding was coming from, not knowing where uniform coming from, but he just used to make it happen. We just fell in love with the sport through him.”

He recalled one of Frederick’s most common phrases during training: Keep my football simple.

“He would always say he don’t want any starboy thing and say, ‘Understand and get my message clear.’

“He was humble, cool, disciplined, and was really able to transform us as players.

“He pushed us to be the best we could be.”

Point Fortin MP Kennedy Richards Jr told Newsday Frederick gave “yeoman service” to Point Fortin and that his death is “awful news for the community.”

Frederick had been ailing, and in 2021, Richards Jr paid for him to have heart surgery.

“Coachie was responsible for training so many youths. He did what he had to do.”

Richards added that Frederick had been attending different events for the ongoing Borough Day celebrations in Point Fortin.

“He was always coming out and supporting.”

Point Fortin Borough Corporation alderman Bryana Fortune-John posted on Facebook that Frederick was a “beautiful soul” who did “excellent work which will never be forgotten.

“Your contribution to Point Fortin is so huge. The lives and families you have impacted are countless and you did everything with great passion and great humility…Point Fortin has lost one of its greats.”

The funeral is tentatively planned for May 7.

50

Football / Re: TTFA Presidency Polls; The countdown to election begins.

« on: April 28, 2024, 06:45:03 PM »

Different governance style, new ‘movement’
By Selby Browne (T&T Express)

Congratulations to Kieron Edwards, new president of the Tri­nidad and Tobago Football Association after a landslide victory, 38 votes to 19 against the opponent, Colin Wharfe.

This win was testimony to the successful outcome of the meeting convened between then candidates Dennis Latiff, Edwards and myself, held on March 26. That meeting, I insisted was in fact the election, and not April 13, to ensure the outright victory for president Edwards, once the necessary compromise was agreed to have the election conducted between two slates only.

The resultant victory has ushered in the next generation of the TTFA with the youth—president Edwards, vice-president Jameson Rigues—and another important contributor, Rene John Williams, who was unfortunately a member of the opposing slate, all having the responsibility to restructure, develop and move football upward and onward to achieve excellence, based on the call of president Edwards to all members to participate in the best interests of Trinidad and Tobago football.

The TTFA election was a perfect example of the proper conduct of the Elective Congress, with the participation of all delegates who ensured all allocated votes were cast in the presence of representatives from the Caribbean Football Union, CONCACAF and FIFA as has been done for past elections in 2015 and 2019.

Other national bodies will be well advised to emulate the example of the TTFA membership in how it conducted its business.

The unified TTFA membership, in support of new president Edwards, shall be guided by his vision and initiatives as outlined in his Team Progressive manifesto. And in keeping with his undertaking, all can provide their input and contri­bute to the further development of the new TTFA strategic plan, 2024 and beyond, thereby embracing the commitment to build from the ground up.

The new TTFA will have the benefit of the full support from the world governing body FIFA and regional organisations CONCACAF and Caribbean Football Union as all members within the Caribbean and CONCACAF enjoy.

New governance of the TTFA

The plan for an open-door policy, along with a cutting-edge ivory league team of professionals, all of whom are masters in their own disciplines, is highly recommended and will prove extremely important.

With the amended TTFA constitution providing for certain committees to be headed by members of the executive, there would most certainly be room to include professional personnel on committees to ensure proper governance.

There is the need to attract nationals with sport business administration skills. They must be sourced whether they are based nationally or internationally.

Opportunities

The revenue generation assets of the TTFA, which include the national senior men’s team—the pro­duct by which the TTFA would be judged—must be considered a top priority for urgent and immediate attention. That unit must receive any required technical and professional support, along with strategic international marketing.

The strong TTFA must also make use of the football expertise within its ranks. Also, maximum benefit must be gained from earning revenue from the Home of Football, in addition to sourcing other invest­ment opportunities. There must be a return on investment.

There is also huge potential for the restructured TTFA to directly strengthen the zones. The conduct of competitive zonal football through community leagues, with primary schools, secondary schools and adult clubs competing, could prove to be an important initiative if undertaken. This will have the effect of an immediate reduction on tra­vel costs to teams and supporters, in addition to re-engineering the community socio-structurally, creating much-needed job opportunities and positive activity. The youths in these communities would be kept busy training, playing and striving for excellence. Gang warfare would become football warfare. You see where this is going? Up and up, better, and better, best and best. So, yes, all our citizens and the Government would benefit from the TTFA’s work.

The strengthening of the zones to embrace all football, from primary schools through college age, could go a long way in raising the level of entertainment to the standard we have long been famous for.

The TTFA has the benefit to work with Government to establish “football schools”. The vision must be to dominate world football in very much the same way that Jamaica dominates the Olympics and World Championships on the athlet­ics tracks, and the Brazilians have done so on the football field.

Financing and the Caribbean on the global stage in sport, entertainment

In addition to securing international financing and investment in the football, it is my view that the recognised power of football, and sports in general, will trigger the need to restructure the socio­e­conomic construct of our society. Government should impose a levy (2.5%) based on gross revenue on corporations. The sums should be placed in a fund for direct investment in football, sport in general, and the entertainment sector as a whole.

These sectors should no longer be dependent on the benevolence of the corporate sector, with token sponsorships being largely forthcoming. They must have direct investment opportunities. The entertainment sector, of which sport is an integral part, is second only to the energy sector in the region.

The Government and all Caribbean governments must take the lead for this “new world order”. All are welcome to join the new world order revolution.

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to call on the Government, all national institutions, political parties, the trade union movement, chambers of commerce, financial institutions and Jane and Joe Public to take this last train and join in this “movement of change” to have football, all sports disciplines and the entertainment sector take their rightful place of influence in society. The 2.5% gross revenue corporate tax must become a reality.

This model can be replicated throughout the Caribbean, Africa and worldwide for the new world order.

This TTFA election can be the launch of this “movement” throughout the region.

And now that the Caricom Regional Conference on West Indies Cricket is concluded, there is no better opportunity for Caribbean governments to collectively implement the 2.5% policy to provide the funding required for the restructuring and development of the West Indies cricket product, and thus facilitate a return to global excellence.

—Selby Browne is president of the Veteran Footballers Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (VFFOTT) and was at one time in the running to contest the TTFA election 2024.

51

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Tyrese Spicer

« on: April 28, 2024, 07:37:50 AM »

Orlando City vs Toronto FC (April 27, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/vXQ2lra_1hE?start=283" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/vXQ2lra_1hE?start=283</a>

52

Football / Re: Tyrese Spicer Thread

« on: April 28, 2024, 07:37:04 AM »

A Tyrese Spicer header sparks Toronto FC's 2-1 come-from-behind win against Orlando City.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/vXQ2lra_1hE?start=283" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/vXQ2lra_1hE?start=283</a>

53

Gols Galore Trinbago Style / Re: Tyrese Spicer

« on: April 25, 2024, 10:42:29 AM »

Toronto FC vs Simcoe County Rovers FC (April 24, 2024)

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Gm5mA4SDcg4?start=283s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Gm5mA4SDcg4?start=283s</a>

54

Football / Re: Tyrese Spicer Thread

« on: April 25, 2024, 10:41:53 AM »

Tyrese Spicer scores on his Canadian Championship debut when he heads in Toronto FC's final goal in a 5-0 rout of Simcoe County Rovers.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/Gm5mA4SDcg4?start=283s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/Gm5mA4SDcg4?start=283s</a>

55

Football / Re: The Legends are coming.

« on: April 25, 2024, 10:16:29 AM »

Molino excited to face Kaka, says Legends game can have positive impact
T&T Newsday

FORMER Soca Warriors captain and playmaker Kevin Molino is eagerly looking forward to rubbing shoulders with his former Orlando City teammate Kaka in the May 10 exhibition match between a Trinidad and Tobago All Star team and an International Legends team at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

Molino, who brought an end to his international career last September, is among a host of recently retired TT players who are set to feature in the exhibition game which is being organised by the Russell Latapy Education and Sports Foundation and I95.5FM.

On April 24, a press release from Latapy confirmed the "Little Magician" will be joined by players such as Radanfah Abu Bakr, Curtis Gonzales, Khaleem Hyland, Joevin Jones, Carlyle Mitchell and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip. Like Molino, Phillip brought his Soca Warriors career to an end last year. Abu Bakr, Mitchell and Phillip all play in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL), while the pair of Hyland and Jones are both members of TTPFL tier one leaders Miscellaneous Police FC.

Molino hopes the star-studded exhibition match can have a lasting impression on aspiring TT footballers.

He said he has already spoken to the 2007 Ballon D'or winner Kaka about the match, and he believes it will be a treat for the fans to see the Brazilian playmaker in full flight alongside World Cup winners such as Cafu, Edmilson and Rivaldo.

"I explained to Kaka especially about the current situation in our country at the moment and it would be really great for them to come out and showcase their skills for the fans," Molino said.

"That is the beauty about sport where occasions like this can bring some joy to the people and I am hoping we can have a positive impact on the young ones especially."

Molino is also embracing the opportunity to play alongside TT stalwarts such as Hutson Charles, Clint Marcelle and former Uefa Champions League winner Dwight Yorke.

"There are some players that I never got the opportunity to play with and this game will give myself and some of my other ex-teammates the chance to grace the same field with these legends. I'm definitely excited but also looking to win."

56

Football / Re: The Legends are coming.

« on: April 25, 2024, 10:15:15 AM »

Latapy excited about May 10 'legends' football match
T&T Newsday

Trinidad and Tobago football icon Russell Latapy is finalising the selection of players for the Legends versus TT All Stars exhibition match scheduled for May 10 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 8 pm.

The match, initially carded for May 11, has been brought forward by a day to accommodate changes to the schedule of events on match day, on which further information will be forthcoming.

Gates at the venue will open at 4 pm.

The event is being organised by the Russell Latapy Education and Sports Foundation and I95.5FM.

The Brazilian quartet of World Cup winners Kaka, Rivaldo, Cafu and Edmilson are some of the headliners.

A media release from the organisers on Saturday said, "Between 2009 (and) 2011, Latapy would have had the task of selecting his squad for the senior men's team while serving as head coach. But over the last few days, the Little Magician has been busy communicating with a mixture of home-based and overseas-based former national players from his playing days as well as recent ex-nationals, in an effort to put together the best possible group of legends for this inaugural event being put on by the Russell Latapy Education and Sports Foundation and I95.FM."

Latapy said there have been many legends matches played around the world and he believes the same can be done in TT.

“Over the last ten-15 years, legends football has continued to grow in all corners of the globe, and I believe we have a generation of players here who have done well and are at a stage where we still love football and want to play – not only play, but also still have the physical ability to do that while there is an interest among the fans to see these players out on the pitch,” Latapy said.

On the decision to put his name to the event and take a lead role in staging it, Latapy felt the timing was ideal for him to engage in something of this nature.

“Tony (Lee) of I95.5FM had the idea of this match and invited me to be a part of it. And once we sat down and started to discuss the event, I was delighted to take up the offer.

"It’s something I have been part of in different parts of the world and I think it’s something great for the Caribbean. It was a no-brainer for me to be part of an initiative to bring a high level of legends football to our country,” said the ex-Porto midfielder.

“It’s legends football, so I’m trying to involve a lot of these players who have represented us well and delighted the fans over the years. I played over three decades both at national and club level, and I’ve played with a lot of fantastic players.

"This game is just a way of showing appreciation to them for everything they have contributed to football in TT and the Caribbean by extension.

“The aim is to push that feelgood factor about football in the country. It’s a situation where we think we can also set a good example for young players. There are so many good things we think can come out of this sort of venture."

Legends line-up Former national captain Dwight Yorke will lead a group of ex-Soca Warriors, including Carlos Edwards, Stern John, Brent Sancho, Kelvin Jack, Devorn Jorsling, Densill Theobald, and Strike Squad members Leonson Lewis, Brian Williams, Hutson Charles and others.

Further information on squad selections and physical ticket outlets will be forthcoming. Tickets can be bought online at islandetickets.com.

Tickets for the uncovered stands cost $300, covered stands are priced at $450 and there is a $550 section, which includes refreshments. Also, children 16 and under will pay $100 for the uncovered section and $200 for the covered stands.

57

Football / Re: 2024 First Citizens Cup Thread

« on: April 23, 2024, 06:21:44 PM »

Police II, Laventille Utd advance in FCB knockout cup
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

THE preliminary round of the 2024 First Citizens Cup came to an exciting end on Sunday night, with Police FC’s TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier two outfit and Miscellaneous Laventille Utd both booking their places in the round of 16.

In the second game of a double-header at the University of TT (UTT) O’Meara campus, Police battled in a servicemen derby against Defence Force’s tier two team.

Police opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Joshua Leach found the back of the net. The lawmen went into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead, and they doubled their lead in the 70th minute when Clevon McFee converted a penalty to make it 2-0.

Defence Force made the dying moments uncomfortable for their Police counterparts, as Kevon Blackman scored in the first minute of second-half stoppage-time to cut the deficit to 2-1.

However, Police held on to get the crucial win to advance to the last 16.

Police’s tier one team, the current leaders in the TTPFL top flight, was one of six clubs to receive a bye through to the last 16.

At Frederick Settlement, Caroni, TTPFL tier two strugglers Laventille Utd pulled off one of the upsets of the preliminary round when they got a 3-1 victory over the fifth-placed tier two team Petit Valley/Diego Martin United (PVDMU). The PVDMU outfit finished as TTPFL tier two playoff finalists last season, but their 2024 knockout cup run was stopped by a determined Laventille Utd team.

The encounter got off to a quite stunning start as three goals were scored in the opening ten minutes, with Laventille Utd jumping out to a 2-1 lead. Qualanson Archibald and Kersheem Alexander scored within a minute of each other to give Laventille Utd an early 2-0 lead before striker Akeil Thomas scored in the ninth minute for PVDMU to cut the deficit to 2-1. Laventille Utd held their slender lead for most of the encounter, and they wrapped up the victory in the 86th minute when Kester Hewitt netted the all-important third goal to send them through to the next round.

In two of the notable results in the preliminary round, tier two team QPCC stunned tier one outfit Caledonia by a 2-0 margin, while Eagles FC got a 3-1 win over 1976 FC Phoenix in the lone all-tier one duel in the first round.

First Citizens Knockout Cup preliminary round results:

Eagles FC 3, 1976 FC Phoenix 1

Club Sando (tier two) 0, Central FC 6

Caledonia 0, QPCC 2

Eagles FC (tier two) 1, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers 6

Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic 4, Central Soccer World 0

Tiger Tanks Club Sando 6, RSSR 0

San F'do Giants 4, Bethel United 0

UTT Patriots 1, Prisons FC 2

PVDMU 1, Miscellaneous Laventille Utd 3

Defence Force (tier two) 1, Police FC (tier two) 2

58

Football / Re: 2024 First Citizens Cup Thread

« on: April 22, 2024, 07:01:52 AM »

Club Sando thump RSSR in First Citizens Cup
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)

CLUB Sando put six goals past RSSR when preliminary matches kicked off in the First Citizens Knockout Cup over the weekend.

On April 21 at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, a brace by Shackiel Henry helped Club Sando win 6-0.

Henry opened the scoring for the tier one team in the 33rd minute, before Maurice Dick got his name on the scoresheet in the 44th minute. It went from bad to worse for RSSR as Jabari Forbes found the back of the net in first-half stoppage time.

The goals continued to flow in the second half as Henry scored again in the 58th minute. Jaron Pascall (61st) and Rhondel Gibson (89th) rounded off the scoring for Club Sando in the easy win.

In the second match of the double-header at Manny Ramjohn Stadium, San Fernando Giants whipped Bethel United FC 4-0 in a battle of tier two teams. It was goalless at half-time, before a ruthless second-half performance gave Giants the crushing win.

Andrei Pacheco opening the scoring in the 56th minute and seven minutes later, Abayomi George made it 2-0. Khurlan Khan (82nd) and Jeadon Parris (90th) both found the net in the final ten minutes as Bethel were eliminated.

Also, Prisons defeated UTT Patriots 2-1 in second-half stoppage time at UTT O'meara. Brendon Figuera put Prison in front in the 54th, but Keshaun Charles restored parity in the 81st. However, Aaron Enill fired in the winner from the penalty spot in the 92nd.

On April 20, there were also high-scoring matches. Heritage Petroleum Pt Fortin Civic were comfortable 4-0 winners over tier two's Central Soccer World at Mahaica Oval in Pt Fortin. Ezekiel Kesar (9th, 28th) and Marcus Joseph (20th, 34th) bagged two goals apiece.

In other matches, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers of tier one defeated tier two's Eagles FC II 6-1; tier two team QPCC upset tier one's Caledonia 2-0; Central FC of tier one romped to a 6-0 victory over tier two's Club Sando II; and Eagles FC got past 1976 FC Phoenix 3-1 in a battle of tier one teams.

59

Football / Re: 2024 First Citizens Cup Thread

« on: April 22, 2024, 06:50:32 AM »

QPCC kayo ‘Cali’, Eagles boot out Phoenix in Tier One clash
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

CUNUPIA EAGLES was among four Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) Tier One clubs advancing from the opening round of the $150,000 First Citizens Knockout Cup, but Neal & Massy Morvant Caledonia was not among them.

“Cali” were knocked out when going down 2-0 to Tier Two Queen’s Park. Jesus de Lecia (38’) giving the Parkites a first-half lead, before a 78th minute Rondell Paul own-goal confirmed the upset.

FC Phoenix was the other Tier One team knocked out on opening day, going down 3-1 to Cunupia Eagles in the only round of 32 match played between the top flight clubs.

Played at Arima Velodrome, the match could have gone either way. Joshua Alexander handed Eagles a 1-0 first-half lead, in the 14th minute. Haitian Pierre-Louise Peterson headed in Keron Cornwall’s corner-kick for 2-0 in the 75th minute, only for Phoenix to score from a corner as well, Kerry McDonald (82’) glancing the ball past goalkeeper Miles Goodman for 2-1.

Mickaeel Jem Gordon and Lejandro Williams looked dangerous for the Tobago visitors on the counter-attack, but Phoenix shot themselves in the leg when Andel Brown’s short back-pass allowed Azahrias Ali to intercept, brilliantly slip past goalkeeper Duvaughn Daniel and score into an open net, for 3-1 five minutes into added-on time.

At Mahaica Oval, Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic posted a 4-0 win over Tier Two Central Soccer World, with Marcus Joseph and Ezekiel Kesar each scoring a brace.

Meanwhile, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers dismantled Eagles (Tier 11) reserves 6-1, with Isaiah Lee bagging a double, as the home team scored the first five goals at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground. And having lost 17 Tier One matches this season, Central FC were far too strong for Club Sando’s reserves, winning 6-0, with Saleem Henry notching a hat-trick.

FIRST CITIZENS CUP KO

Round-of-32

(Saturday)

Cunupia Eagles 3 (Joshua Alexander 14’, Pierre Louis Peterson 75’, Azahrias Ali 90+5’) vs 1976 FC Phoenix 1 (Kerry McDonald 82’)

QPCC FC 2 (Jesus de Lecia 38’, Rondell Paul 78’-own goal) vs Morvant Caledonia United 0

Central FC 6 (Saleem Henry 20’, 22’ & 33’, Dominic Douglas 11’, Ronaldo Boyce 66’, Anton San Savior 6’ og) vs Club Sando (Tier II) 0

Terminix La Horquetta Rangers 6 (Isaiah Lee 29’ & 53’, Tariq Lee 3’, Leon Whyle 13 og, Leonardo Da Costa 20’, Ross Russell Jr 84’) vs Cunupia Eagles (Tier II) 1 (Chad Awong 87’)

Point Fortin Civic 4 (Ezekiel Kesar 9’& 28’. Marcus Joseph 20’& 34’) vs Central Soccer World 0

60

Football / Re: WoLF Thread.

« on: April 22, 2024, 06:25:40 AM »

Club Sando Women claim Inter-Island title
T&T Express

TIGER TANKS Club Sando confirmed their dominance over AC Port of Spain women when defeating their arch-rivals 2-0 on Friday night at the Arima Velodrome to lift the Women’s League Football (WoLF) Inter-Island Cup.

Goals either side of half-time by striker Dennecia Prince (31’) and Afiyah Cornwall (71’) saw the Southern team complete the extended 2023 season unbeaten.

The Inter-Island Cup matches the champions and runners-ups of the Trinidad-based Claire George Conference of WoLF against the champions and runners-up of the Tobago-based Jamilya Muhammed Conference.

It was the second win for Club Sando over AC PoS in three meetings for the 2023 season, the first match ending in a draw. Club Sando finished as Trinidad champions with a comfortable 3-0 win over AC PoS late last year.

The Trinidad teams also dominated their Tobago opponents at the semi-final stage; AC PoS defeating Tobago champions Jewels 3-0 while Club Sando decimated the Tobago runners-up, Black Panthers, 7-0.

Among those who attended Friday’s final were national women’s coach Richard Hood, former TT Pro League CEO Julia Baptiste, as well as former national players Ricarda Nelson and Tasha St Louis.

What was on display was plenty enthusiasm if not very good football, with Club Sando often not being able to put together two good passes for long periods of the first half, but having plenty potency up front. To their credit, the finalists were not in season, the competition due to take place at the end of the league late last year.

Former youth striker Prince was good on the night, holding up the ball, and she opened the scoring with a powerful low shot from atop the penalty area, which slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Mikael Yearwood. Renee Mike almost got Club Sando a second, a minute into first-half added-on time, her shot from outside the penalty area crashing onto the crossbar.

Also looking good for Club Sando was Khadidra Debesette, intercepting passes in central midfield and starting the counter-attack. However, playing in an unaccustomed more central role, skilful winger Alexcia Ali struggled on the sodden Velodrome turf and was eventually taken off.

It was only deep in the second have when Club Sando final killed off AC PoS. Prince again got the ball on top and shifted it wide to Cornwall, who did the rest, dribbling past several players and scoring with a low shot.

Left winger Shakeema Forestine was AC PoS’s biggest threat on the night, combining well with tall striker Bianca Mungalsingh. Forestine almost carved out an equaliser for AC PoS in the 34th minute, with her cross just flashing past the outstretched leg of Daneelyah Sandy on the far post.

With her team having fallen behind, Forestine cut inside in the 78th minute, her shot then going off the fingertips of goalkeeper Keri Myers, and onto the crossbar. AC PoS applied some late pressure and anxious moments in the Club Sando goalmouth, while at the same time always looking vulnerable to conceding a third goal themselves.