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1

Football / Re: TTFA News Thread.

« on: August 02, 2024, 01:56:26 PM »

Trinidad and Tobago FA president Kieron Edwards calls for all hands on deck.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (Newsday).

DESPITE the unexpected sacking of arguably Trinidad and Tobago’s best senior men’s football coach in the past eight years, TT Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has called for all hands on deck as they chase 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Edwards’s remarks came on the heels of the executive’s decision to cut ties with head coach Angus Eve on July 31, after almost three years of him more or less resuscitating the Soca Warriors’s competitive spirit on the regional stage.

The reason for Eve’s axing was that the TTFA executive wanted a “different pathway” for World Cup qualification.

With a caretaker coach set to be named within the coming week, Edwards wants every stakeholder on board as they seek to smoothly transition away from Eve’s World Cup plan, to someone who shares a similar ideology to theirs.

Edwards called on the T&T government, corporate T&T and the public to come on board as they aim for the nation’s second-ever World Cup berth.

“It’s everything we do around the campaign and pathway to World Cup qualification.

“It’s not just the TTFA, the Government has already committed and they are doing a tremendous job in terms of what we’re doing right now and we hope to get further help from them. Corporate T&T has to buy into our plans. Even the citizens of T&T have to play their part,” he said.

Regarding the Government’s involvement, Edwards said the TTFA has been gaining momentum towards a possible change of T&T’s immigration laws, which would allow foreigners whose grandparents have local lineage, a chance to rep the red, white and black.

As it stands, the law only allows foreign-based players with T&T parentage a chance for selection.

Ironically, Eve was the most vocal of T&T’s past coaches to vouch for this progressive change, and he was fired.

The new coach, however, is set to benefit from Eve’s pleas over the years since the issue has now gained support from Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds and Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, with the former being “very open” to facilitate the process.

“We have to do as much as we could with all of football’s stakeholders to ensure we gain World Cup qualification in 2026,” Edwards said.

“It’s about our pathway, not just the head coach. It’s how we treat our local game, foreigners coming in. We intend to have discussions, and we started discussions with the government as well in terms of the change of law.”

If the law does change, T&T’s potential player pool will receive a significant boost as it opens doors to a world of new T&T players. Former T&T captain and Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke also shared Eve’s calls for a law change since multiple other countries capitalise on inviting foreign players whose grandparents have local lineage.

Even supporters were asked to come on board and support the TTFA as they chase qualification for a World Cup which will not only be held close by in the western hemisphere (USA, Canada, Mexico), but has also been expanded to 48 competing nations.

“There is a role for the citizenry as well to play in this World Cup campaign and we would lay out those plans in the coming weeks but it’s important that everyone understands the campaign, what it means to T&T and how we can all ensure that T&T qualifies for the next World Cup,” he added.

On Eve’s sacking, Edwards said it was a “tough” decision to make but it was the “business of football.”

Edwards confirmed that the process to appoint a new head coach will begin soon. He did not say if there was anyone in particular on their radar to replace Eve.

T&T’s next major match kicks off on September 6 away to Honduras in the Concacaf Nations League, and against French Guiana four days later.

They resume their World Cup qualification route on June 6, 2025, against St Kitts and Nevis and then Costa Rica on June 10.

2

Football / Re: WoLF Thread.

« on: July 31, 2024, 01:23:18 AM »

Army women get revenge over Club Sando, lift WoLF Knockout Cup.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

DEFENCE Force lifted the 2024 TT Women’s League Football (WoLF) Conference Knockout Cup on July 29 when they got a 2-0 win versus rivals Club Sando in the final at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

The Club Sando team came into the final on a high, as they defeated the Army/Coast Guard combination by a 2-1 margin in the final of the Women Warriors Wellness invitational tournament in Mucurapo on July 19. Club Sando were also searching for a WoLF double, having clinched the league crown with a comfortable win over AC PoS in December 2023.

The south-based team also brought good scoring form to the WoLF knockout final, as they brushed aside Tobago Chicas by a 6-0 margin in their semifinal on July 21. The Defence Force ladies weren’t settling for the title of bridesmaids again, though, and they also had a commanding surge to the final after discarding Tobago’s Jewels SC by a 5-1 margin in their semifinal on July 23.

In the final, Defence Force put Club Sando’s thoughts of a double to bed, and goals in either half by Shaunalee Govia and star attacker Aaliyah Prince took them to the crown.

Govia, a central defender who represents the Women Soca Warriors, may be best known for her shrewd play at the back, but she showed her ability on the attacking front as well when she stunned Club Sando goalkeeper Keri Myers with a long range free kick from near the halfway line in the first half.

Defence Force took a 1-0 lead into the half, and they took their decisive 2-0 lead early in the second half when Prince, the top scorer in the Women Wellness tourney, beat Myers with a clinical touch.

The game became stretched in the latter stages as fatigue set in, and the tricky Prince was a livewire on the counter-attack with her pace and incisive passing.

Defence Force could have added to their lead, but an alert Myers made a pair of sharp saves to ensure the scoreline stayed respectable, with midfielder Akilah Gomez also flashing wide from a tight angle in the 84th minute as she just missed the opportunity to put extra gloss on her team’s win. The Army battalion got the job done, though, and their revenge for the loss in the Women Wellness final was exacted.


Defence Force FC women celebrate after their victory against Club Sando in the TTWoLF Conference Knockout Cup final match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Monday night in Port of Spain. - DANIEL PRENTICE

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Football / 2024 Concacaf Girls' U-15 Championship Thread

« on: July 26, 2024, 03:06:14 PM »

Trinidad and Tobago enters two teams in Concacaf Girls' U-15 Champs.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Trinidad and Tobago will field two under-15 girls’ teams for League B of the 2024 Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championships which will be held from August 5-11, with matches being played at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva and the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar.

This year’s Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championships will feature a record 34 member associations for its fifth edition, an increase from the 20 teams that participated in the tournament in 2022.

Aruba, Costa and T&T will serve as the host nations. League A will be hosted by Costa Rica, with T&T and Aruba hosting League B and C respectively.

All three leagues will include a group stage and a subsequent knockout phase before a champion is crowned in the respective leagues.

A TT Football Association (TTFA) release on July 23 confirmed the “number of teams per league has been determined based on the Concacaf women’s under-17 rankings of March 2024.” The TTFA release said T&T will be represented by a girls’ national under-15 team, as well as a High Performance team which has been added to the tourney as a replacement for Nicaragua, who emerged as League B champions at the competition’s previous edition in 2022. The US won the League A title in 2022 after defeating Canada 4-1 in the final.

T&T’s under-15 team has been placed in Group C of League B alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Curacao and Grenada, with the High Performance team in Group D of League B with Guatemala, St Kitts and Nevis and the US Virgin Islands.

In the group stage, the teams will be required to play three games in the space of four days from August 5-8, with the semifinals and final scheduled for August 9 and 11 respectively.

T&T’s opening game will be against Antigua and Barbuda on August 5, before they tackle Curacao and Grenada on August 6 and 8 respectively. The High Performance team will start their campaign against USVI, before facing St Kitts and Nevis and Guatemala in their next two group matches. T&T’s representative teams will play all their group matches at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

League B consists of four groups, with the top team in each group advancing to the semifinals in Couva on August 9. The final and third-place playoff will also be played at the Ato Boldon venue.

Marlon Charles will serve as the head coach of the T&T under-15 team, and he’s also been overseeing the High Performance programme.

Charles said the tourney gives the players the opportunity to gain more experience and a greater understanding for the game.

“To have 36 players able to play in this competition is a great opportunity for us. This augurs well for local women’s football, the programme and in particular for the players selected,” Charles told TTFA media.

Charles said he’s seen improvement in the group in the last year.

“From a technical and tactical point of view there is still some progress to be made but I believe they have developed physically, mentally and socially. It is definitely an exciting time for us.”

TTFA President Kieron Edwards said the championships will inspire young athletes to leave a lasting legacy.

“From a footballing standpoint, it provides our young girls with the opportunity to compete at an international level, fostering their growth and development in the sport,” Edwards said.

“The championship highlights the importance of women’s football, encouraging greater participation and support for the sport among girls and young women.”

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Football / Re: 2026 World Cup Thread

« on: June 08, 2024, 01:53:16 AM »

Grenada coach Shalrie Joseph disappointed with Soca Warriors draw.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday),

GRENADA men's football team coach Shalrie Joseph expressed disappointment after his team blew a two-goal lead against TT in their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier which ended in a 2-2 draw at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on June 5.

The visiting Grenada team jumped out to a 2-0 lead after 28 minutes thanks to a double from their sturdy Stockport County FC midfielder Myles Hippolyte.

Joseph's team missed a great opportunity to possibly put the game to bed in the first half, though, when Dutch-based winger Darius Johnson was denied from point-blank range by custodian Denzil Smith in the 41st minute after breaching the Soca Warriors' defence with ease.

Grenada looked in cruise control, but Soca Warriors attacker Ryan Telfer pulled back a goal in the 43rd minute, before turning provider for Reon Moore's clinical equaliser in the second half.

"I'm a little bit disappointed. I thought we had the game in hand. I thought we did really well on both sides of the ball," Joseph said, at the post-match conference. "Unfortunately, we gave up two goals."

Joseph, a former Grenada international and Major League Soccer player, said his defenders lacked game awareness by giving their opponents life so close to the halftime interval.

"You have to give (TT) credit. They kept pushing. It was an open wide game. And I want to give both countries credit for a fun, attacking football game."

Joseph, who had a previous coaching stint with Grenada from 2018-2020, said he urged his team to have a killer mindset for the clash with their Caribbean neighbours.

"Nothing surprised me about the way we played in the first half. We wanted to be aggressive. Even though we were on the road, it's my mentality and it's the mentality of the team and to the country. It's something we try to instill in those players.

"I thought we had a height advantage and physically I thought we could dominate the ball."

Grenada certainly showed superior physicality for most of the contest, and they constantly disrupted the Soca Warriors' midfield play – even forcing opposing coach Angus Eve into a reshuffle at the half.

"Our mentality is they have to play through us or they will go long. I didn't believe they had the quality in midfield to play through us and we did a great job of keeping it compact and keeping it tight, and not allowing them to play through midfield," Joseph said. "And once you start doing that, then you know they will have to go long."

Joseph said willpower and determination were key to his team's performance on enemy territory. And though, he's not totally pleased with a point, it will suffice for now.

"It's a huge point on the road and being against one of the best countries in the Caribbean — probably ranked second in my eyes behind Jamaica. For Grenada, where we're ranked by Fifa (174th), it's huge for us and our players and what we have been able to achieve."

On June 9, Grenada will host group B favourites Costa Rica at the Kirani James National Stadium.

5

Football / Re: 2026 World Cup Thread

« on: June 06, 2024, 02:08:43 AM »

Soca Warriors open 2026 World Cup qualifying with 2-2 draw vs Grenada.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

THE road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the Soca Warriors kicked off in disappointing fashion with a 2-2 draw against Grenada at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on June 5 in their first qualifier.

The Soca Warriors often ask for the T&T fans to come out in numbers and be the 12th man. It was by no means a full house, but over 8,000 showed up to support.

A brace from Myles Hippolyte in the first half gave The Spice Boys of Grenada a 2-0 lead. Ryan Telfer pulled a goal back before halftime and Reon Moore equalised with 15 minutes remaining.

The first quality chance on goal was for T&T. In the fifth minute, Telfer picked out Noah Powder with a diagonal pass. Powder collected near the top of the 18-yard box, but his shot was parried away.

Grenada played a high line as the defenders stood near the halfline. The high line worked in the first 15 minutes as most of T&T's possession was in their own half.

Grenada, who dominated physically, started to string passes together and it led to an attempt by Darius Johnson. The left winger cut in on his right foot, but his shot went wide in the 19th minute.

The Spice Boys were rewarded in the 24th minute with a penalty. Josh Gabriel hit a cross from the left side and it struck Daniel Phillips, who handled the ball. Hippolyte converted to make it 1-0.

In the 28th minute, Hippolyte's scorcher made it 2-0. The ball was initially cleared by T&T, but it fell to Hippolyte just inside the box who volleyed home.

You could hear a pin drop in the stadium.

Grenada continued to create better chances in front goal. In the 40th, Johnson found himself in the box with only T&T goalkeeper Denzil Smith to beat but the T&T custodian kept the score 2-0 with a diving save.

Against the run of play, T&T pulled back a goal in the 43rd minute. A neat counter-attack led to Telfer slotting home near the penalty spot.At halftime, T&T were trailing 2-1.

At halftime, T&T head coach Angus Eve substituted Powder for Alvin Jones and talisman Levi Garcia was forced to be subbed for Andre Rampersad due to injury.

T&T began the second half with more purpose in search of the equaliser, but Smith still had work to do in the T&T goal.

In the 60th minute, Telfer collected the ball near the halfline with space in front of him. He made a strong run toward goal but he scuffed his shot and it trickled wide. Eve introduced the attacking Nathaniel James with a little more than 20 minutes left.

Reon Moore, who was having a quiet match, was played through on goal but over pushed and Grenada goalkeeper Jason Belfon stopped a goal-scoring chance. Minutes later, Moore made amends as he beat Belfon with a powerful shot at the near post in the 75th minute to make it 2-2. The crowd was now animated as the Mexican Wave started to make its way around the stadium, which was later followed by chants of "T&T we want a goal."

In the 82nd minute, Jones made a timely challenge in the box to deny Grenada a goal-scoring chance.

Grenada did not sit back and settle for a draw. In the 89th minute, sub Steffon Abraham's free kick from 20 yards sailed over the crossbar.

Grenada got a chance to grab a late winner, but could not as the match ended 2-2.

The Soca Warriors will play The Bahamas in their next World Cup qualifier on June 8 in the Bahamas.

(Squads)

Trinidad and Tobago (4-3-3): 22.Denzil Smith (GK); 14.Shannon Gomez (10.Real Gill 78), 2.Aubrey David (captain), 17.Justin Garcia, 6.Andre Raymond (3.Triston Hodge 78); 8.Noah Powder (16.Alvin Jones 46), 4.Daniel Phillips, 20.Ajani Fortune (9.Nathaniel James 66); 13.Reon Moore, 11.Levi Garcia (18.Andre Rampersad 46), 7.Ryan Telfer.

Unused substitutes: 1.Christopher Biggette (GK), 21.Aaron Enill (GK), 5.Duane Muckette, 12.Steffen Yeates, 15.Dantaye Gilbert, 19.Malcolm Shaw, 23.Kevon Woodley.

Standbys: Josiah Trimmingham, Michel Poon-Angeron.

Coach: Angus Eve

Grenada (4-2-3-1): 1.Jason Belfon (GK); 2.Benjamin Ettienne (13.Steffon Abraham 87), 4.Kayden Harrack, 5.Omar Beckles (captain), 21.Josh Gabriel; 19.Kwazim Theodore, 8.Myles Hippolyte (23.Jamal Charles 87); 15.Jermaine Francis (10.Saydrel Lewis 79), 11.Shavon John-Brown (7.Romar Frank 87), 20.Darius Johnson (16.Keishon Clarke 87), 9.Lucas Akins.

Unused substitutes: 12.Chad Phillip (GK), 22.Trishawn Thomas (GK), 3.Brady Charles, 6.Dorrel Pierre, 14.Jamie Kabuusu,  17.Trevon Williams, 18.Vijay Valcin.

Coach: Shalrie Joseph

Referee: Mario Escobar (Guatemala).

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

« on: June 05, 2024, 04:45:22 AM »

Accountant Kareem Paul is new TTFA general secretary.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).

Accountant Kareem Paul is the new general secretary of the T&T Football Association (TTFA).

He came highly recommended as the replacement for Amiel Mohammed, who according to vice president Colin Murray, was “burnt out and didn’t want to stay on in the position”. The appointment was made at the weekend by the executive, led by new president Keiron Edwards based on a recommendation.

Mohammed’s tenure was said to be nearing its end, as it coincided with the appointment from the FIFA-installed normalisation committee, which time in office officially came to an end, last month.

Murray, a well-known sports commentator, said the executive sat and reviewed the resume of Paul and all found that he was the best choice for the job.

“He also has a football background which added to making him the preferred choice. Everybody was pretty impressed with his resume,” Murray said.

President Edwards is expected to introduce Paul to the public, as well as meet the media for the first time since being elected into office on April 13.

Mohammed entered the position of general secretary as a replacement for Ramesh Ramdhan, the former referee who became only the first referee from the Caribbean to officiate in the FIFA World Cup Finals during the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France. Ramdhan was a member of the then William Wallace-led Football Association which defeated the David John-Williams-led administration in 2019.

Three months after assuming office, the Wallace-led administration was removed by the sport’s world governing body - FIFA and a normalisation committee was installed on the basis that the new executive had put the sport on the verge of bankruptcy and insolvency.

The normalisation committee, which then comprised chairman Robert Hadad, Nigel Romano, and Judy Daniel at the time, retained Ramdhan as general secretary briefly. However, Mohammed was appointed as the general secretary after Ramdhan was suspended, and an inquiry was held in September 2020.

Mohammed is a graduate of Queen’s Royal College who served as a Media and Communications officer for local pro league club Central FC, a Communications and Logistics Officer for the 2015 Women’s Premier League, Digital Media and Web Coordinator for the 2017 T&T Super League in the TTSL Secretariat, a freelance journalist, and a Project Coordinator for numerous projects geared towards sport and youth development and the inclusion of the differently-abled community.

Paul was invited to the local organising committee meeting on Saturday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain, and it is believed that Mohammed may stay on to usher him into the new position. Another TTFA executive told Guardian Media that it is uncertain if Mohammed will leave the association or if he will be retained in another position.

Meanwhile, recommendations to fill some of the standing committees in the football associations have been made, the executive said. The committees include the Competitions and Tournaments, Finance, Women’s Football, Referees, and the Marketing Committee.

Though the names of the members of the committees were not revealed, it is understood that each of the executive members will be put to chair them.

Murray told Guardian Media Sports yesterday that while the new general secretary has been an important appointment for his administration, they are focussed on tonight’s key World Cup qualifier between this country and Grenada at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 7.30 pm.

The Soca Warriors’ Group B encounter will be followed by a second match against the Bahamas on Saturday in the Bahamas.

7

Football / Re: Zonal Football League Thread

« on: June 05, 2024, 04:43:04 AM »

Akel Baig, Edwin Jones vie for Northern FA presidency.
Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

EDWIN Jones and Northern Football Association (NFA) general secretary Akel Baig will go head-to-head on June 8 when the NFA elects its new president at their annual general meeting (AGM).

The NFA’s outgoing president Ross Russell was appointed in December 2020. However, the former TT goalkeeper told Newsday he will not be vying for re-election – paving the way for Baig and Jones to vie for the post.

With Russell deciding to step aside, the NFA’s 16 members will have the opportunity to appoint the next person to steer their organisation forward. Baig is currently serving in a dual role as assistant coach and trainer at TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) club Caledonia, while Jones is a member of Trendsetter Hawks – a club that is renowned for its strides in grassroots football.

Baig coined the campaign slogan “Building a brighter future for the Northern Football Association,” and his primary objectives are to align the organisation’s structure with Fifa and TT Football Association’s (TTFA) standards, invest in grassroots development, expand women’s football and to enhance the competitiveness and professionalism of the NFA’s senior division.

A total of seven positions will be up for grabs at the elections, although two of those posts – first vice-president and assistant secretary of operations – will only have one candidate. Dennis Bristol is running unopposed for the first vice-president post, with Sheldon Moore Jr also going up uncontested for assistant secretary of operations position.

Cedric Hazelwood, a long-serving coach at Miscellaneous Laventille United, will go up against Derick Edwards for the second vice-president post. Reginal Crichlow and Marvin Smalls will vie for the assistant secretary of administration post. Kareem Paul and University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturer Roger Watts will vie for one of two ordinary member positions, with Nevick Denoon and Roger Vialva vying for the other ordinary member position.

The election proceedings will be overseen by a TT Football Association (TTFA) electoral committee which comprises Azaad Khan, Boni Bishop and former Trinidad and Tobago Football Referees Association president Osmond Downer.

8

Football / Caribbean Queen's Football Tournament Thread

« on: May 18, 2024, 01:23:06 AM »

2024 Queen’s Friendly Tournament.

T&T vs Aruba -
May 29th and June 2nd.

T&T vs  Curaçao -
May 30th and June 3rd.

Head Coach - Richard Hood.

Assistant Coach -  Rajesh Latchoo.

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

« on: May 17, 2024, 08:27:30 AM »

Tough choices ahead for Eve after local players shine vs Guyana.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)..

SOCA Warriors head coach Angus Eve said a few players gave him something to think about when selecting his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which kick off on June 5. A second string Trinidad and Tobago outfit defeated Guyana in back-to-back friendlies at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

In the first match on May 13, Soca Warriors got past Guyana 2-1 behind goals from strikers Ezekiel Kesar and Kevon Woodley. T&T came away with a 2-0 victory on May 15 with goals from Michel Poon-Angeron and Woodley.

Woodley, a prolific goalscorer in the TT Premier Football League, was playing in his first two matches for T&T. Only a few first-team players featured in the matches against Guyana including goal-keeper Denzil Smith, defender Justin Garcia and left-wing back Andre Raymond among them. A lot of Guyana’s seasoned campaigners were also not involved in the matches.

Speaking to the media after the match, Eve said, “The games were about exposing young players and maintaining the players who are in and around the pool and I thought for the most part, a lot of the players took the opportunity and grasp it with both hands.”

Asked about Kesar and Woodley’s performance, Eve named other players he was pleased with during the two-match series.

“I will throw Matthew Woo Ling in that, I will throw Daniel David in that, I thought he was excellent in both games...I thought those four men really took the opportunity they got tonight and the previous game.”

That quartet started the first match and came off the bench in the second match. “I thought when we put them on in the second half they changed the game and we got a little more in tempo and we got more penetration, so very happy for these guys. They got the opportunity and I thought they grasp it with both hands.”

Eve said he may have a selection headache when naming his squad for the World Cup qualifiers.

“A number of them (gave me something to think about). I am not going to say it here right now, but yes a number of them gave us something to think about.”

Eve said Josiah Trimmingham, Raymond, Isaiah Garcia and Sheldon Bateau also showed quality, along with the goalkeepers – Smith, Adrian Foncette, Christopher Biggette and Aaron Enill.

The Soca Warriors coach wants the fans to come out in their numbers on June 5, saying, “I think when we use to play before, playing against Grenada was a foregone conclusion.”

Many countries in the region are seeking out footballers to play for them. Eve said Grenada are no different, as players with Grenadian roots based overseas will strengthen their squad.

“We need the 12th man to be on board with us. The guys are going to come out and give everything that they have and we just need the fans to come out and support the team. The 23 players and the TTFA (TT Football Association) alone can’t qualify.

“We need corporate (support), we need Government, we need fans, the normal man on the street because when the team does qualify then all of us will be celebrating as a nation, so we need a national effort to qualify.”

10

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

« on: May 16, 2024, 01:19:42 AM »

Soca Warriors blank Guyana 2-0 in 2nd friendly.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

THE Soca Warriors won the second of two friendlies against Guyana 2-0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on May 15.

Second-half goals by Michel Poon-Angeron and substitute Kevon 'Showtime' Woodley were enough for Trinidad and Tobago on the night.

Soca Warriors used the matches as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which start on June 5 against Grenada at Hasely Crawford Stadium at 7.30 pm.

T&T head coach Angus Eve changed the entire starting XI which defeated Guyana 2-1 on Monday, except for defensive midfielder Kevon Goddard.

In the sixth minute, T&T's Shervohnez Hamilton evaded a defender and hit a low cross. The ball eventually fell to Poon-Angeron, but the midfielder lost his footing and never got the shot off.

T&T controlled possession in the opening ten minutes of play but did not test Guyana goalkeeper Jamine Cumberbatch.

Captain Justin Garcia and Josiah Trimmingham looked composed at the back, shutting down any attacks from Guyana before they developed.

In the 18th minute, a low cross by TT's Jabari Mitchell could not find a sliding Brent Sam. Two minutes later an identical play between the two should have made it 1-0, but with just the goalie to beat Sam shot wide from eight yards out.

Andre Raymond, playing as a left wing back, created multiple chances with his crosses.

After a Garcia header struck the post, T&T midfielder Duane Muckette almost gifted Guyana a goal.

Muckette gave away the ball deep in the T&T half, but Guyana failed to make him pay.

In the 27th minute, Guyana could have taken the lead against the run of play. The ball fell to Darron Niles near the penalty spot, but TT goalie Aaron Enill made himself big and made the save.

In the 39th, Raymond found Mitchell with a neat through ball but the latter's cross from the byline was cleared by Guyana.

At halftime, it was still goalless.

Two minutes into the second half, Muckette had a golden opportunity to give TT the lead but his header at the far post following a corner went wide.

T&T took the lead in the 53rd minute. Substitute Woodley found Mitchell with a through ball. Mitchell's shot from a tight angle was only cleared to Poon-Angeron and the central midfielder's left-footed shot was perfectly placed into the corner.

After conceding, Guyana started to keep possession more as they went in search of an equaliser.

Despite their possession, Guyana did not test Denzil Smith in the T&T goal who came on for Enill at halftime.

In the 77th minute, T&T's goalscorers from Monday teamed up to double the advantage for Soca Warriors.

Ezekiel Kesar picked the pocket of a Guyana defender and unselfishly found Woodley.

Woodley's shot deflected into the net.

Guyana forced Smith into a tough save as time started to run out.

The T&T subs brought energy to the contest with their fresh legs, but Guyana avoided any further damage.

(Squads)

Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 21.Aaron Enill (GK) (22.Denzil Smith [GK] 46); 2.Isaiah Garcia, 5.Josiah Trimmingham, 17.Justin Garcia (captain), 6.Andre Raymond; 18.Kevon Goddard (15.Simeon Bailey 86), 8.Michel Poon-Angeron (16.Matthew Woo Ling 74); 14.Jabari Mitchell (9.Ezekiel Kesar 74), 10.Duane Muckette (13.Daniel David 74), 4.Shervohnez Hamilton (7.Isaiah Lee 46 [20.Lindell Sween 80]); 19.Brent Sam (23.Kevon Woodley 46).

Unused substitutes: 3.Ross Russell Jr, 11.Adriel George, 12.Robert Primus.

Coach: Angus Eve

Guyana (3-5-2): 1.Jamine Cumberbatch (GK) (22.Amari Thompson [GK] 80); 14.Curtez Kellman, 3.Kevin Layne (21.Cedric Osborne 82), 19.Quincy Adams; 16.Nicholai Andrews, 6.Darron Niles (8.Chris Macey 61), 17.Daniel Wilson (captain), 2.Leo-Orion Lovell (15.Ryan Hackett 61), 4.Terique Mohammed (20.Amos Ramsay 80); 11.Kelsey Benjamin (7.Marcus Tudor 61), 9.Anthony Smith (23.Simeon Moore).

Unused substitutes: 18.Simon Emanuel (GK), 10.Stephen McDonald, 12.Solomon Austin, 13.Bevan Baker.

Coach: Jamaal Shabazz

Referee: Timothy Derry.

11

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

« on: May 14, 2024, 02:38:05 AM »

Kevon 'Showtime' Woodley scores on debut as Soca Warriors beat Guyana 2-1.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

TRINIDAD and Tobago got the perfect start in their two-match friendly series versus Guyana on Monday night, as they earned a 2-1 win at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

In a game being used as preparation for T&T's Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign that starts with a home match against Grenada on June 5, a few local players gave a good account of themselves against the Jamaal Shabazz-coached team.

A pair of debutants Kevon "Showtime" Woodley and Ezekiel Kesar notched first-half goals for T&T, while Guyana got an item early in the second half from their danger man Kelsey Benjamin after a horrible mix-up at the back by the hosts.

The visitors settled into the game nicely, and the tricky Benjamin was more than a handful for the T&T defenders in the first half. After shooting over bar in the second minute, Benjamin set up a chance for midfielder Darron Niles in the 26th minute, but T&T defender Robert Primus made a heroic block at the back.

Seconds later, the hosts had another warning shot when the burly Ryan Hackett rippled a left-footed shot into the side netting after the TT defence failed to deal with a corner.

The period of pressure from the Guyanese team seemed to spring coach Angus Eve's Soca Warriors into action, as the hosts took the lead in the 28th minute when Kesar slotted past Jamine Cumberbatch after receiving a neat through ball from Daniel David.

Kesar, Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic's leading goal scorer in the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL), was one of three debutants in the T&T starting lineup alongside David and TTPFL top scorer Woodley.

The 37-year-old Woodley was a late addition to the Soca Warriors squad for the friendly matches, and he delivered the goods on his maiden outing when he expertly placed a right-footed shot into the bottom corner in the 39th minute after receiving a pass from Kesar at the end of a sweet left-side move.

Woodley, once a standout for T&T in the beach soccer arena, needed just one chance to replicate his 16-goal TTPFL form, and there was only going to be one outcome when the big Tobago striker had Cumberbatch's goal in his sights.

Woodley lasted 67 minutes in his T&T debut, and his goal aside, the striker showed decent hold-up play and showed spurts of the skill he has become known for on the local circuit over the years.

Eve made a switch in goal at the halftime interval as Adrian Foncette replaced Christopher Biggette. The veteran Police FC goalkeeper had to pick the ball out of his net just two minutes into the second half as Benjamin calmly scored from close range after an intended back pass for midfielder Kevon Goddard went straight into the Guyanese player's path.

Guyana's early second-half goal gave them a clear boost, while T&T's intensity and fluidity in their passing game dropped off after several substitutions.

In the 61st minute, T&T had one of their best chances in the second period when Isaiah Lee was played through on goal by David. However, the striker sent a tame left-footer into Cumberbatch's grateful arms with Woodley unmarked in the middle.

In the 71st minute, the hosts' blushes were spared after another mix-up, as Niles wildly shot over bar after miscommunication between Sheldon Bateau and Matthew Woo-Ling at the back. The nervy moments continued at the back for the Soca Warriors, as left back Ross Russell Jr made an emphatic block to deny a goal-bound shot from substitute Marcus Tudor in the 83rd minute.

There was an element of desperation to the Warriors' defensive play in the dying moments, while they also spurned a couple of chances at the other end. However, at the final blow of referee Kwinsi Williams' whistle, the hosts were able to celebrate a 2-1 triumph.

On Wednesday, the teams will battle again from 7 pm at the same Mucurapo venue.

(Squads)

Trinidad and Tobago (4-3-3): 1.Christopher Biggette (GK) (21.Adrian Foncette [GK] 46), 2.Liam Burns, 4.Sheldon Bateau (captain), 12.Robert Primus, 3.Ross Russell Jr; 13.Daniel David (24.Simeon Bailey 76), 18.Kevon Goddard, 16.Matthew Woo Ling (20.Adriel George 76); 9.Ezekiel Kesar (15.Lindell Sween 67), 23.Kevon Woodley (11.Josiah Wilson 67),7.Isaiah Lee (19.Brent Sam 82).

Unused substitutes: 5.Josiah Trimmingham, 6.Andre Raymond, 14.Jabari Mitchell, 17.Justin Garcia.

Coach: Angus Eve

Guyana (3-5-2): 1.Jamine Cumberbatch (GK); 14.Curtez Kellman, 19.Quincy Adams (16.Nicholai Andrews 70), 4.Jeremy Garrett (21.Colin Nelson 42); 2.Leo-Orion Lovell, 6.Darron Niles (23.Simeon Moore 70), 15.Ryan Hackett (8.Chris Macey 63), 17.Daniel Wilson (captain), 20.Amos Ramsay (5.Terique Mohammed 46); 10.Stephen McDonald (7.Marcus Tudor 54), 11.Kelsey Benjamin (9.Anthony Smith 70).

Unused substitutes: 18.Simon Emanuel (GK), 22.Amari Thompson (GK), 3.Kevin Layne, 12.Solomon Austin, 13.Bevan Baker.

Coach: Jamaal Shabazz

Referee: Kwinsi Williams.

12

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: May 14, 2024, 02:35:08 AM »

AC trump Sando 3-0, need 3pts on final day to lift TTPFL crown.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

THE Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) title, once again, will be decided on the final match-day as AC Port of Spain affirmed their position atop the standings with a 3-0 victory over Club Sando at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on May 11.

Eventual man of the match Jamal Charles scored to two goals in eight minutes of the second half, in the 48th and 56th minutes. The first saw John-Paul Rochford chip a neat free-kick into the box which allowed Charles to rise above the defenders and head past goalkeeper Denzil Smith.

Soon after, Nathan Lewis charged down the left flank, sent the cross in and found Charles, who made no mistake to slot another past Smith.

Three minutes into time added on, Che Benny rifled home a howler from outside the 18-yard box into the top corner of the goal to seal the win.

The win for the City Boys saw them maintain pole position on the tier one table, on 41 points. Miscellaneous Police FC (39pts) remain a title threat in second position while reigning TTPFL champions Defence Force FC (37pts) can still snag second spot on the final day’s play.

Victory for AC PoS on the final day’s play guarantees them the coveted 2024 TTPFL crown

13

Football / Re: 2026 World Cup Thread

« on: May 14, 2024, 02:33:24 AM »

Yorke hints at law-change to bolster Trinidad and Tobago's World Cup chances.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

CONSTITUTIONAL reform will substantially increase Trinidad and Tobago’s potential player pool and provide a welcome boost towards FIFA World Cup qualification.

So hinted former Soca Warriors captain Dwight Yorke, 52, who joined an open call made by T&T senior men’s team coach Angus Eve in January last year, for a possible review of the nation’s citizenship laws.

Chapter two, section 17 (ii) of the T&T Constitution states that “A person shall not become a citizen of T&T, if at the time of his birth – (a) neither of his parents is a citizen of T&T.”

This law, Eve said last year, is hampering the expansion of TT football, since the majority of other Caribbean territories can invite players whose grandparents have local lineage, to represent their nation on the international stage.

T&T, however, is limited to calling on players whose parent/s have T&T lineage.

Speaking to media after the Legends All-Star match, Yorke was responding to questions on TT’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and USA.

In international football and other sports, it is common for players who would find it difficult to break into the national team of their birth country to seek other options through naturalisation or eligibility via ancestral lineage.

The ex-Manchester United striker believes such legislation has T&T on the “back foot” and is hampering the nation’s chances of progressing, while other countries hold a clear player-selection advantage.

“I think also we’re on the back foot where we’re not opening up to…and I say this openheartedly, that I feel that we’re kind of stifling our opportunity to recruit players.

“You’re seeing all the other countries being able to recruit players, and that’s a big factor. We’re a small country and we don’t have many people to choose from. So anybody with any type of nationality that is linked to TT that player of a certain level, that could only be a benefit for us, so why deprive that.

“That’s something we need to look at, the people and heads of state are the ones to make that decision. But I think we are limiting ourselves by not allowing people who had something to connect to TVT in a bloodstream type of way, having to go through the difficulty of getting the passport.”

Since the 2026 World Cup host nations do not have to go through the qualification process, five slots are now available for remaining Concacaf nations.

Yorke added that “it couldn’t get any better” for T&T to qualify, especially with the omission of the region’s powerhouses from the qualifiers. However, he called for all-out support as T&T begins its qualification campaign in June, drawn alongside Bahamas, Costa Rica, St Kitts and Nevis and Grenada in Group B.

“(There’s) five opportunities for us to qualify. It’s never easy but the opportunity is really good for us. If we really get the government, heads of state, sponsors, public sector and people to really invest in football, and give Angus and team all the resources he needs. “We need those little things to go our way to really improve the quality that we’re so lacking at the moment. “Let’s hope the World Cup campaign is something that is really on a positive note and you see the support we have, let’s hope that continues,” Yorke said.

When asked if T&T could still produce of players of his calibre, and the likes of former midfield maestro Russell Lately among others, Yorke believes “we have to start again” and hopes the current and past crop of senior players can inspire a future generation of dedicated sportsmen fuelled to succeed on all platforms.

“We have laid the foundation for the younger generation and we expect people to come through. Sometimes you need to take a step back to go forward again. The World Cup campaign is something positive.

“We need something really positive to happen in the country because there’s so much negative coming out. Let’s hope the World Cup campaign is such a positive one that it rubs off on the younger generation.

“It certainly did when I was growing up. We’re probably a bit of a dying breed the Russell, Shaka Hislop and Stern John, the guys who had the opportunity to play abroad. Let’s hope it will encourage the younger boys. The foundation is there and the opportunities are even greater. You put your work in and you get your reward.”

14

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: May 10, 2024, 06:16:10 AM »

'Showtime' bags hat-trick, Cale thump Civic 6-1.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

VETERAN striker Kevon “Showtime” Woodley continued his fine scoring form in the 2023/24 TT Premier Football (TTPFL) season when he scored a hat-trick against Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic to lead Caledonia to a comprehensive 6-1 win at the Arima Velodrome on May 8.

In the second game of a double-header, the visiting Civic team grabbed the lead in the 14th minute when the in-form Ezekiel Kesar notched his tenth goal of the campaign with a sharp shot into the bottom corner from outside the area.

Kesar’s early goal seemed to open the floodgates at the other end, though, as Caledonia laid siege to the Point Fortin goal with constant raids down either flank.

After hurriedly blazing a ninth-minute effort over the bar, Caledonia’s Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) standout Lindell Sween restored parity in the 22nd minute when he drilled a shot into the bottom corner with his cultured left foot.

After the equaliser, the velodrome turned into Woodley’s playground, and the lanky Tobago marksman terrorised the Civic defence as he bagged a treble to take his season’s tally to a league-high 16 goals.

Woodley’s first goal came in the 31st minute as he rolled into an unguarded net after a calamitous mix-up at the back for Civic. In the 36th minute, after receiving a pass down the right from Sween, Woodley showed off his silky skill and close control when he put a defender on his back before slamming in a left-footed shot at the near post to make it 3-1.

Former Miscellaneous Police FC midfielder Gabriel Nanton made it 4-1 in the 54th minute, while the 37-year-old Showtime completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark to make it 5-1 for a rampant Caledonia team.

Just before the final whistle, Jamaican midfielder Shawn Daley put Civic out of their misery when he scored Caledonia’s sixth and final goal in the 90th minute. With the mammoth victory, Caledonia moved to 24 points and made a big jump from ninth to sixth – leapfrogging Civic in the process. The southern team dropped to seventh after suffering their eighth loss of the season.

On the final day of the season on May 19, Civic will have their shot at redemption and the chance to influence the title race when they meet the second-placed AC PoS at Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin.

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*18*11*5*2*43*21*22*38
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.Caledonia*19*6*6*7*32*26*6*24
7.Point Fortin Civic*19*6*5*8*26*27*-1*23
8.1976 FC Phoenix*18*7*2*9*30*35*-5*23
9.Prisons FC*19*7*1*11*24*35*-11*22
10.Eagles FC*18*5*4*9*21*28*-7*19
11.Central FC*18*0*2*16*12*65*-53*2

15

Football / Re: The Legends are coming.

« on: May 10, 2024, 06:10:58 AM »

Brazil World Cup winners in Trinidad for Legends clash.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

BRAZIL'S 2002 Fifa World Cup winners Cafu, Edmilson and 1999 Ballon D'or winner Rivaldo have arrived in Trinidad ahead of the Legends All-Star match, on May 10, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Rivaldo arrived at the Piarco International Airport on May 8, while Cafu and Edmilson touched down just after 2 pm on May 9, before being treated to a brief welcome ceremony at the airport's VIP lounge. Kaka, the 2007 Ballon D'or winner, was expected to arrive in Trinidad and Tobago early in the morning on May 10.

The match which will kick off at 8 pm, is being organised by the Russell Latapy Education and Sports Foundation and I95.5FM. It will feature a host of former T&T international players, including members of the Soca Warriors team which made a historic appearance at the 2006 World Cup.

Speaking to the media via a translator, both Cafu and Edmilson expressed their delight with the opportunity to play before the T&T public. Cafu, who captained Brazil to victory at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan – the country's last World Cup title – urged youngsters to find the balance between education and sport.

"Stay in school. Obviously, education is the most important thing," the former AC Milan and AS Roma right back said.

"And from there, everything else will go well. You just need to have discipline and just educate yourself and always have your morals."

The former Champions League winner still possesses an impressive physique, and his competitive edge hasn't been lost ahead of the legends match which will be played in three 30-minute thirds.

"You can expect a lot of goals and a lot of fun. I hope everyone has fun."

I95.5 president Anthony Lee Aping said they were relieved to have the Brazilian legends on T&T shores after numerous attempts to host the match.

"I'm really happy to be here to say that this is a culmination of a year and a half of quiet work behind the scenes," Aping said. "We had this game planned about three times. Finally, the legends are here."

The Brazilian quartet will be rubbing shoulders with some of the finest players to don the red, white and black across several generations.

Aside from the "Little Magician" Russell Latapy, the lengthy list of players set to feature includes former captains Khaleem Hyland, Kenwayne Jones, Kevin Molino, Clayton Morris, Densill Theobald and former Manchester United Champions League winner Dwight Yorke. Marvin Andrews, Carlos Edwards, Cornell Glen, Cyd Gray and Kelvin Jack, all members of the Soca Warriors 2006 team, are also set to feature.

Theobald said he was privileged to be considered for the legends match, and he believes the next generation of footballers can learn a thing or two from the varying players on display today.

"I look forward to embracing my teammates again on the football pitch and I know the fans can look forward to a nice entertaining brand of football," Theobald said.

"I know we're much older than before so the intensity and energy will not be there like it once was 15 years ago. But definitely, footballing intelligence and technique doesn't leave you.

"Events or moments like these are once in a lifetime moments, especially for the upcoming generation and the young footballing fans. (They should) come out and learn and see the football history that's so rich in our country on display."

RELATED NEWS

Brazilian star Rivaldo fit for legends match.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

BRAZILIAN football legend Rivaldo, 52, seems fit and ready for the legends football match, which will feature other Brazilian stars and T&T stalwarts.

The match will be played at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on Friday at 8 pm.

The initiative is being organised by former T&T midfield star Russell Latapy, through his­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ Russell Latapy Education and Sports Foundation. Media house I95.5FM is also supporting the match.

Rivaldo was a popular footballer during his professional days, with most people remembering him during his time at FC Barcelona from 1997-2002. The midfielder also won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil alongside other legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

"I am so happy to be here to be invited for the game," Rivaldo told the media when he arrived at the Piarco International Airport on Wednesday night.

Speaking through a translator, Rivaldo said, "I hope that it is going to be a very good party for me, for Cafu, for Kaka and Edmilson." Cafu, Kaka and Edmilson also lifted the 2002 World Cup trophy with Brazil.

The former midfield maestro still looks slim like he did during his professional career. Rivaldo said he maintains a healthy diet, saying, "After I stopped playing I started taking care of my health. I eat a lot of fish, a lot of vegetables."

Other former T&T players expected to play are former Soca Warriors players Dwight Yorke, Carlos Edwards, Stern John, Brent Sancho, Kelvin Jack and Densill Theobald. Former Strike Squad members Leonson Lewis, Brian Williams, Hutson Charles are also expected to take the field.

"I am so happy for the organisation that they did this game because this is really important for the country."

Rivaldo said he only knows a "little bit" of the T&T culture.

16

Football / The Legends are coming.

« on: April 24, 2024, 12:18:19 PM »

May 10th.
8pm
National Stadium.

T&T All-stars vs Legends.

Latas, Kaka, Yorke, Edmilson, Cafu, Rivaldo etc.

17

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: April 06, 2024, 06:36:25 AM »

Police edge Caledonia late, move to TTPFL summit.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

WITH four games left to go in their 2023/24 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) campaign, Miscellaneous Police FC moved to the top of the 11-team table with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Caledonia at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on Wednesday night.

Police moved up to 34 points from 16 games, placing them one point above former league leaders AC PoS, who have played a total of 15 games and were dealt their second loss of the season on Wednesday.

Three of the four top teams in the TTPFL featured in the Hasely Crawford double-header, and Police left it extremely late against Caledonia to get three points in the opening match.

Caledonia took the lead in the 58th minute through their talisman and TTPFL top-scorer Kevon “Showtime” Woodley, who grabbed his 13th goal of the campaign when he sent Police skipper Adrian Foncette the wrong way with a penalty.

The eighth-placed Caledonia team appeared to be edging towards a win, but Police stole the opposition team’s joy late on through contributions from Alvin Jones, substitute Kareem Freitas, and a touch of good luck.

The bombarding Jones found defender Robert Primus with a searching cross from the right flank in the 88th minute, and Freitas slid in a right-footed shot from close range to tie the scores at 1-1.

Four minutes later, Police again found favor from a devious right-side cross from Jones, as a Caledonia defender inadvertently turned the ball into the net to give the lawmen all three points at the death.

Police’s win took them past AC PoS on the TTPFL table before the latter team clashed with reigning champions Defence Force in the second game of the doubleheader. By the end of 90 minutes in the tense affair, Army were standing tall in Mucurapo as they blanked the “Capital Boys” by a 2-0 margin to get a deserved victory.

Both teams lacked quality and fluidity in a mostly pedestrian first half, with the best chance arguably falling to Defence Force midfielder Jamell Cooper, who sprayed an effort wide of goal in the ninth minute after receiving a precise pass from the left flank.

AC PoS also fashioned a decent chance in the 31st minute through Sedale McLean, but custodian Christopher Biggette made a save away to his right to preserve the goalless scoreline.

Tempers flared toward the end of the first half when players from both teams squared up in the AC PoS’ penalty area following a set piece. However, referee Andrew Samuel kept his cards to himself.

Defence Force started brightly in the second half, and they sent an early warning shot to AC PoS in the 51st minute when Shaquille Bertrand shot over the bar after cutting in from the left.

In the 55th minute, Bertrand made a more telling contribution on a swift counter-attack as he squared for fellow flanker Kendell Hitlal, who beat retired Soca Warriors goalie Marvin Phillip with a precise right-footed shot to give Army a 1-0 lead.

Just four minutes later, Cooper spurned a great one-on-one chance when he shot straight at Phillip after being played through on goal by Brent Sam. Defence Force survived a scare of their own just past the hour-mark as Biggette made a fine save to keep out a firm shot from substitute John-Paul Rochford.

Biggette’s save proved to be a timely one in the encounter, as the Army put the game to bed in clinical fashion in the 80th minute when attacker Dylon King stylishly passed his shot into the net at the end of a rapid counter involving fellow substitute Isaiah Leacock. Army’s win took them up to third spot and pushed them to 30 points from 16 matches – four points adrift of new table-toppers Police.

At the Arima Velodrome, Eagles FC (16 points) got their fourth win of the season when they stunned Terminix La Horquetta Rangers (24 points) 4-3 courtesy a brace from Joshua Alexander.

In the other encounter at the Velodrome, Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic (23 points) moved up to sixth spot on the table with a 1-0 win over Prisons FC (21 points).

18

Football / Re: The Futsal Team Thread

« on: April 06, 2024, 06:34:35 AM »

Che Benny, Michel Poon-Angeron in T&T Futsal squad for Concacaf champs.
T&T Newsday Reports.

T&T have selected a 14-man squad to contest the Concacaf Futsal Championship in Managua, Nicaragua from April 13-20.

The team, which will be coached by Paul Decle, includes Soca Warriors midfielder Michel Poon-Angeron and his AC PoS teammates Sedale McLean, playmaker Che Benny, and flanker Jameel Neptune, who suffered a fractured leg in a TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) match against 1976 FC Phoenix last December.

Poon-Angeron, 22, has amassed over ten caps for the T&T men’s football team since making his debut in 2021, and he played three matches in the Soca Warriors’ 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League A campaign, which saw the national team qualifying for the quarterfinals for the first time. Poon-Angeron also featured in friendly action for the Soca Warriors against Jamaica last month, but he didn’t make the final cut in the squad for the 2024 Copa America play-in versus Canada on March 23.

The squad also includes four players from reigning TTPFL tier one champions Defence Force, as the quartet of Jelani Felix, Dylon King, Darius Ollivierra, and Matthew Woo Ling have all made Decle’s squad. Veteran player and former Defence Force captain, Jerwyn Balthazar, 41, is also a member of the squad.

T&T have been placed alongside Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and the US in group C, and they start their campaign against their American counterparts on April 13, before facing Guatemala and Dominican Republic on April 14 and 15 respectively.

The 12-team tournament features three groups of four, with the top two teams qualifying for the quarterfinals, along with the two best third-place teams.

The competition’s semifinalists will advance to the Fifa Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan from September 14 to October 6, 2024.

All matches will be played at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua. In the previous Concacaf Futsal Championship in 2021, Costa Rica captured their fourth title after defeating the US in the final, while the hosts Guatemala beat Panama to third spot.

The T&T team will leave for Nicaragua on April 11. Decle will be assisted by former “Strike Squad” captain Clayton Morris.

T&T Futsal Squad: Kelvin Henry (goalkeeper), Andre Marchan (goalkeeper), Jerwyn Balthazar, Che Benny, Jelani Felix, Shane Hospedales, Dylon King, Sedale McLean, Jameel Neptune, Darius Ollivierra, Kareem Perry, Michel Poon-Angeron, Adrian Welch, Matthew Woo Ling.

19

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: April 04, 2024, 10:36:43 AM »

Club Sando whip Phoenix 5-2, move to third in TTPFL.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

TIGER Tanks Club Sando (28 points) jumped to third spot on the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) standings on Wednesday evening when they got a huge 5-2 win away to 1976 FC Phoenix at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Tobago in the day’s early fixture.

Club Sando held a slender 1-0 lead heading into the halftime interval following a 38th-minute goal from striker Shackiel Henry.

The second half proved to be a different altogether, as a whopping six goals were scored and the Club Sando team were able to leave the sister isle with three points.

Mickaeel "Jem" Gordon scored within seconds of the restart to tie the game at 1-1, but Club Sando responded swiftly as they scored three times within a 16-minute span to jump out to a 4-1 lead by the 62nd minute.

Henry notched his second goal of the game, his fellow striker Nicholas Dillon also found the back of the net, and inform Tobago-born defender Jamal Jack got his name on the scoresheet to sully the ninth-placed Phoenix (16 points) team.

The strapping Dillon scored his second goal of the game in the 77th minute as Club Sando opened up an unassailable 5-1 lead. Phoenix midfielder Adriel George got a late consolation as they slipped to their eighth loss of the campaign.

Four other TTPFL games were scheduled to be played after press time on Wednesday.

At the Arima Velodrome, Eagles FC (formerly Cunupia FC) tackled Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, while Prisons FC faced Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic.

Meanwhile, the TTPFL’s top two teams were scheduled to take the field at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

The second-placed Miscellaneous Police FC played Caledonia, while leaders AC PoS took on reigning champions Defence Force.

20

Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 25, 2024, 05:48:17 AM »

Warriors star Levi Garcia rues misses vs Canada - Put the blame on me.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

SOCA Warriors star striker Levi Garcia took responsibility for the team’s disappointing 2-0 loss against Canada in the Copa America play-in game in Frisco, Texas, on Saturday.

T&T conceded two second-half goals (61st and 90th+1) as they failed in their final chance to qualify for the 2024 Copa America. Garcia has been in prolific form with his club, AEK Athens, in Greece, bagging 13 goals to put his team top of the playoff standings. However, he was unable to replicate his club form on Saturday.

T&T coach Angus Eve employed a defensive strategy to start, with Garcia leading the line with some support from midfielder Ajani Fortune. Garcia had two quality chances to score, one in each half, but failed to ripple the net.

The chance in the first half was a golden opportunity to give TT the lead from a counter in the 18th.

After a neat give-and-go, Garcia was played through on goal, but he struck his left-footed shot just wide of the target with just the goalie to beat.

The second chance, with T&T trailing 1-0 in the 85th, came when Garcia combined with substitute Real Gill and was slipped through on goal, but he failed to get power or direction on the shot, which was easily saved by Canada goalie Maxime Crepeau.

T&T had another good chance to take the lead in the first half when left back Andre Raymond pinched the ball off a Canada player and raced into the box, but his left footer also flashed wide. Garcia acknowledged that he was not clinical in front of goal.

Speaking to TT Football Association media, he said, “I came here to deliver and unfortunately, I was not that sharp today. I took responsibility for those chances and I took responsibility for lots of things because I know what the team expects from me. Hopefully, I can also learn from these mistakes and move forward.”

Any criticism he receives, Garcia said he is willing to accept. “I will take any amount of pressure that I will receive after this game, but what I can say is that I will learn from it and continue to move forward.”

The striker thanked his teammates for their spirit. “Before the game all I asked the guys was to compete and fight. I am really proud of the guys. Unfortunately, the game did not go our way and we have a lot to learn and hopefully in the future we will learn from our mistakes.”

Garcia said the loss will be on his mind for a long time. “This one is going to hurt for a while. I came here just recovering from injury and I made a lot of sacrifices and I came here and I tried my best. I gave everything for the team, but my best was not enough today. The boys’ best was not enough today, but for sure we are going to learn from this and move forward, but this one is going to hurt for a while.”

He asked the fans to not give up on the Soca Warriors. “We are really working hard and we really want them to stay behind us. That 12th man is so important. We have been longing for this type of support for years and what we have been receiving is amazing, and hopefully it could continue and that type of energy could stay positive.”

Soca Warriors head coach Angus Eve said the plan to sit back and counter worked. He was happy with the effort his players showed. “I thought for the most part the game plan went well,” Eve said. “We created some really good chances...I think we acquitted ourselves well and we had some really good chances, we could have scored first. It maybe would have settled us down, but I thought all in all it was a great performance.”

21

Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 24, 2024, 12:29:11 AM »

Soca Warriors' Copa dreams end after 2-0 loss to Canada.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

TRINIDAD and Tobago’s men’s football team’s dreams of advancing to the 2024 Conmebol Copa America tournament were dashed on Saturday, when they fell to a 2-0 loss to Canada in their one-off play-in match at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

With the winner of the high-stakes encounter earning a spot in group A of the Copa America tournament alongside Chile, Peru and reigning World Cup champions Argentina, a lot was on the line in a physical battle that saw the teams going into halftime scoreless.

As expected, T&T coach Angus Eve set his team up in a defensive 5-4-1 shape, with Shannon Gomez and Andre Raymond operating as wing backs, and the returning Ajani Fortune the closest midfielder to lone striker Levi Garcia on the attacking front. T&T conceded a total of 14 corners in the encounter. But from open play, the Soca Warriors seemed to have a fair measure of the opposing attack as they created few glaring opportunities from the run of play.

In fact, the Greek-based Garcia arguably had the best chance for either team in the first period after being released by a searching Fortune pass in the 18th minute. On his favoured left foot, though, Garcia sent his low shot agonisingly wide of Maxime Crepeau’s goal. Garcia also had a chance to grab an elusive goal for T&T late in the second half, but his spurned first-half effort was his team’s best opening in the game.

With Bayern Munich flanker Alphonso Davies at the heart of the majority of Canada’s play, they tried their best to break the Soca Warriors down with clever combination plays in the final third. Tajon Buchanan blazed an effort over the bar after being teed up by Davies, while dangerous forward Jonathan David curled a right-footed shot just wide of the mark after receiving a pass from the Bayern Munich wide man in the 22nd minute.

Four minutes later, Canadian striker Cyle Larin sent a tame effort on goal after neat play down the left side. David then forced a fine save from Soca Warriors custodian Denzil Smith with a firm drive from long range in the 28th minute as Fifa’s 50th-ranked team threatened to break T&T’s resistance.

The Warriors’ game plan of exploiting Garcia’s pace on the break was evident, and at the half, they could have considered the job half-done.

Just two minutes into the second half, T&T got another good chance when Raymond flashed a left-footed shot wide of the mark after winning possession in Canada’s defensive third.

After surviving a scare when defender Alvin Jones headed a goalbound flick from David off the line in the 56th minute, Eve showed his intentions when he inserted attacker Reon Moore for central midfielder Andre Rampersad.

Just after the hour mark, the Soca Warriors’ resistance in Frisco was broken, though, as Larin calmly passed a left-footed shot into the net in the 61st minute after getting a neat back-heel flick from Ike Ugbo at the end of a right-side move.

T&T made two more changes of attacking intent in the 81st minute when the diminutive pair of Kaile Auvray and Real Gill came on. Gill almost had an immediate impact on the game in the 85th minute when he worked a slick one-two with Garcia down T&T’s right. However, Garcia’s left-footed effort didn’t have the finesse or power needed to get past Crepeau’s big right hand at the far post.

As T&T desperately surged forward in search of an equaliser, Canada’s own substitute, Jacob Shaffelburg, looked to kill off the contest.

In the 87th minute, Shaffelburg had Smith sprawling with a thunderous left-footed shot which cannoned off the base of the post and out. In the first minute of stoppage-time, though, Shaffelburg was bang on target when he drilled an effort into the roof of the net from close range after a rapid counter-attack from the Canadian team.

Shaffelburg’s goal sparked wild scenes among his teammates, while Eve and the T&T contingent saw their dream of going to Copa America 2024 slowly fade away.

Come June 20, Canada will grace the Copa America stage in a duel with Lionel Messi and his Argentina team. Eve’s Soca Warriors will now shift focus to 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

Trinidad and Tobago’s men's football team have missed out on a spot in the 2024 Conmebol Copa America tournament after falling to a 2-0 loss to Canada in a one-off play-in match at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas on Saturday.

The Soca Warriors team held firm for the opening hour against the Canadians, and even fashioned a couple of great opportunities through their star striker Levi Garcia in either half.

However, Canada got goals from Cyle Larin in the 61st minute and a stoppage-time blast from substitute Jacob Shaffelburg to get the victory and book their spot in the Copa America tournament.

Canada will now join Chile, Peru and reigning Fifa World Cup champions Argentina in group A of the showpiece South American competition.

(Teams)

Trinidad and Tobago (5-3-1-1): 23.Denzil Smith (GK); 14.Shannon Gomez (20.Kaïlé Auvray 80), 16.Alvin Jones, 17.Justin Garcia, 2.Aubrey David (captain), 6.Andre Raymond; 15.Neveal Hackshaw (7.Noah Powder 70), 18.Andre Rampersad (13.Reon Moore 56), 8.Daniel Phillips; 19.Ajani Fortune (10.Real Gill 80); 11.Levi Garcia.

Unused substitutes: 1.Christopher Biggette (GK), 21.Adrian Foncette (GK), 3.Ross Russell Jr, 4.Jesse Williams, 5.Robert Primus, 9.Nathaniel James, 12.Kevon Goddard, 23.Judah Garcia.

Coach: Angus Eve

Canada (3-4-3): 16.Maxime Crepeau (GK); 4.Kamal Miller, 5.Joel Waterman, 2.Alistair Johnston; 12.Ike Ugbo (14.Jacob Shaffelburg 70), 7.Stephen Eustaquio (captain) (6.Samuel Piette 90+2), 8.Ismael Kone (3.Luc de Fougerolles 90+2), 19.Alphonso Davies; 17.Tajon Buchanan (15.Mathieu Choiniere 80), 9.Cyle Larin (22.Jacen Russell-Rowe 80), 10.Jonathan David.

Unused substitutes: 1.Dayne St Clair (GK), 18.Jonathan Sirois (GK), 11.Theo Bair, 13.Derek Cornelius, 20.Moise Bombito, 21.Liam Fraser, 23.Liam Millar.

Coach: Mauro Biello

Referee: Marco Ortiz (Mexico)

WATCH

Fortune reflects on 2-0 loss to Canada; anticipates future dates with T&T

Canada vs. Trinidad & Tobago: Extended Highlights | CONCACAF Nations League | CBS Sports Golazo

22

Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 21, 2024, 01:45:00 AM »

Soca Warrior Real Gill saddened over Harpe Place shooting.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

SOCA Warriors striker Real Gill, who grew up at Harpe Place, Port of Spain, is saddened over what happened in his community last Saturday where five people were murdered.

Speaking in a Trinidad and Tobago Football Association video, Gill said, "To be honest I can't say what went on, but it's heartbreaking because I am always outside with those same people...even though they say it's a bad community...they always try to push me to be out here."

Gill is in Frisco, Texas with the Soca Warriors as they prepare to play Canada in a Copa America qualifying match on March 23.

"When I heard the news we were now going training...it real hurt."

Gill said he knew one of the victims well. "It had one who was begging me to leave Trinidad and I was telling him it's not my fault I have not left yet, it is through visa problems, the business. To see that I lose him it real bother me...I could use it as a positive way and say I have someone to make it for now."

Gill, 21, encouraged other young men to find something they enjoy doing and follow their dreams. "I want to tell all my other brothers that it have things outside for us to make it in this life that we don't have to be home. I not saying it in a way that the Harpe is a bad place, it is a real good place too because I miss home. It is plenty fun I have with my friends."

Gill, who was signed by United Soccer League's Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC earlier this year, said there is a lot of "talent" in the Harpe.

23

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: March 21, 2024, 01:43:54 AM »

Queen's Park coach makes police report following football match.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

QUEEN'S PARK football coach Wayne Sheppard has made a report to the St James Police Station, following an incident that occurred between a referee and Sheppard after a player was badly injured.

Sheppard also reported the matter to the TT Football Referees Association and the TT Football Association.

Sheppard was not pleased with the performance of the referee.

He said, "I want the officials who taking charge of the game to be fit and ready to officiate the game, along with the guidelines that FIFA asked for and one of the things that FIFA said a match official's main duty is, is to protect the players," Sheppard said.

Sheppard said the referee in charge of the match has not been officiating at a high level for years. "That incident that happened to (named player), while everybody saying it's unfortunate, it is something that coming a long time. It is just that (named player) is the unfortunate player that it happened to."

24

Football / Re: Copa America Thread

« on: March 20, 2024, 01:45:45 AM »

Aubrey David sounds battle cry: Soca Warriors ready to die for Copa spot.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Soca Warriors captain Aubrey David and star attacker Levi Garcia say they and their teammates are ready and willing to put everything on the line in their 2024 Copa America play-in against Canada in Frisco, Texas on March 23.

The winner of the play-in match will advance to the June 20-July 14 Conmebol tournament where they will be placed alongside Chile, Peru and reigning Fifa World Cup champions Argentina in group A.

David, who assumed the Trinidad and Tobago captaincy for the 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League A campaign, is determined to lead by example from his centre back position and he has already gone into full warrior mode.

"With it being a one-off game, we have to give everything. We are 90 minutes away from making history and changing our lives forever," David told TT Football Association (TTFA) media.

"That's motivation to give everything, to die basically on the field. Anything can happen. We just need to believe in ourselves and try to make history."

Currently attached to CS Cartagines in Costa Rica, the 33-year-old David is expected to have his hands full against a Canadian attack which includes Mallorca forward Cyle Larin, Lille attacker Jonathan David and electric Bayern Munich flanker Alphonso Davies.

Aubrey said the Soca Warriors have kept together the core of the squad which advanced to the Nations League A knockout stages for the first time, and he also says the current crop of players provides coach Angus Eve with the right blend of experience and youth.

The veteran defender said the Miscellaneous Police FC pair of Adrian Foncette and Robert Primus will help with the team's leadership, while he is also pleased with the returns of Ajani Fortune and brothers Levi and Judah Garcia further afield.

"It's very important for the country and very important for our careers personally and as a team," Aubrey said.

"I think we just need to settle and get focused, and take every day as a step. I think it is a big opportunity for us as a nation to be in the Copa America. It's the biggest thing for us after World Cup (qualification)."

Levi, who has battled numerous injuries during the ongoing season with Greek champions AEK Athens, wants to deliver on the big stage after missing several games in T&T's Nations League A campaign. In the two-legged Nations League A quarterfinals against the US in November, Levi came on as a second-half substitute in the first leg, but was subsequently ruled out for the return leg which saw T&T getting a 2-1 win on home soil at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Now returned to fine form for AEK where he has 14 goals in 20 games in all competitions this season, Levi is motivated to put the red, white and black on his broad shoulders.

"It feels good to be back," Levi said. "It's always a pleasure to represent our country. We know the game that's at stake."

The powerful striker has been utilised as a lone striker in recent times at Eve, but he's also effective as an inverted winger on the right side. Levi said he will be sticking to his strengths in the one-off encounter as there is no time for experimenting.

Most importantly, though, Levi wants to get his mind right for the clash with Fifa's 50th-ranked nation.

"From now, I usually picture myself either scoring or celebrating," Levi said. "I start preparing my mind from now for 90-plus minutes, fighting for every ball. I start seeing myself winning tackles, winning duels, winning everything and trying my best to get the win."

He said he's happy to have his current rhythm, and he said he and his teammates have the opportunity to be the beacon of hope for young men in T&T.

"A lot of people don't know how grateful we are to represent our country. There are a lot of younger guys looking at us for hope and for a way out.

"These types of games and these types of opportunities are what we need to grasp with both hands and try to set the platform right for these guys."

From 4 pm on March 23, Aubrey, Levi and the Soca Warriors will it all on the park as they try to book T&T's first-ever appearance at a Copa America tournament.

25

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: March 19, 2024, 03:26:02 AM »

Chaves stretchered off after gruesome injury in Tier II match.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).

T&T senior and Under-20 midfielder Michael Chaves of Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) was taken off the field on a stretcher during his team’s fiesty 2-1 loss against MIC Matura ReUnited in the T&T Premier Football League Tier II Division match in the second clash of a doubleheader at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Training Field, Mucurapo on Sunday night.

The 17-year-old, who featured for T&T at the recent CONCACAF U-20 Championship Pool D Qualifiers at Mucurapo and then made his senior team debut against Jamaica on March 1 in a 1-0 friendly international loss at the same venue, was stretchered off the field and taken to the St Clair Medical Complex, Port-of-Spain where he underwent successful surgery on the fractured left fibula injury, putting an end to what was a stellar season, which also included representing Fatima College in the 2023 Secondary Schools Football League Premier Division.

Matura ReUnited opened the scoring as early as the eighth minute through Daniel Rose, and in the 31st minute, the visitors doubled their advantage through Andrew Nicome.

However, two minutes later, the Parkites, who were without a number of key players inclusive of the influential Sean De Silva, managed to cut the lead in half when Winston Johnson netted.

But a minute before the half-time whistle both teams suffered a blow when Matura ReUnited’s Kwame Hazel was shown a straight red card by referee Rashby Mc Fie for a crunching tackle on Chaves.

In the second half, the Parkites were unable to make their player advantage count as Matura ReUnited held on for the win to climb to a four-way tie for the second spot, improving to 20 points from nine matches, level with the trio of Harlem Strikers, Central Soccer World and previous leader Petit Valley/Diego Martin United (PVDM) who went under to San Fernando Giants 2-0 in the first match at Mucurapo to trail table toppers Guaya United by one point.

Guaya United rallied from 0-2 down to beat the University of T&T Patriots 3-2 at UTT Campus Ground, O’Meara Road, Arima, in an early match on Sunday.

In the second match at Arima, Defence Force got an own goal from Keithen Carter in the 77th minute to draw 1-1 with Harlem Strikers who went ahead on the stroke of half-time thanks to Elijah Seechan.

Results

Sunday

Defence Force 1 (Keithen Carter 77th o.g) vs Harlem Strikers 1 (Elijah Seechan 45+1)

MIC Matura ReUnited 2 (Daniel Rose 8th, Andrew Nicome 31st) vs QPCC 1 (Winston Johnson 33rd)

San Fernando Giants 2 (Arkido Joseph 40th, Rayon Alleyne 90th) vs Petit Valley/Diego Martin 0

Guaya United 3 (Keston Frontin 39th, Kendes Garcia 78th, Renaldo Mc Intosh 85th pen) vs UTT Patriots 2 (Kevaughn Connell 7th, 19th)

Saturday

Laventille United 3 (Quanlanson Archibald 15th, 90+4, John Belgrave 88th) vs Cunupa Eagles FC 2 (Daniel Diaz 43rd, Jesse Downing 84th)

Bethel SC vs Central Soccer World 2 (Ryan Frederick 36th, Elijah Payne 90th) vs Bethel Utd 1 (Teejay Cadiz 45th)

Police FC 2 (Jameel Perry 80th, Clevon Mc Fee 90+6) vs Club Sando 1 (Gerald Meloney 35th)

Latest TTPFL Tier II standings

Pos Teams P W D L F A Pts
1 Guaya Utd 10 7 0 3 20 14 21
2 Harlem Strikers 11 6 2 3 29 13 20
3 Matura ReUnited 9 6 2 1 24 13 20
4 Central Soccer World 11 5 5 1 15 10 20
5 PVDM Utd 12 6 2 4 20 16 20
6 San F’do Giants 11 6 1 4 19 19 19
7 QPCC FC 10 6 0 4 24 11 18
8 Defence Force 10 4 3 3 25 9 15
9 RC Eagles 11 4 3 4 18 21 15
10 Police FC 9 3 2 4 7 9 11
11 RSSR FC 11 2 2 7 11 30 8
12 UTT 10 2 1 7 20 28 7
13 Laventille Utd 11 2 2 7 17 36 7
14 Bethel SC 6 1 2 3 8 11 5
15 Club Sando 8 1 2 5 10 26 5

RELATED NEWS

Under-20 Soca Warrior Michael Chaves has surgery for fractured leg
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Trinidad and Tobago under-20 men's footballer and Fatima College student Michael Chaves will be sidelined for approximately three-six months after suffering a fractured leg during a TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) match.

The tier-two match was played at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field, Mucurapo on March 17.

Playing for QPCC against the visiting MIC Matura United, the 17-year-old Chaves suffered the gruesome injury near the end of the first half, when he was on the receiving end of a rough tackle from Kwame Hazel as he made a run down the right wing. Players from both teams raised the alarm immediately to referee Rashby McPhie, before Chaves was stretchered off and eventually taken to St Clair Medical Centre.

Just before 1 am on March 18, the talented striker had successful surgery after being treated by Dr Sergiy Adonin.

QPCC coach Wayne Sheppard said Chaves suffered a fracture of the left fibula, and he said the outcome could have been worse if the tibia had been damage.

Sheppard said Chaves, described as "one of the best talents" in the local game at present, is in good spirits and he believes he has the mindset needed to bounce back from the injury.

"He's a strong youth. He has a great support system around him," Sheppard told Newsday.

After representing T&T's under-17 men's football team at the Concacaf under-17 championships last year, Chaves showed his worth to local football fans on home soil last month in the Concacaf under-20 men's championship qualifiers at the Hasely Crawford Stadium venue.

In T&T's first qualifying match against St Vincent and the Grenadines on February 23, Chaves came off the bench and scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as the hosts grabbed a 3-2 comeback victory. In T&T's next game, against Dominica, two days later, Chaves scored the opening goal in T&T's resounding 5-0 win.

The young Soca Warriors did not advance to the Concacaf under-20 championships, though, as they fell to a 3-0 loss against Canada in their last group game when faced with a must-win situation.

A Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division and national intercol winner with Fatima, Chaves was given his first senior cap by T&T head coach Angus Eve on March 1, when he came on as a second-half substitute for the Soca Warriors against Jamaica in a friendly fixture in Mucurapo.

Sheppard praised his players for the determination and will they showed to return to the field after Chaves' injury. And while he did not put the blame on Hazel, Sheppard said the players were not well protected by McPhie during the contest. Just before Hazel's tackle on Chaves, Sheppard said he and his technical staff were outraged by the nature of tackles by the opposition.

The QPCC coach was eventually red-carded after showing his displeasure with McPhie's handling of the match.

"Every single player who stepped on the field after that injury has my respect. It is not Christmas time in the camp right now for sure, but I must tip my hat...to those boys who went back out there," Sheppard said. "The referee did not have a command of the game at all."

QPCC lost the encounter 2-1, but Chaves' recovery is the most important thing for the Parkites at the moment.

Chaves was set to travel with the City FC team this week for the 2024 Jefferson Cup in the US. Sheppard said Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is one of the many colleges eager to add the young T&T forward to their programme.

26

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: March 18, 2024, 01:14:15 AM »

Point Fortin Civic tames Army 4-3.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).

Andre Ettienne scored a long-range stunner after team-mate Ezekiel Kesar's hat-trick to secure a thrilling 4-3 win for Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic over defending champions Defence Force in the feature match of a double-header at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on Saturday night.

With the loss, the Army/Coast-Guard combination which captured both league and knockout titles last season stayed third on the 11-club table with 26 points from 14 matches, four adrift of leaders AC Port-of-Spain who have a match in hand as well held to short 2-2 draw by previously pointless Central FC on Friday night, while Miscellaneous Police is second with 28 points following a 1-1 draw with Tiger Tanks Club Sando also on Friday.

At Mucurapo, the clash between Defence Force and Point Fortin Civic got off to a frenetic start with an on-target Hughton Hector free-kick through a five-man wall being brilliantly kept out by goalkeeper Christopher Biggette diving low to his right, only for the rebound to fall right into the path of the onrushing Kesar who tucked away the ball into an open net for a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute.

A few minutes later Biggette was called into action again, but this time he did much better, diving full stretch to his left to keep out a low drive from Rondell Phillip that was destined for the bottom corner of the goal.

At the other end of the field, in a similar fashion to Civic's opener, a long-range right-footed stinging free-kick from Nathaniel Garcia was parried down by goalkeeper Terrence Lewis and Shaquille Holder was first to react to stab home the rebound to get the Army/Coast-Guard combination on even terms in the 25th minute.

Five minutes later, Holder was tripped over in the 18-yard box by defender Brent Plenty, and from the 12-yard spot, Matthew Woo Ling slotted in a left-footed effort with Lewis going the wrong way for a 2-1 Defence Force lead.

Rivaldo Coryat, was then denied a chance to extend Defence Force's advantage with Lewis keeping out his fierce left-footed blast on the first post smartly kept out by Lewis, and two minutes before the interval, Civic managed to level the match at 2-2 with a bit of fortune when a left-footed effort from former India-based striker Marcus Joseph, took a wicked deflection off of team-mate Kesar, wrong-footing Biggette and into the net to the delight of the southerners for both teams to go into the interval level.

Within two minutes after the restart, the Reynold Carrington-coached Civic regained the lead at 3-2 when a right-sided cross managed to find the feet of an unmarked Kesar who curled a left-footed effort into the far right corner past the full stretch dive of Biggette.

Defence Force's Shaquille Bertrand then headed overbar from a Woo Ling corner to draw Defence Force level in the 67th minute while Isaiah Thompson missed a chance for Civic's fourth goal four minutes later firing onto the base of the right post from less than ten yards out after a weaving solo-run, with Kesar firing the rebound into the side netting from an acute angle.

Three minutes later, Defence Force made Civic pay for that missed effort when a failed attempt at a clearance by defender Justin Cornwall fell to an unmarked Kaihim Thomas, who replaced Bertrand in the 72nd minute, and he hammered home the loose ball to level the match at 3-3.

But there was still another twist to the contest, as after another n0-call for a foul on Woo Ling was waived off by Sobers, the clearance upfield fell to Andre Ettienne in his own half, and after taking two touches on the ball, the latter rifled a shot from about 50 yards over the head of a Biggette who was off his life to nestle into the back of the net to snatch the lead again at 4-3.

The Army/Coast-Guard combination then pushed numbers forward in search of yet another equaliser with Leshawn Roberts heading overbar from about eight yards out to squander his team's final chance, and hand Civic the win.

In the opening match at Mucurapo, Kevon 'Showtime' Woodley netted a second-half brace in the 57th and 75th minute while former national defender Carlyle Mitchell also netted in the 70th in their 3-0 defeat of Eagles FC,

And yesterday, at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Prison Service got goals from Juma Clarence in the 24th, and Trevis Byron in the 91st minute to blank host 1976 FC Phoenix, who entered the match on the back of impressive wins over Defence Force (2-0), and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers (2-1) respectively.

The league now takes an 11-day break for the FIFA International Match Window during which time T&T faces Canada on March 23 in the Copa America Play-in match in Texas, USA from 4 pm.

Weekend's Results

Sunday

Prison Service 2 (Juma Clarence 24th, Trevis Byron 90+1) vs 1976 FC Phoenix 0

Saturday

Caledonia FC 3 (Kevon Woodley 57th, 75th, Carlyl Mitchell 70th) vs Eagles FC 0

Point Fortin Civic 4 (Ezekiel Kesar 8th, 42nd, 47th, Andre Ettienne 85th) vs Defence Force 3 (Shaquille Holder 25th, Matthew Woo Ling 30th pen, Kaihim Thomas 83rd)

Friday

Central FC 2 (Saleem Henry 38th pen, Dominic Douglas 56th) vs AC Port-of-Spain 2 (Che Benny 79th pen, Saydrel Lewis 81st)

Police 1 (Jamal Jack o.g 61st) vs Club Sando 1 (Jamal Jack 79th)

Latest Standings

Pos*Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. AC PoS*13*9*3*1*36*14*30
2. Police*14*8*4*2*29*12*28
3. Defence Force*14*8*2*4*29*16*26
4. L.H. Rangers*14*7*2*5*27*20*23
5. Club Sando*14*6*4*4*20*16*22
6. Prison Service*15*7*0*8*22*30*21
7. Point Fortin Civic*14*5*5*4*22*15*20
8. 1976 Phoenix*13*5*1*7*18*24*16
9. Caledonia FC*14*4*4*6*21*20*16
10. FC Eagles*14*3*4*7*15*21*13
11. Central FC*15*0*1*14*8*57*1

27

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: March 12, 2024, 11:43:08 PM »

Harlem, QPCC move up.
T&T Express Reports.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Petit Valley Diego Martin United (PVDM) were held to a goalless draw by Defence Force but continue to lead Tier 2 of the Trinidad & Tobago Premier Football League (PFL), while Harlem Strikers and Queen’s Park picked up victories on the weekend and moved into second and third, respectively

Harlem Strikers scored half-a-dozen goals, including a second half double from Kareem Baptiste, on the way to a comprehensive 6-1 win over RSSR FC.

Having picked up a sixth win of the season, Harlem Strikers are now just a point adrift of leaders PVDM (30 points), with Queen’s Park third and two points behind the leaders.

Fatima College schoolboys Aidan De Gannes and Michael Chaves scored as QPCC built a two-goal advantage before holding off San Fernando Giants by a 2-1 margin.

Arkido Joseph converted a late penalty for seventh-placed Giants.

TIER 2 RESULTS

PVDM Utd 0 vs Defence Force FC 0

Harlem Strikers 6 (Ishmael Sawyer 36’, Jiron Francis 45+2, Kareem Baptiste 49’ &51’, Jaheim Ashby 79’, Elijah Seechan 78’) RSSR FC 1 (Mamade Guerra 16’)

28

Football / Re: 2024 SSFL Thread

« on: March 12, 2024, 01:44:54 AM »

SSFL Premiership spots still up for grabs.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).

Moruga, Blanchisseuse protest questionable wins.

The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) has again been asked to decide on which two teams will join St Augustine Secondary in the Premier Division later this year.

On Monday (March 4) and Friday (March 8.) respectively, Miracle Ministries Pentecostal and Signal Hill Secondary Schools both thought they had cemented their places with respective 4-0 and 2-1 victories over Moruga and Blanchisseuse during the Big Five Play-Off of the SSFL but instead, will have to prove their innocence in the protest room first.

The Miracle Ministries and Moruga encounter, played at the Moruga grounds on Monday, was nothing short of convincing for the visitors. However, Moruga representative Andy Joseph is claiming that the Central Zone winner breached the rules of the game by using six substitutions.

According to the laws of the SSFL, teams are allowed to make five substitutes with a sixth only required when a player gets a concussion in a match. Miracle Ministries midfielder Shivon Lalloo was involved in a clash in the first half of play and was subsequently stretchered off the field for what eventually turned out to be a broken arm.

The incident led to the first substitution for Miracle Ministries, who later went on to make five more substitutions afterwards. Joseph said while he recognised that quite a few substitutions were being made, he was not sure they had surpassed the amount required because of the intensity of the game.

Joseph confirmed that a protest was lodged with the SSFL soon after the match, noting that all they want is for the right thing to be done and the rules followed by all teams. Incidentally, if the SSFL rules in favour of Moruga, they will be upgraded to four points and in with a strong chance of sealing one of the spots up for grabs on goal difference.

“I cannot say what the SSFL will decide but they have all the facts in front of them. All I know is that it must be a level playing field for everyone,” Joseph said.

Moruga won the South Zone of the Boys Championship Division by six points but then survived a protest that they had breached the online registration process.

Joseph admitted that his team had been through so much this year, but they will remain strong, having experienced the highs and the lows in the SSFL over the years.

Moruga last played in the Premier Division back in 2022 but was relegated.

Miracle Ministries coach Kern Cupid said while he was asked to say nothing on the matter by his legal representative, he admitted that Lalloo did receive a slight concussion during the clash, in addition to a broken hand.

Like Moruga, Miracle Ministries, the Central Zone champion, also survived a complaint it had breached the registration process. However in its case, the school’s registration documents were not considered an official document from the web page of the SSFL, but rather a copy of registration, which was tantamount to a breach.

Cupid confirmed that both teams were allowed to use six substitutions in the match.

“Our sixth substitution was made in the 91st minute when the score was already 4-0, so it would have been insignificant. What we are working on now, is getting the medical document to confirm that Lalloo did get a slight concussion, which would mean that he was the sixth substitution in the game,” Cupid explained.

Meanwhile, Blanchisseuse is asking for answers as to why Roger Kirk and his cousin Zakiyus Kirk were red-carded in their Big Five showdown with Signal Hill at Signal Hill Ground, which allowed the home team to storm back, scoring two goals in five minutes to win the match and seal a Premiership spot.

Kirk (Roger) sent the Northerners ahead from the penalty spot in the fourth minute. However, Imanhi Forbes levelled the score in the 91st minute before hammering the final nail into the Blanchisseuse coffin in the 95th sending the home team into a frenzy at the thought of a Premier Division berth.

Both Principal Hashim Johnson and manager Kevon Palmer said they didn’t know what happened under referee Keon Yorke’s whistle.

Roger Kirk, after being yellow-carded in the first half, received a second yellow card for allegedly standing over the ball to prevent a quickly taken Signal Hill freekick in the 79th minute.

“The player was walking away from the ball on orders from the referee when he was given his second yellow card,” Palmer said. “In the second sending off, Kirk (Zakiyus) received consecutive yellow cards for a foul and the use of abusive language to the referee.”

29

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: March 12, 2024, 01:43:22 AM »

Police edge Prisons 1-0, move within two points of TTPFL leaders AC PoS.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

THE title race in the 2023/24 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) season continues to heat up, and Miscellaneous Police FC (27 points) regained second spot in the standings on Sunday when they got a slender 1-0 win against Prisons FC at the Arima Velodrome.

With the win, the lawmen moved ahead of the third-placed Defence Force (26 points) on the table and moved to within two points of leaders AC PoS (29 points) who were inactive on the weekend.

Though they created clear-cut chances in the second half and tested Prisons goalkeeper Aaron Enill and his backline, Police’s goal came via an own goal by defender Seon Thomas in the 61st minute. Police playmaker Joevin Jones found space on the right side and delivered a peach of a cross into the area as he searched for striker Anthony Wolfe, but it was Thomas’ inadvertent touch that took the ball past Enill and into the back of the net to give Police the advantage.

Just before Police’s game-clinching goal, Enill was called into action in the 56th minute when he made a pair of point-blank saves to deny winger Kwesi Allen at the back post after the Prisons defenders failed to deal with a backward header by left back Kemuel Rivers. Police only held a one-goal lead in the game, but they assumed a firm grip of the contest with superior possession and rarely looked troubled by the Prisons outfit at the other end. Prisons struggled for fluidity on the hard, dry surface and relied mainly on set pieces to try and break Police down.

In the 74th minute, Police nearly doubled their lead after Enill rushed off his line to thwart a right-side attack. With Enill absent from the goal frame, a Prisons defender made a brilliant block on the goal-line to deny a fierce drive from outside the 18-yard box by Police playmaker Jabari Mitchell. In stoppage time, Police custodian Adrian Foncette ensured all three points were locked up when he made an acrobatic fingertip save to keep out a long-range effort by substitute Sean Bonval which seemed destined for the top corner.

In Sunday’s other late TTPFL match, Heritage Petroleum Point Fortin Civic and Eagles FC (formerly Cunupia FC) played to a goalless draw at Mahaica Sporting Complex, Point Fortin.

Despite the defeat to Police, Prisons (18 points) stayed in sixth spot on the 11-team table. Point Fortin (17 points) and Eagles (13 points) are seventh and tenth respectively.

TTFPL tier one standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts
1.AC PoS*12*9*2*1*34*12*22*29
2.Police FC*13*8*3*2*28*11*17*27
3.Defence Force FC*13*8*2*3*24*12*12*26
4.La Horquetta Rangers*14*7*2*5*27*20*7*23
5 Club Sando*13*6*3*4*19*15*4*21
6.Prisons FC*14*6*0*8*20*30*-10*18
7.Point Fortin Civic*13*4*5*4*18*12*6*17
8.1976 FC Phoenix*12*5*1*6*18*22*-4*16
9.Caledonia*13*3*4*6*18*20*-2*13
10.Eagles FC*13*3*4*6*15*18*-3*13
11.Central FC*14*0*0*14*6*55*-49*0.

30

Football / Re: Levi Garcia Thread

« on: March 11, 2024, 01:47:06 AM »

Eve wants AEK star Garcia firing ahead of Copa play-in.
By Andrew Gionnetti (T&T Newsday).

AEK ATHENS leading goal-scorer Levi Garcia scored his third brace of the season on Sunday, coming on as a late substitute to helping the team return to the summit of the table, with a 4-0 away win over Lamia in round one of the Greece Super League playoffs.

Garcia had missed two of his club's last three games with a slight injury, and was subbed off at halftime on February 28 against Giannina. His return for the playoffs was a welcome addition and he was introduced in the 78th minute with his team leading 2-0. The T&T forward took just ten minutes to score with a stunning individual effort.

Athens goalkeeper Cican Stankovic initiated a counter-attack, sending the ball long towards the right flank, just beyond the middle of the pitch, for Garcia. The T&T forward shrugged off his defender before bringing the ball under control with an immaculate first touch. He then blew past another player as he drifted inside and towards goal, before executing a fierce left-footed drive from just outside the box into the top of the net.

He scored again deep in stoppage time to add the icing on the cake for AEK Athens, who sit two points ahead of PAOK FC.

Garcia now sits third in the Greek Super League goal-scorers chart, with 13 goals in 13 matches. Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos leads with 15 goals but featured in eight more matches than Garcia this season.

Garcia’s return to partial fitness and immediate goal-scoring form kept his name fresh on the tongues of T&T fans and head coach Angus Eve, who is seeking to narrow his shortlist of players for the crucial March 23 Copa America play-in game against Canada in Texas.

“We’re cautiously optimistic about Levi maintaining his form, and hopefully staying injury-free,” Eve told Newsday in a telephone interview on Sunday.

Garcia has had injury problems this season and missed the majority of T&T's Concacaf Nations League campaign. He has not played for T&T since coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 first-leg defeat to the United Stated in the Nations League, last November.

However, once fit, he has impressed in front of goal in almost all of his Super League appearances.

“As you know, we haven’t really played with Levi (recently),” Eve said, “And we do have a number of players who are playing (consistently).”

Eve did acknowledge Garcia’s contribution, saying, “When not injured, Levi has been in tremendous form for his club and we would only hope that he can maintain that level of intensity and match fitness that we can have with our ranks.”

He said he will not consider Garcia an automatic starter, even at full fitness, out of respect for other players vying for selection.

“Everyone has to fight for their place and once they maintain their fitness and their match fitness, which are two different things, they have the opportunity to play for the country.”

Newsday asked Eve whether there might be reluctance from some, including AEK Athens, to release a recently injured player for national duty.

He said the TT Football Association and team management have a respectable relationship with national team players’ clubs, and does not experience such problems.

“We’re fortunate that, as a staff – the administrative manager, myself, Mr Richard Piper and Dr (Akash) Dhanai – we have relationships with the medical staff of every team, especially those players who have injury issues. We liaise with them, we get reports from them, we submit reports to them.”

He said he understands Jong PSV’s Dante Gilbert has increased his playing time after returning from injury, along with Judah Garcia, Levi’s younger brother of AEK Athens B.

“We keep abreast of all the players,” Eve said, “by communicating with them individually, the coaches and, for the injured ones, our medical department deals with them.

“We work in synchronisation with the clubs.”

RELATED NEWS

Levi Garcia nets screamer for Athens in return from injury.
By Andrew Gionnetti (T&T Newsday).

AEK ATHENS leading goal-scorer Levi Garcia snatched a swift pair of goals on his return from a short-term injury, helping the Greek Super League leaders to a 4-0 away win over Lamia on Sunday.

Garcia was introduced in the 78th minute and took just ten minutes to score and give Athens a 3-0 lead with a stunning individual effort.

Athens goalkeeper Cican Stankovic initiated a counter-attack, sending the ball long towards the right flank, just beyond the middle of the pitch, for Garcia to control. The T&T forward shrugged off his defender before bringing the ball under control with an immaculate first touch. He then blew past another player as he drifted inside and towards goal, before executing a fierce left-footed drive from just outside the box into the top of the net.

Garcia, who bagged his first goal of the season against the same opponent in a 3-0 home win in November, put the icing on the cake with his second goal deep in stoppage time.

The T&T men’s national team winger now sits third in the Greek Super League goal-scorers chart, with 13 goals in 13 matches. Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos leads with 15 goals but featured in eight more matches than Garcia this season.

Garcia’s return to fitness and immediate goal-scoring form, after missing two weeks of action, will come as welcome news for T&T national men’s team coach Angus Eve and fans, ahead of T&T’s March 23 clash against Canada, both teams’ last chance of qualification for the 2024 Copa America in the United States.