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Topics - FireBrand

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31
Jokes / Best prank...ever!!!
« on: December 13, 2012, 10:12:44 AM »
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/m_CJ5iKuqwI" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/m_CJ5iKuqwI</a>

32
Football / 'Warriors' go for opening win vs Haiti
« on: December 06, 2012, 03:24:25 PM »
'Warriors' go for opening win vs Haiti
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).


Trinidad and Tobago’s Senior Men’s team will attempt to make a winning start to their Caribbean Cup Finals campaign as they set off on their quest to cop their ninth regional title and secure a spot at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup  when they face off with Haiti from 5pm on Friday.

The venue is the Antigua Recreation Ground at which an opening ceremony will precede the opener and 7pm kick off between the hosts Antigua/Barbuda and Dominican Republic.

Up to Thursday, the organizers were  busy putting the  finishing touches on the venue which played centre-stage to Brian Lara’s record breaking innings on two occasions and up to last week attracted visiting tourists who merely wanted to step on the surface on which Lara flourished.

Team captain Jan Michael Williams and his teammates were however almost driven off the same green carpet on Wednesday by the facility engineer who became furious because of the team’s desire to hold a training session. T&T joint head coaches Jamaal Shabazz and Hutson Charles opted to train on the sidelines, away from the playing area but were forced to scamper for safety when the individual drove his pick up van towards their position. Another brief discussion took place but T&T continued with their work out which lasted a total of 45 minutes. All this occurred  after the coaching staff decided against using an unsuitable venue that was described as “not even good enough for a cow to graze on.”

“It was not the actual face-off we were hoping for on our first day in Antigua,” Shabazz told TTFF Media.

“But we are here to complete a mission and we simply requested some time and space to prepare for the  task before us on Friday. We knew it would be difficult in an away country. We did our work at home in Trinidad and we’ll train once tomorrow (Thursday) before going into battle on Friday against the Haitians.”

T&T are based at the Halcyon Cove Beach Hotel along with Haiti, Cuba and Dominican Republic, less than ten minutes drive from the match venue. The conditions have been humid here so far but very much suitable for good play.

“The ground seems to be in good condition and we’ll get ourselves ready for the match,” Charles commented.

“It’s important for us to get off to a good start and set the pace for the rest of the tournament. The players know that. The vibe is good at the moment and we’ll be looking to transfer that onto the pitch.”

Former US-based midfielder Kevin Molino was part other of the team in 2010 that lost the Finals opener 2-0 to Cuba. He’s is hoping to see T&T through to the semi-finals this time.

“I think some of the players are a lot more experienced and have improved since we played in 2010. We know we cannot afford to settle late in the tournament. We have to be on top of our game from the word go. I’m looking forward to a good start,” Molino said.

W Connection midfielder Hughtun Hector netted twice and Devorn Jorsling was also on the scoresheet when T&T pounded Haiti 4-0 in the previous Caribbean Cup qualifying meet between the teams in 2010. But Haiti will be keen to make up for that loss.

“They will be tougher this time and around and we have to be ready for that,” said Shabazz who was in charge of Guyana during their  1-0 loss to the same opponents last month in Grenada.

“They will by no means be easy to overcome and it’s important that we work harder than them and show exactly why we deserve to take the first three points in the group.”

Skipper Williams, Lester Peltier, Joevin Jones, Daneil Cyrus and Jamal Gay were all on the substitutes bench during the 4-0 win and certainly will be looking to play their part in leading  T&T to what would be a sixth victory over Haiti in the Regional final dating back to 1998. Haiti have beaten T&T once in this tournament, a 2-1 result in the 2007 Final at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Up to Thursday, the organizers were confirming which nations would televise the Finals live after an agreement was reached with CMC Sports for live production of the matches.  Fans can however access live internet streaming via www.caribbeanfootballunion.org.

33
Football / Go for the Title - SWO previews Caribbean Cup.
« on: October 27, 2012, 05:58:43 PM »
Go for the Title.
By Inshan Mohammed.


Trinidad and Tobago men’s national team will go into the second round of the CFU Caribbean Cup qualifiers with a staggering 15 goal record from its first round exploits. The Soca Warriors defied all odds and shone a bright light on T&T football after a steady decline following its participation at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

It’s no secret that T&T football is in shambles at the moment, but I believe that winning the 2012 Caribbean Cup tournament could usher in the dawn of brighter days ahead for T&T football. In order for this to come to fruition though, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) must put aside all self serving agendas and settle with the “2006 World Cup 13”, have a well publicized and fair election, aim to become a self sustaining organization with less reliance on government funding; and most of all rewrite the TTFF constitution to prevent any internal or external entity from taking control as Jack Warner has done for so many years.

The Soca Warriors meanwhile will play host to Cuba, Suriname and St. Vincent & the Grenadines from November 14-18, only 3 days after the TTFF presidential election, and it is rumoured that the venue will be Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago. The top two teams will then advance to the eight-nation Caribbean Cup final in Antigua & Barbuda during the month of December. From this tournament four teams will advance to next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.

One must ponder though on whether or not this second round tournament will actually come off? Based on the constant rift between the TTFF and the Ministry of Sports (MoS) Anil Roberts and his mouth piece deputy and Permanent Secretary Ashwin Creed, it’s hard not to envision the possibility of this predicament. Questions like who is going to pay for the stadium usage must be asked? Maybe a call to Nicki Minaj might provide the answers.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand, Trinidad and Tobago went into the first round of the CFU Caribbean Cup qualifying literally unprepared with only one game played against Canada in August. Had it not been for the Canadian Soccer Association’s (CSA) added effort, T&T would probably have not played a friendly match as the Federation is strapped for cash.

Furthermore, the team has been inactive since February and despite not having a permanent coach T&T still managed to breeze through the first round unscathed, scoring 15 goals and conceding only one goal in the process.

Former Strike Squad midfielder Hutson Charles is currently the team's caretaker with 6 games under his belt and a coaching record of four wins and two losses. The four wins came against Caribbean opposition while the two losses were against Finland and Canada respectively. This by all means is not a poor coaching record, but it certainly does not warrant him being promoted to the hot seat.

I would like to see our team play with discipline, purpose, organization and structure and not play like individuals going through the motions on a field. Is Charles the man who can instill these qualities and successfully coach the Warriors? Only time and sterner opponents will answer this question?

In the meantime, Coach Charles seems to have his mind set on a 4-5-1 formation approach with inform striker Jamal Gay leading the attack. Talented left-footer Keon Daniel, the midfield trickster Hughtun Hector, pacey winger Kevon Carter, newly promoted midfielder Joevin Jones, and the smooth passing midfielder Densill Theobald all played the supporting casts.

Defenders Carlyle Mitchell, Daneil Cyrus, Seon Power and Robert Primus anchored the defence, while Jan “The Man” Michael Williams was preferred between the sticks to Marvin Phillip. The two lads have been competing for the number one spot since the Under 17 level. This time however, Williams got the nod.

Jamal Gay justified his pick by finishing the first round group stage as leading goal scorer with 5 goals, Keon Daniel amassed 4 and Willis Plaza grabbed 3.

The core of the team was mainly a locally based unit and although the opponents they faced were mediocre at best, T&T still managed to fly this country's flag high and definitely gave the Warrior fans something to cheer about.  In spite of this success though, it’s hard to forget the adversity the team faced at the hands of the Ministry of Sports who always seems to be lurking over T&T football like the grim reaper.

Now as we look to the second round, in my humble opinion, I feel that T&T has nothing but the Caribbean Cup to play for and the TTFF needs to take this tournament seriously and channel all its resources and available players to give the Team the best chance of winning the Caribbean title.

Will it be easy? Certainly not, as underestimating our Caribbean neighbors in the past few years has lead to embarrassing eliminations from the Gold Cup and World Cup Qualifiers.

Not that these so called smaller teams are not improving to a competitive standard, but T&T football has been at a standstill and is played on a sub-par level.  Our team lacks fluidity and organization especially in defence and the players seem to also lack desire and determination to play for the national team.  If the TTFF does not lead by example and get its house in order, T&T football could reach a level where it would be literally impossible to revive.

What we need at this juncture is to confidently put our best foot forward in the Caribbean Cup and select the best foreign based players available. Here are some of the foreign based players that I believe can help us bring the title back to T&T for a ninth time:

Worthy of a call up

Andre Boucaud – Lately Boucaud has been in terrific form for his on-loan club Notts County (League One) and it’s puzzling that he hasn't really gotten a chance to prove his worth for the national team. A call up for the second round could quell all doubts on whether he can help enhance the team’s chances to make it to the finals. Andre is no stranger to T&T football and his never die attitude is always a welcomed bonus for the Warriors. He also stated to me recently that he is always ready and eager to represent T&T and would be delighted to receive a call up for the semi-final and/or final round of the Caribbean Cup.

Cordell Cato - Based on the games he has played for the Seattle Sounders it is easy to see that his speed on the right wing, ability to take on defenders and his crossing can be a major asset to T&T. As a starter or a super sub he has the potential to be one of the danger men for the Warriors. The MLS season is almost over and Cato will more than likely be available if selected.

Christopher Birchall - It’s no secret that this Warrior veteran provides the steel in the Warriors’ midfield (a much needed element missing in T&T teams) and it’s baffling that he was not included in the T&T squad that topped its Caribbean Cup quarterfinal group. As we face tougher opponents in the second round though, a well organize midfield with Chris as the anchor is crucial. 

Foreign born who are eligible to play for T&T

Kamani Hill - This California native is eligible to play for T&T through his father and though he has been capped twice by the US in friendly matches, the Colorado Rapids midfielder can still represent T&T if he decides to don the Red, White and Black.

Nick DeLeon - The son of a T&T football legend, Nick has all the ingredients to be as good as or even better than his father Leroy. Whether or not he decides to make the switch in T&T colors, well that’s another story. Let's make the call and find out though.

Sheanon Williams - If reports are to be believed, the Philadelphia Union defender has expressed interest in representing T&T.  We should at least aim to cap him before the US comes calling. At 22 Sheanon is a young and talented right-back who loves to overlap. He has good recovery speed and can cross the ball accurately.

The backbone

Then we have our core foreign based players to beef up the Soca Warriors team. These players have a lot to offer based on club form, potential, experience and/or exemplary service to T&T and include;  Carlos Edwards, Jlloyd Samuel, Lester Peltier, Khaleem Hyland, Kevin Molino, Kenwyne Jones, Darryl Roberts, Julius James and Kendall Jagdeosingh.

Notable mention should also be made of some of the foreign based fringe players T&T has at its disposal. They include but are not limited to: Mekeil Williams, Jake Thomson, Sean De Silva, Leston Paul, and Justin Fojo.

I believe this combination of experience and youth players would make a solid platform for the future of T&T football. All of these players cannot be selected, but the best from this crop can certainly give us a competitive edge going into the second round of the Caribbean Cup.

Getting it right.

Just asked yourself, why was T&T knocked out off the Caribbean Cup twice in succession by Grenada and eliminated from the 2014 World Cup by CONCACAF minnows Guyana? It seems like every other Caribbean country is taking their football seriously. Isn't it time T&T does the same?

It’s now up to the TTFF to make the right decisions regarding the path our football should take. In the face of incessant failures and adversity, now more than ever is the time to get it right and put T&T football back in its place of prominence.  The Caribbean Cup title can be ours again and as a Warrior fan…I believe it!


34
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/s3F1k2INZcU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/s3F1k2INZcU</a>

He is in the lead role as young Michael Beach of Soul Food, Third Watch and ER fame. The full episode aired on Saturday 15th September 2012 and can be viewed on Time Warner Cable Look Back feature or On Demand. I will post a link to the full episode soon. 


35
Trinidad and Tobago History / Santa Cruz 'home of the first TV'
« on: September 10, 2012, 10:16:02 AM »
Santa Cruz 'home of the first TV'
By Louis B Homer South Bureau (Trinidad Express)

 
Santa Cruz Valley is historically known for its cocoa plantations and production.
It is also the home of cricketing superstars Brian Charles Lara and Jeffrey Stollmeyer.
It was home to Jonas Mohammed Bath, Sultan of Yalliallhad, who was partly responsible for the construction of the famed Fort George.
But not well known is that Santa Cruz was also the laboratory for a man who would one day invent the television.
John Logie Baird, a Scottish engineer, spent time researching his invention on a cocoa estate in the Santa Cruz Valley, and produced the first-ever television, which earned him the title of "Father of Television".
Baird had arrived in Trinidad in 1919 to begin researching the television. He had chosen the cool valley of Santa Cruz because weather conditions there were helping him to recover from an illness plaguing him for many years.
At Santa Cruz, he worked alone on his secret project.
His neighbours on the estate regarded him as a queer character who was creating ghosts in their quiet neighbourhood. The ghosts they were complaining about were the images transmitted by Baird while working feverishly on the production of television.
When he started his research, no one believed that it was possible to broadcast pictures, but that did not daunt his spirit.
His immediate problem was poverty. He had run out of money to continue his research and was forced to find ways and means of making an income to support himself.
A poverty-stricken Baird then embarked upon a plan to produce fruit jams from fruits that were available in the valley, and with raw sugar from the factories he set himself up as a manufacturer of fruit jams.
In the beginning, production was satisfactory until he encountered problems with insects. They devoured the sugar needed to produce the jam, or ended up inside the container used for boiling the fruits.
Meanwhile, his television project was gaining ground, but he needed some equipment to complete what was to become the first television set in the world.
By the time he was ready to return to England, he had already produced the first television set at Santa Cruz, and was working on colour television.
Thus Santa Cruz Valley became home to the first television produced. By then he was able to send pictures from London to New York using short-wave radio and a system he called "phonovision".
Continuing his research, Baird also pioneered high-definition colour and 3D televisions, and a system for sending messages very rapidly as television messages.
Baird returned to England in 1920 to continue his experiments. Five years later, he held his first public demonstration of television in Selfridge's, London.
The first public television programme was broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in 1936, and by the 1950s televisions were beginning to appear in every home in the United States.
Born in Scotland, Baird was the younger child of Rev John and Jessie Baird. In his early years, he showed signs of ingenuity by setting up a telephone exchange to connect his house to nearby friends.
His first interest in television came in 1903 after reading a German book on the photo-electric properties of selenium.
Baird graduated from the Royal Technical College in Glasgow soon after the outbreak of the First World War.
For a short while, he worked with companies providing services in electrical engineering until he started a small business manufacturing and marketing water-absorbent material, after which he decided to travel to Trinidad.
Although the invention had its beginning in Trinidad, it was not until August 24, 1962 that commercial television was broadcast in this country.
The first set of films was shot by Wilfred A Lee and Co, who operated a studio on Park Street, Port of Spain.
The films produced by Lee were transmitted to the nation by newly formed Trinidad and Tobago Television Company (TTT).
The films were aired in preparation for this country's Independence scheduled for August 31, 1962. Commercial television, however, did not begin in Trinidad until November when TTT was officially inaugurated.
The majority shareholders of TTT were Redifussion and Scottish Television, Columbia Broadcasting Systems and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Chairman of the company was Sir Patrick Hobson. The station's first manager was Ronald Goodman and Ken Gordon was the company's first programme director.
The big telecast for Independence began at 9 p.m. on August 30, and the programme continued until this country's flag was raised at midnight.
On Independence Day, the proceedings in the Red House were telecast to a crowd of some 1,000 viewers who had assembled at Woodford Square to see the colourful ceremony in which Princess Royal brought greetings from Her Majesty the Queen, while Dr Eric Williams and Opposition Leader Dr Rudranath Capildeo made brief addresses.

36
Trinidad and Tobago History / Frederick St, 1976
« on: August 28, 2012, 11:30:42 AM »

37
What about Track & Field / The Golden Boy Keshorn Walcott Thread
« on: August 11, 2012, 01:43:41 PM »
Congrats Keshorn and T&T!!! The waggon rolling out!!!

38
As a result of revived interest from the SocaWarriors.net fantasy football fraternity, we are happy to announce the continuation of the Warrior Nation/SocaWarriors.net Champions League, utilizing the same head to head league template we have used in past competitions.

There will be 20 teams competing against each other, home and away, for the duration of 38 game weeks. The 20 teams for this year’s competition will be invited to participate based on their 2011-2012 season ranking in the following SocaWarriors.net fantasy leagues; Andre Samuel, Picong and the Big League.

Since the Andre Samuel League is the most competitive of the three leagues, the top 14 managers automatically qualify for this year’s competition. The top 3 managers from Picong and the Big League will comprise the 3 remaining managers.

The winner of the 2012-2013 Champions League will automatically qualify for the 2013-2014 FPL Vibes Prize League and will not be required to pay the $50 registration fee.

Registration deadline: August 12th, 2012.

If you are a top 25 Andre Samuel League manager, a top 6 Picong manager and a top 11 Big League manager and you are interested in participating in this year’s competition, please email your name, email address and team name as it appears below to warriorfire@gmail.com.  Should one or more of the top 20 managers fail to submit their contact information by the August 12th deadline the manager or managers in all 3 leagues with the highest season score outside of the top 20 will be registered. Managers in red qualify for the SW.net Champions League.



Andre Samuel League

   #   Team            Manager                       GW    TOT
   1   Zoffer FC      andre rodrigues           53   2,245
   2   Touches United   Damian Joseph   50   2,200
   3   Manuvelona    D. Celestine (2 cents)   55   2,166
   4   Harchester United   Keiron Baptiste   51   2,155
   5   The Pheonix   Logan Dread   70   2,152
   6   Tygah Kyat FC   Renee Milford   50   2,145
   7   Watchmen United   Michael Joseph   76   2,140
   8   Free Ian,Kartel&BujuKyle Thomas   51   2,130
   9   Bust D Net               Mo De Ho   44   2,130
   10   SONS OF GUNNS   alkanah tuitt   48   2,125
   11   MUFCisstillToots   Keven Cassimire   52   2,119
   12   Dreadman United   David Joachim   53   2,109
   13   Mighty "O"         Dwight Campbell   53   2,104
   14   AC GUNNERS FC      Alon Cooper   43   2,100

   15   Tu Mama                  JDB .        62   2,095
   16   Barcainengland FC    Nkosi Doyle   45   2,093
   17   bayern munich       arif Varachhia   43   2,091
   18   FC King's Wharf               R M   39   2,090
   19   Box Penetrators       Peter Chang   41   2,078
   20   Fluffers Utd.          Derek Sinarine   45   2,077
   21   White Oak FC         Densil Tobas   46   2,071
   22   Soca Warriors        Andre Samuel   58   2,068
   23   Sporting Pelau FC   Omar Romero   51   2,068
   24   Dove Nation FC        Dovey Dove   46   2,059
   25   EGYPT FC              Darryl Renaud   43   2,056
     
           


The Big League
       
   #   Team                  Manager              GW       TOT
   1   Touches United   Damian Joseph   50   2,200
   2   The Pheonix   Logan Dread    70   2,152
   3   SONS OF GUNNS   alkanah tuitt   48   2,125
   4   Arima                   high grade           53   2,123
   5   Dreadman United   David Joachim   53   2,109
   6   bayern munich   arif Varachhia   43   2,091
   7   FC King's Wharf   R M                   39   2,090
   8   White Oak FC   Densil Tobas   46   2,071

   9   Soca Warriors   Andre Samuel   58   2,068
   10   BESBRAHN FC   Rene Ribeiro   49   2,050
   11   Plaisance Park Piper  Night Mare   54   2,040


Picong

   #     Team                  Manager                                       GW     TOT
   1   Manuvelona             D. Celestine (2 cents)           55   2,131
   2   Lost Cause FC       ANNEX. OF PUERTO RICO   44   2,108
   3   Barcainengland FC  Nkosi Doyle         45   2,043
   4   Sporting Pelau FC     Omar "Special One" Romero   51   2,013

   5   Camp. Campeones  Darinus W. Ramroopus           46   1,996
   6   Fc Juma             The Merovingian          38   1,976
   

40
General Discussion / Turtle tragedy
« on: July 09, 2012, 10:31:08 AM »


Turtle tragedy...thousands of hatchlings crushed to death
By: Kim Boodram (Trinidad Express).

 
THOUSANDS of leatherback hatchlings were crushed to death at the weekend as the Ministry of Works used excavators to redirect the Grande Riviere River, at the north east coast.

The Ministry had been called in when the river, running west, eroded most of the beach front, threatening the stability of several homes and hotels.

The community was horrified, though, when excavation work began Saturday without their knowledge on what is the most nest-intensive part of the beach.

Among those buildings under threat was the Mt Plaisir Estate Restaurant and Hotel, the most popular tourist accommodation during turtle nesting season.

The Ministry was called in two weeks ago by hotel owner Piero Guerrini.
The massacre that took place over the past two days was not the help that was expected.
"It is so unfortunate and there are so many mixed feelings," Guerrini said.
"This is a shock. On the one hand the erosion needed to be stopped but what has happened here is not right," he said.

Marc deVerteuil, of Papa Bois Conservation said the debacle could have been avoided with proper land zoning and co-ordination between relevant agencies.

Sherwin Reyz, a member of the Grand Riviere Environmental Organisation, spent yesterday salvaging those hatchlings that were still alive – and clearing the beach of hundreds of dead ones.

Brought to tears several times, Reyz contended that the river mouth could have been opened without that part of the beach being torn up.

"You think they had to do this?" Reyz said.

"This is the worst set of destruction I have ever seen by humans on turtles."

Reyz was among those in the community who began a rescue mission early yesterday and by evening had saved abut 500 hatchlings.

The babies were kept in a cool dugout area behind Mt Plaisir hotel, to be released last night.

Among them could be seen those who had been too badly injured and would clearly not make it.

On the beach, hundreds of eggs could be seen, some crushed and some rolling in the surf. Here and there, hatchlings could be seen fighting for life, some still partially in the shell.

Excavation work went on all day in what is classed by conservationists as zone four of Grande Riviere, which is just over a kilometre long and is the third most prolific sea turtle nesting site in the world.

Len Peters, head of Turtle Village Trust, said while yesterday's toll was unfortunate, much of the nesting area had already been lost to the river.

Peters said there was also sometimes a compromise to be made when animals and people share the same space. In this case, the welfare of the community had to be considered.

Peters said the weekend's tragedy should not have happened in the first place, since the river had started to swing west since December last year.

Repeated attempts to have the course redirected since then were futile, he said, and the Ministry waited too late to act.

"This intervention was necessary," Peters said.

"We would have lost more nesting space eventually. We didn't lose a lot of eggs, although this is an engineering disaster. At the very least, the EMA (Environmental Management Authority) should have been present to direct this operation."

41
Trinidad and Tobago History / Aviation History
« on: June 26, 2012, 09:44:07 PM »


Who remember TTAS and de petrol burning Avro?

42
Football / Sepp Blatter wants goal-line tech
« on: June 20, 2012, 09:11:18 PM »
Sepp Blatter wants goal-line tech.
ESPN.com.


WARSAW, Poland -- The most powerful man in soccer called goal-line technology a "necessity" Wednesday, only hours after Ukraine was denied what appeared to be a legitimate goal in its must-win match against England at the European Championship.

"After last night's match GLT is no longer an alternative but a necessity," FIFA president Sepp Blatter wrote on Twitter.

Marko Devic's shot in the 62nd minute of Tuesday's match looped up off England goalkeeper Joe Hart and appeared to cross the goal line before it was cleared by defender John Terry. The official standing near the post didn't signal for a goal, leaving the referee no option but to play on.

If the goal had been awarded, Ukraine would have pulled even at 1-1. But the co-hosts instead lost 1-0, a result that eliminated them from the tournament.

Ukraine's players complained furiously, coach Oleg Blokhin raged on the touch line, and Twitter was quickly awash with indignation, reaction and opinion on goal-line technology.

Ukraine prime minister Mykola Azarov said Wednesday that even he saw the ball cross the line.

Azarov told The Associated Press on Wednesday that "if I saw from the stands that the ball had crossed the goal line, the referee was bound to see that."

He called on UEFA to "draw conclusions about this refereeing ... so that such incidents don't take place in the future."

The high-profile incident added to the momentum behind providing referees with high-tech aids to make accurate decisions.

UEFA is using Euro 2012 as a trial for the five-official system that features a referee, two linesmen and two additional assistants beside the goal. It's UEFA president Michel Platini's preferred alternative to goal-line technology.

FIFA will decide on July 5 whether to approve the five-official system and either of the two goal-line technology systems currently being tested in England and Denmark.

Speaking at a media briefing in Warsaw on Monday, Platini said he expects goal-line technology to be approved at the International Football Association Board meeting.

"Yes, Blatter will do it," Platini said. "He will (introduce) the technology, but I think it's a big mistake. ... It's the beginning of the technology, the arrival of the technology."

Critics often hark back to a number of memorable goal-line incidents whenever a fresh controversy occurs.

The most famous came in the 1966 World Cup final, when Geoff Hurst's shot that hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced down was ruled a goal. It gave England a 3-2 lead over Germany, and Hurst later completed his hat trick for a 4-2 win.

In a match between the same two countries at the 2010 World Cup, a long shot by England midfielder Frank Lampard bounced down behind goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's line before spinning back out. Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda looked across at his linesman and allowed play to continue. The goal would have made it 2-2, but instead England lost 4-1.

Platini said Monday that if an official had been beside the goal that day, he would have spotted that Lampard's shot crossed the line.

"Of course, because it's his job to see if the ball is inside the line," Platini said.

Two days later, those words are coming back to haunt him.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

43
Fantasy League / SocaWarriors.net Fantasy League Champions
« on: May 16, 2012, 03:46:14 PM »
Congratulations to Andre Rodrigues, Damian "Touches" Joseph and Darryl "2Cents" Celestine, 2011-2012 season winners of the Andre Samuel League, The Big League and Picong respectively. Our three champions also finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Andre Samuel League. Big up to the top 10 finishers in all Soca Warriors Online Leagues!

Andre Samuel League

   #   Team            Manager                       GW    TOT
   1   Zoffer FC      andre rodrigues           53   2,245
   2   Touches United   Damian Joseph   50   2,200
   3   Manuvelona    D. Celestine (2 cents)   55   2,166
   4   Harchester United   Keiron Baptiste   51   2,155
   5   The Pheonix   Logan Dread   70   2,152

   6   Tygah Kyat FC   Renee Milford   50   2,145
   7   Watchmen United   Michael Joseph   76   2,140
   8   Free Ian,Kartel&BujuKyle Thomas   51   2,130
   9   Bust D Net               Mo De Ho   44   2,130
   10   SONS OF GUNNS   alkanah tuitt   48   2,125


The Big League
       
   #   Team                  Manager              GW       TOT
   1   Touches United   Damian Joseph   50   2,200
   2   The Pheonix   Logan Dread    70   2,152
   3   SONS OF GUNNS   alkanah tuitt   48   2,125
   4   Arima                   high grade           53   2,123
   5   Dreadman United   David Joachim   53   2,109

   6   bayern munich   arif Varachhia   43   2,091
   7   FC King's Wharf   R M                   39   2,090
   8   White Oak FC   Densil Tobas   46   2,071
   9   Soca Warriors   Andre Samuel   58   2,068
   10   BESBRAHN FC   Rene Ribeiro   49   2,050


Picong

   #     Team                  Manager                                       GW     TOT
   1   Manuvelona             D. Celestine (2 cents)           55   2,131
   2   Lost Cause FC       ANNEX. OF PUERTO RICO   44   2,108
   3   Barcainengland FC  Nkosi Doyle         45   2,043
   4   Sporting Pelau FC     Omar "Special One" Romero   51   2,013
   5   Camp. Campeones  Darinus W. Ramroopus           46   1,996

   6   Fc Juma             The Merovingian          38   1,976
   7   Show me the $$     Randall B                52   1,970
   8   Puncheon and Rum Curtis Marshall         54   1,954
   9   Esoteric FC              Vikarno Hunte         57   1,943
   10   Artemis              Nicole Allum         54   1,940

Click on the League titles for full standings.

44
Welcome back, Candice!
By: Lasana Liburd (Wire868)


...Beauty queen wakes up for Mother's Day

Trinidad and Tobago and W Connection FC goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams, 27, said "hello babes" into his cell phone receiver, held his breath and waited.

"Yes babes?" a familiar voice responded, from the other end.

It was Wednesday 9 May 2012 and Williams, the Connection captain, had just arrived for club training at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva with his teammate Clyde Leon, who drove them there.

"Dawg, I going up the road," said Williams.

Leon handed him the car keys. Connection would have to wait. Candice Worrell, Williams' fiancée, had just spoken to her beloved for the first time in 110 days.

Almost four months after a brutal attack outside her Jenexcon Engineering workplace in Montrose, Couva that sent her into a coma, Worrell was finally back.

"I think I reached up the road (to the St James Medical Complex) in two minutes," said Williams. "I didn't say a word to the coach or anybody else. I just went straight up the road."

The former St Anthony's College schoolboy tried to describe his feelings at hearing her voice but failed.
When Williams sprinted into his 29-year-old fiancée's hospital room, Worrell, a health and safety officer, turned her head to face him and smiled. It was the smile that gave her a second and more glamorous occupation as a model and beauty queen.

READ MORE...





45
Jan-Michael Williams says thanks for SWO and Warrior Nation $upport.
By: Inshan Mohammed.


In keeping with its objective to positively contribute to T&T football, the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) and the Warrior Nation (WN) have stepped forward in assisting a past servant of the men’s national football team, Mr. Jan-Michael Williams and his family.

The W Connection (WCFC) captain and former T&T goalkeeper was in a terrible state and in need of support and financial assistant after his fiancée, Candice Worrell was literally left fighting for her life at the St Clair Medical Centre in Port of Spain a few months running.

Though her condition has improved, the former beauty queen is still recovering at the Medical Centre after she was brutally assaulted and robbed outside her work place at 38 John Street, Montrose, Chaguanas earlier this year.

While her family pleads for financial assistance from the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Rupert T. Griffith and Chaguanas MP Jack Warner, the SWO and the Warrior Nation have contributed to the cause and made a $5,000.00 donation to the Williams’ family, with another event in their honor to be planned soon.

While the amount donated may not be a large sum, we hope that when combined with other donations it will help ease the financial burden placed on the family as a result of the aforementioned horrific occurrence.

Below are a few questions Jan Michael Williams was asked shortly after the presentation was made by our very own Patricia “Brown Sugar” Smart.

1. How has the incident with Candice affected your ability to represent W Connection.
It has been rough.  But I think the experience helped me to focus better on and off the field.

2. I read an article in the Express where Candice’s mom has stated that the family needs help with Candice’s medical bills?  What are your thoughts on the level of support from teammates, your club, other clubs, the general public etc.?
The support from the wider public has been very good.  It was a bit rough at first but as time went by the support got better and donations such as tonight are coming in and it’s really appreciated.

3. What are your thoughts on the crime situation in the country?
It is bad. I think the government should do more although within recent times I have seen an increase in the number of police patrols in various neighborhoods.  But I think that more could be done to catch these criminals.

4. How is your daughter Nevaeh doing?
(Pronounced Nay-vee-yah).   She is doing fine.  She will be 14 months in 2 days and she is just mischievous as ever. (chuckle)....

5. You played overseas for a while.  What was the experience like?
I enjoyed it.  I learned a lot having played in a number European countries.  Because of that experience I can share my knowledge with my teammates at W Connection.

6. Why didn't you remain playing overseas?
A number of reasons. I was in the process of purchasing/building a home in Trinidad and I felt I needed to be around physically. Then there is the problem of racism in Hungary with Ferencvárosi TC that affected me directly as a black goalkeeper and it was difficult to deal with at times.  Additionally, the situation with the club became untenable after a while and I felt the best move was to come back home to my club W Connection.

7. Do you have any plans for overseas trials (once Candice’s condition has stabilized)?
No.  Due to my age I don’t think it’s in my best interest to go back on trials etc. By the way, Candice actually spoke to her mother today albeit briefly. So it appears as though she is recovering slowly but steadily.

8. How has the experience of being named WCFC Captain been?
It’s been very good and I’m enjoying it immensely.

9. What are your thoughts on the state of football on a National level?
Ooooohhhhh!!!  That one is tricky.  I think that change is needed in the administration of football on a national level.   A step in the right direction was made by including someone like Anthony Harford and more people like him need to become involved.  But overall, the current football administration needs to be overhauled.

10. Have you ever visited the Socawarriors.net website?
An emphatic yes!!  It is my number one website.  I don’t get to go onto the internet very often, but when I do it is the first site I visit.  The site is a good source of information.  I really like the vibes there.   Oh yes I forgot to mention a special thanks to Flex personally and thanks to SocaWarriors.net/WarriorNation members for their love and support.

The SWO would like to wish Candice a complete and speedy recovery as we continue to keep her in our prayers. We would also like to thank Jan Michael Williams for taking the time to do this interview for us even in these tough times. We hope to see many follow our lead and come and support our fellow country man.

Finally, special thanks to the SWO/Warrior Nation members who made it possible.

Alexander
Blades
Zandolie
NUFF
JDB
TnTWC06
E-man
Cantona007
Football Supporter
dtool
Supporter
Flex Mohammed
Tallman
FF
StoreBayLimer
Sam
Brownsugar
lefty
royalian
Agent Jack Bauer
Feliziano
FireBrand
Soccerman
VB


46
Football / T&T U-17s top Panama in second friendly
« on: April 21, 2012, 10:29:54 AM »
T&T U-17s top Panama in second friendly
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).


Trinidad and Tobago’s Under 17 Women’s team closed their two-match training camp with a 3-2 victory over Panama Under 17s on Friday at the Estadio Agustín 'Muquita' Sánchez.

The game was the second between both teams which are preparing for the CONCACAF final round of Under 17 World Cup qualifiers in Guatemala City next month.

T&T were at one stage leading the hosts comfortably 3-0 through goals by captain Anique Walker, Diarra Simmons and Marlique Assoon. But Panama hit back with two goals of their own to set up a close finish but the Even Pellerud coached T&T held on for the win. 

The earlier game had been called off because of strong thunder and lightning  after 55 minutes on Wednesday with the scores at  0-0 and when the second 45 minutes was played out the following day, T&T finished on top 1-0 through a goal by Walker who nailed the rebound after Khadidra Debesette’s shot came back off the crossbar.

Pellerud expressed some level of satisfaction with the team’s showing as they look ahead to the May 3rd opener against Mexico in Guatemala City, also facing the United States and Bahamas in their other two opening group encounters.

“I was pretty satisfied that we came away with the victory but I wasn’t happy that we allowed them to get back into the game with two goals with one being an own goal,” Pellerud told TTFF Media.

“Generally we were the better team as we also played positive in the second 45 minutes on Thursday but we have some tidying up to do in certain areas and we will continue to work on that when we get to Fort Lauderdale for the other training camp from Sunday.

“Panama proved to be excellent hosts and the games were useful in our preparations. We had a great opportunity to get in some match practice and now the girls have a better idea of what can be achieved once we play strong as a unit and believe in our ability. The focus will be on the Mexico game now but we will of course play a couple more training games in Fort Lauderdale to fine tune for the tournament,” Pellerud added.

47
Football / Peltier hits #10 in Slovakia
« on: April 19, 2012, 05:34:04 PM »
Peltier hits #10 in Slovakia
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).

   
National team midfielder Kevin Molino helped his Orlando City to a convincing 4-1 victory over Wilmington Hammerherds in the USL Pro Division on Sunday, setting up two of the goals as his club returned to action at the Florida Citrus Bowl before 8,421 fans.

Molino combined well with the brother of Wayne Rooney, John, who struck two goals for the defending League champions. Rooney’s second goal in the 41st minute came when he drilled a shot into the net off a pass from Molino in the middle of the box.

Molino also assisted on the second goal of the season for Oviedo High and Rollins College alum Dennis Chin in the 65th minute.

Across in England Jason Scotland netted a 59th minute goal in Ipswich Town’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace which also saw Carlos Edwards playing all of Saturday’s match. This time though Scotland didn’t have his shorts pulled down by teammates like they did when he scored a previous equalizer against Southampton.

Teammate Damien Delaney explained the goal celebration, saying, “I think it’s Jason really, because he’s kind of the first one to voice his opinion on everything.

The lads were just happy that he had scored, because he had maybe not had the best of times on the bench recently.People just like pulling Jason’s shorts down, I suppose, and bringing him back down to earth!” added Delaney.

And  over in Belgium, Lester Peltier netted his 10th goal of the season for As Trencin as they drew 2-2 with Zilina in the Slovak Superliga. Khaleem Hyland also enjoyed full action in Racing Genk’s 3-1 win over Anderlecht in the Belgium top league.


48
Football / Double K - Brothers on the ball
« on: April 19, 2012, 05:31:09 PM »
Double K - Brothers on the ball
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).

 
It’s not everyday you have brothers excelling for their country in different sporting disciplines. Of course we’ve had brothers succeeding for a national team in a particular sport, whether it be football or cricket, from the Gangas (Darren and Sherwin) to the Phillips (Winston and Lincoln), from the Josephs (Sedley and Alan) to the Davis’ (Brian and Charlie) who also had a sister Alana who played hockey for T&T).

The list can go on. History shows Keno and Stokely Mason and Clint and Dwight Yorke among those where one played cricket and the other football for Trinidad and Tobago. And the latest duo in such position is National midfielder Kevin Molino and brother Kevon Cooper who is the latest attraction in the Indian Premier Cricket League with Rajasthan Royals.

Cooper starred for T&T in recent Twenty/Twenty competitions and is now earning rave reviews in the IPL while Molino  has been tipped to be T&T’s next general in the midfield. Molino struck a beavertrick in a 9-1 win over Suriname to seal T&T’s qualification for the final round of CONCACAF Olympic qualification during which he was also T&T’s best player, scoring against Mexico.

He netted a 90th minute goal on the weekend in Orlando City’s 2-0 win over Charlotte Eagles in the United States USL Pro Division. Cooper meantime snapped up seven wickets in two matches in India. He was featured in ESPN' cricinfo  and the Hindustan Times on Monday

“We’ve been playing football for as long as we could remember but he chose cricket and I decided to stick with the football. But sport in our blood from since ‘we young’ and we support each other as much as we can,” Molino said. “He’s doing his thing in India and I’m trying to do my best in the US and hopefully move on to even bigger things in the future.”

The 23-year-old Cooper  relayed that he choose cricket for good on being selected for the T&T under 19 cricket team after being persuaded by his father. Brian Lara is his idol while Russell Latapy is Molino’s favourite.  "I come from a family of footballers but my Dad helped me choose cricket," said Cooper who was seen waiting in the  lobby of a five-star hotel in Jaipur dribbling a football before reporters.

“We’d like to bring more to the game like they did and hopefully help Trinidad and Tobago achieve some kind of success on the international stage again,” added the 21-year-old Molino who helped T&T qualify for the 2007 FIFA Under 17 World Cup with a lone winner against Jamaica in Kingston and also played at the 2009 FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Egypt. As for Cooper's short term dream, "Sachin's Tendulkar's wicket" he quickly added.


49
General Discussion / Trini born NASA rocket scientist
« on: April 05, 2012, 09:28:37 AM »
Trinidadian Born, NASA Rocket Scientist – That’s Camille Alleyne!
CaribbeanDirect.com





Where are you from originally?

I am originally from Trinidad and Tobago


So you’re a NASA Scientist?! Tell us more!

I am an Aerospace Engineer by formal education and have worked in this capacity, managing space projects both at NASA and Department of Defense, for the last 16 years.

I am currently the Assistant Program Scientist for the International Space Station (ISS) and specifically responsible for developing innovative strategies for communicating the benefits and value of the ISS.  I am also responsible for integrating all of the  ISS education projects and activities, globally.

I hold a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and currently working on my Doctorate in Educational Leadership which I hope to complete in Spring 2013.


What inspired you to literally reach for the stars?

I always had an innate curiosity about space.  I remember at the age of 7, sitting on the trunk of my dad’s car every night, star gazing and engaging in the wonder of space.

I was always fascinated by the vastness and the awe-inspiring nature of space.  Little did I know that those moments were shaping the trajectory of my life.  But there was also the supportive environment I grew up in.  My parents always encouraged me to do what came naturally to me, and what came naturally was building and fixing things – solving problems – finding solutions for complexed problems.

So my innate curiosity and my nurturing environment laid the foundation for me to pursue and succeed at my dreams.  It was in college while studying aeronautical engineering, the day the tragic accident of the Challenger Space Shuttle, I decided that NASA was where I wanted to spend my career and pursue the career of being an astronaut.

Twenty six years later I am at NASA where I have been for 10 years and continuing to live my dreams which are contributing to the advancement of space exploration and making the difference in the lives of all human beings through our exploration of space.

Additionally, in 2003 I was selected as finalist for the Astronaut Selection Program being 1 in 100 out of 4000 applicants that were invited to interview for the job of flying in space.  I have not yet given up on that dream.



You run a charity for young women right? Tell us about that

Yes my non-profit organization is called the Brightest Stars Foundation and is dedicated to the education and empowerment of young women and girls around the world to be future leaders through the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Since 2007 when I founded the organization, we have inspired and empowered countless girls and young women to aspire to pursue careers in STEM.  We continue to work to realize our vision of establishing the Space and Science Academy for Girls in Kenya which will be the first of a global network of specialty high schools that will educate girls in scientific and technological fields.

My intention with my humanitarian work is to give voice to the voiceless young girls around the world through the gift of a quality, challenging education.



What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

Being a woman and a women of color in the field of rocket science and space engineering has been a huge challenge.  Occasionally, I am dismissed solely because of those physical attributes but having a commitment to excellence and a spirit of determination, perseverance and tenacity are the qualities that have help propel me to the heights I have and continue to achieve.


Who’s your role model?

I have several role models starting with my mother, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela.  They are all extraordinary human beings who have had a profound love for humanity and a huge commitment to being of service.


So what’s next for Camille Alleyne?

My next goal is to transform the Brightest Stars Foundation into a world-class non-governmental organization that educates the next generation of women scientists, thinkers, innovators, leaders and Nobel Laureates in Science.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/iPekDRPIt_U&amp;feature=player_embedded#!" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/iPekDRPIt_U&amp;feature=player_embedded#!</a>

50
Football / Teen charged with assault for attack on the soccer field.
« on: March 29, 2012, 09:26:31 AM »
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/9BMy3k_JMio" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/9BMy3k_JMio</a>

South Carolina teen’s brutal soccer attack earns assault charge
By Cameron Smith (Yahoo.com)


It seemed to come out of nowhere. In the midst of a tight South Carolina girls soccer match between two area rivals, a player fell after a seemingly innocuous foul. While most anticipated that she would calmly restart play, what she did instead has sparked a criminal investigation.

The player who is now the subject of local law enforcement is Lewisville (S.C.) High senior Annette McCullough, who brutally attacked an unnamed Chester (S.C.) High opponent during a Monday match. While there is no video showcasing prior incidents between the two players, McCullough reacted viciously to a small trip that sent her tumbling to the ground.

The attack, which you can see above, featured hair pulling, punches being rained down on the Chester player -- Carolinas CBS affiliate WBTV counted 11 different punches -- and a frantic attempt to halt the attack before it reached even more dangerous levels.

Fittingly, McCullough was immediately sent off with a red card, escorted away from the field with the aid of an assistant referee. Shortly thereafter Chester County deputies were called to the scene and McCullough -- who is 18 years old -- was charged with simple assault.

Alan Parker, the referee of the match,  made perfectly clear that this incident invoked a sense of violence that made it much more troubling than other girls soccer skirmishes.

"Some incidental contact ended in one girl going down and she just got up and started pummeling," Parker told WBTV. "It's unfortunate, it really is. Contact is a part of soccer, but when you retaliate like that, obviously, there is no place in the game for that.

"Occasionally you have players that go at it, on the field together, but in this case it was just one girl pummeling the other girl. And she didn't stop which is even more egregious."

It's hard to watch the incident without thinking back to New Mexico defender Elizabeth Lambert, whose hair pulling and general dirty play in a game against BYU received massive internet attention and eventually landed her a lengthy suspension. One could argue that Lambert's fouls may have been worse because she was more level-headed when committing them, but they certainly weren't as violent as McCullough's attack.

Now the senior is likely to receive a significant penalty -- the mother of the victim insisted that she will push to have McCullough prosecuted to the fullest possible extent and be banned from any further soccer action -- and doesn't appear to be receiving any support from her school, either.

"I know it will not be tolerated on this team and here in Lewisville," Lewisville assistant girls soccer coach Paul Atkerson told WBTV. "This is something that should not have happened, it should not have happened at all."

51
Football / Olympic Warriors begin historic journey to London.
« on: March 22, 2012, 08:25:13 PM »
Olympic Warriors begin historic journey to London.
By: Inshan Mohammed.


Trinidad and Tobago begins its qualifying journey tonight against group favorite Mexico in the Group B doubleheader clash at The Home Depot Center in California. Honduras faces Panama in the first match.

Trinidad and Tobago's Under 23 footballers got this far with a 1-1 draw against Cuba in their opening Caribbean Football Union final round Olympic qualifier then suffered a surprising 5-2 beating at the hands of hosts St Kitts/Nevis before pulling off a sensational 9-1 victory over Suriname. As a result T&T clinched a place in the CONCACAF final round of Olympic qualification. Cuba however topped the group, with T&T securing the runners up position.

The future Soca Warriors had mixed results leading up to the final phase and since 2012 the young lads were able to garner just three wins, 3 losses and 1 draw (3-3-1).

In January the Olympic hopefuls managed a 1-0 win over a visiting Finland senior team at the Dwight Yorke Stadium. Caledonia AIA Striker Jamal Gay scored the solitary item.

Then in February, T&T took it up a notch with a 3-1 victory over Guyana's senior national team at the same Tobago venue. Jamal Gay again was on target, while Tobago-born super-sub striker Trevin Caesar and US-born Bradley Welch added to Guyana's misery.

This was followed by a two game series that gave Angus Eve a clearer picture of some of his players’ ability as team T&T drew 1-1 away to Jamaica's U-23 team and finish the Jamaican tour with a 2-1 defeat to local club Portmore United.

Team T&T then jetted off to the US for a camp in Fort Lauderdale. While in Fort Lauderdale they opened with a 4-1 win over a local Florida based team called Honduras 5 Stars, they then lost to Fort Lauderdale Strikers (2-1), experienced another defeat to Canada’s U-23 (1-0) and ended the camp with an impressive 6-1 victory over Clarema United.  Even though Clarema United is practically unknown, the win was refreshing and most welcomed by Eve and his staff.

Before the team left for California, six young Warriors were sent home (Cameron Roget, Nuru Abdullah Muhammad, Kaydion Gabriel, Jean Luc Rochford, Marcus Joseph and Aquil Selby) making room for five overseas based players in Mekeil Williams, Sean De Silva, Kevin Molino, Kevan George and Cordell Cato.

Now Angus Eve’s men face the enormous task of qualifying T&T for its first ever Olympic tournament, while Mexico will be looking to qualify for a fourth time in six tries. Honduras is seeking its third berth in the Olympics after first qualifying in 2000. Honduras is also defending champions, while one of CONCACAF's most improved nations Panama is looking to create history for the first time.

Bear in mind only two spots are up for grabs in the Summer Olympic Games, to be held in London from July 27-August 12. Meanwhile, the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) would like to give our readers a preview of T&T's three group matches.

The First Game

Most important - I believe this would be T&T's most important game as there is a strong possibility they could pull off an upset. Teams are never settled at the beginning of any tournament and if T&T comes out, plays their game and not allow the Mexicans to consistently run at them, then the game could go in T&T's favor. Mexico will definitely be gunning for T&T as the young Warriors are viewed as the so called Caribbean minnows and every team in the group will be expected to collect 3 points against them.

It should be noted that Mexico's preparations for Olympic qualifiers began last summer when it used an enhanced U-23 squad at the Copa America. However, only eight members of Mexico's team that won last year's Pan American Games lead their 20-man roster that will represent El Tri in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament. Forwards Nestor Calderon of Toluca, Alan Pulido of Tigres, midfielders Javier Aquino of Cruz Azul and Miguel Ponce of Chivas are a just a few of many who could turn it up for the Mexicans. There is also Chivas forward Marco Fabian, who brings some star power and celebrity to their roster.

T&T on the other hand are considered the underdogs, and this could work to the team’s benefit, while Angus Eve tactical ability will be disclosed. Trinidad and Tobago is a squad that has often qualifies out of the Caribbean for men's tournaments, but has only won two of eight games in its two previous U-23 appearances (2004 and 1996) against El-Tri.

The last time both teams met was at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, where El Tri and the young Warriors battled to a 1-1 draw before a 35,000 partisan home crowd. Jamal Gay again was the danger man netting a 12 minute item to give T&T the lead before Mexico equalized to keep matters respectable.

T&T’s Pan American appearance was impressive as it ended the tournament undefeated with 3 draws. Soon after Mexican Primera Division club Pachuca FC came knocking on T&T’s door to offer trials to 3 T&T players in talented midfielder Kevin Molino, winger Micah Lewis and midfielder Jayson Joseph. None of the three hopefuls was signed and details of the trials were not fully disclosed.

The Second Game

Tricky - Panama and Trinidad and Tobago on paper are considered the weakest teams in the group and will more than likely view this match as either a turnaround game or a sealer provided they get a favorable result in their first matches.

Panama does however pack a punch and will be no pushovers, with 5 players based in South America (Uruguay and Argentina) and three based in USA, El Salvador and Mexico, they will surely be a handful for T&T to contain.

To make matters more intriguing Panama has never been to the World Cup either so they will be looking to make a lasting impression this time around and will not be taking this game lightly. Defender Carlos Rodriguez, who joined FC Dallas from Tauro in his native country last January, will lead the Panama defence. Goalkeeper Luis Mejia, defender Harold Cummings and midfielders Erick Davis and Anibal Godoy will all add to Panama's depth.

The Third Game

Do or die - Honduras and Mexico arrive with more pedigree than Trinidad & Tobago and at this stage teams would already know their main objective, win or go home. Hopefully T&T will weather the storm, but I have a gut feeling that Honduras is a sleeping giant in this tournament.  The defending champions are packed with pace and haved been beefed up with a few foreign based players in Eddie Hernandez, Anthony Lozano and 2010 MLS Rookie Of The Year Andy Najar. Top scorer Roger Rojas will lead the attack.

Finally, the moment we all have been waiting for and despite missing former captain Leston Paul, T&T does have the experience to ruffle a few feathers. Inform striker Jamal Gay will lead the attack, Kevin Molino will add some creativity and spice in the middle, Sean De Silva will play an important supporting role while captain Sheldon Bateau and Kevan George will help solidify the midfield; as the twin towers of Daneil Cyrus and Mekeil Williams help anchor the defence.  Mention must be made of Shahdon Winchester, Cordell Cato, Micah Lewis and Trevin Caesar who all have the capability to turn a game around.  The man between the sticks would be none other than shot-stopper Andre Marchan.

Did you know that since 1992 when the Olympics adopted a U-23 roster limitation, only four teams from CONCACAF have qualified for the Summer Games, the United States (four), Mexico (three), Honduras (two) and Costa Rica (one). Will T&T join the ranks this time around? I believe we can.

All the best to the Young Warriors, keep believing, never give up and represent T&T with pride and passion.

Fixtures (all kick-offs are local time)

Group A, LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee

Thursday 22 March
El Salvador 0-0 Canada (18.30)
USA 6–0 Cuba (21.00)

Saturday 24 March
Cuba – El Salvador (16.30)
USA – Canada (19.00)

Monday 26 March
Canada - Cuba (18.30)
USA – El Salvador (21.00)

Group B, The Home Depot Center, Carson, California
 
Friday 23 March
Honduras – Panama (18.00)
Trinidad and Tobago - Mexico (20.30)

Sunday 25 March
Panama – Trinidad and Tobago (13.30)
Mexico - Honduras (16.00)

Tuesday 27 March
Honduras – Trinidad and Tobago (18.00)
Mexico - Panama (20.30)

Semi-finals, Livestrong Sporting Park, Kansas City, Kansas

Saturday 31 March
B1 – A2 (18.00)
A1 – B2 (21.00)

Final*, Livestrong Sporting Park

Tuesday 2 April
 
* - Both finalists qualify for Men’s Olympic Football Tournament London 2012

52
Football / First session at Home Depot...U-23s settle in LA
« on: March 21, 2012, 06:07:06 PM »
First session at Home Depot as U-23s settle in LA.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).


Trinidad and Tobago's Men's Olympic footballers had their first training session in California on Wednesday evening from 6:30pm at the Home Depot Center training pitch number 3 after arriving from Fort Lauderdale at 1pm (4pm T&T Time) ahead of their opening final round CONCACAF Olympic qualifier against Mexico on Friday.

Head coach Angus Eve and his men checked in at the Marriot Torrance and had a surprise visit from ex-LA Galaxy midfielder Chris Birchall who was in LA for the club's MLS Ring presentation ceremony following their MLS title winning season last year. Birchall met with members of the team and wished them well ahead of their qualifying series.

"It's a pity I'm going back to London today because I would have definitely liked seeing them play. It's a great stadium to play in at Home Depot and it's a fantastic opportunity for the boys. I was in town for the Ring ceremony and I walked into our former manager Bruce Aanensen in the elevator last night... it was a pleasant surprise," Birchall told TTFF Media.

"I'd definitely like to see them do well and come to London for the Olympics later this year."

The Mexican team is also staying at the Marriot as well as MLS club DC United for an earlier MLS league fixture. Nick De Leon, son of former T&T great Leroy De Leon is also with the team and was expected to hold talks with Eve over his international future.

De Leon had been invited to join the team for the Olympic qualifiers but insufficient time didn't allow for him to be part of the current squad.

Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino made the six-hour flight from Fort Lauderdale with the rest of the squad and is eager to take the pitch on Friday.

“It’s game time again for us and I’m always ready to play for Trinidad and Tobago. We’ve come a long way and prepared for this tournament and now it’s getting closer to kick off time.

I think we will be in with a good chance here. Once we can hold our own like we did in the Pan-Am Games then we could certainly get some good results here and progress in the tournament,” Molino said.

Scores of Mexican journalists also covered the team's arrival at Los Angeles International Airport and the Marriot Hotel.

The T&T team will train on Thursday morning at 10am at Home Depot before Friday's clash with the Mexicans at 830pm (11:30pm T&T time).

Mexican coach: T&T not to be taken lightly.

Mexico’s head coach  Luis Fernando Tena has no intentions of taking Trinidad and Tobago lightly when both team clash in their CONCACAF Olympic qualifier  on Friday night at 8:30pm (11:30 pm T&T time) at the Home Depot Center, California.

Mexico defeated Senegal 2-1 in San Francisco on Saturday n their final warm up clash and Tena still sees room for improvement. And while most media houses, particularly those in the US, have been rating T&T as the weakest team in the competition, Tena remembers the 1-1 draw in Guadalajara last October.

“They’re a very organized team, they (T&T) have a lot of speed,” he  told reporters.

Tena, also the assistant coach of Mexico’s senior team, believes defending champions  Honduras can be a dangerous team in the competition.

“They have time working together. It is a team that’s strong, the same thing as Panama – that they have a long time working together. Costa Rica and Trinidad as well,” the former Club America coach said.

“We still have work to do,” he explained after the win over Senegal. “I think the team has a nice line in the front, we’re still dominating the game a little bit, but we’re trying to understand that we have a good position, we have a good roster, we have depth in our roster and we’re looking to learn how to attack the rivals.”

T&T head coach Angus Eve has warned his players about any level of complacency as while they respect the Mexicans, they may be fooled into believing that because of the 1-1 result in Guadalajara, the result will easily be as positive on Friday.

“They are coming at us even harder than before,” Eve told TTFF Media. “And I’ve made it clear to the players that they will be playing in their backyard. There will be a huge Mexican presence in the Stadium and we’ve got to be switched on for 95 plus minutes.”

Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino joined the T&T Team prior to their flight to California at 10am on Wednesday while Polish-based defender Mekeil Williams is scheduled to meet the team at the Marriot Torrance Hotel, Fashion Way, California. The T&T team is scheduled to arrive there around 4pm T&T Time.

“We are focused on the task at hand. I think we’ve been together long enough and we’ve played some matches that required a level of concentration such as in the Pan American Games so we know what need to do,” skipper Sheldon Bateau told TTFF Media.

“We’re down to the final squad and every player knows his role and responsibility.”




53
Entertainment & Culture Discussion / The Walking Dead Thread
« on: March 19, 2012, 05:25:14 PM »
For all de Dead heads who hijack de Post ah Movie thread.  ;D  After some coaxing from a friend (as I not into de Zombie genre) I reluctantly watched a few episodes of the second season last fall and I hooked ever since. I still trying to ketch meh bearings though but it coming together.

54
T&T scores 6-1 win over Clarema United in final training match.
By: Shaun Fuentes (TTFF).

 
Trinidad and Tobago's Under 23 footballers closed their four-match Training camp in Fort Lauderdale with a convincing 6-1 victory over local club Clarema United at the Lockhart Stadium training pitch on Sunday afternoon.

Following back to back losses to Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Canada, Angus Eve's men gave a polished performance against Clarema, coached by ex-Jamaican international Desmond Smith.

US-based midfielder Sean De Silva, after joining the camp on Saturday night, made an immediate impression, notching a pair of goals (30th and 40th) and setting up another in the 44th for Columbus Crew midfielder Kevan George. He also had a free kick hitting the crossbar.

T&T's other goals came from Jamal Gay (24th) and second half substitutes Cordell Cato (75th) and Shahdon Winchester five minutes from full time.

After enjoying the better of the early exchanges, T&T for the fifth successive match conceded first when Akeeba Marshall's low effort was deflected past goalkeeper Andre Marchan in the 24th minute.

It didn't take long for Eve's men to respond as two minutes Joevin Jones smartly held two men off before playing one through for Gay and the Caledonia AIA forward slotted past the Clarema goalkeeper.
 
And then four minutes later, De Silva made a run on the left of the box and cut back on to his left before unleashing a shot into the right corner to put T&T 2-1 ahead.

The go ahead goal spurred T&T on further with De Silva again involved. The College of Charleston player collected wide from Jones and was fouled just outside the box. De Silva then curled one on the near post for George to stab home from close range.

T&T continued to dominate as they surged forward and punished Clarema again just before the break. Micah Lewis’ penetrative run led to him whipping a ball over for De Silva to comfortably hit home on an open far post.

Eve reverted to almost his entire regular start team after resting them in the 1-0 loss to Canada and it seemed to have paid off. And with a healthy lead at half time he opted to put on Winchester and Cato as well as Jomal Williams, Kareem Moses, Marcus Joseph and Trevin Caesar in the second half.

Cato’s burst of speed was again evident and he put his name on the scoresheet when he took on three defenders before directing a right footer into the net from just outside the box with Winchester lurking inside the area. But the W Connection striker was not to be left out as soon after he met a through ball and took his time before pushing the ball pa st the Clarema goalkeeper in the 85th minute.

Eve is set to announce his final 20-man squad on Monday prior to the team’s departure to California on Wednesday. He will continue the camp with training session for the remainder of the camp in Fort Lauderdale.

“I think it was a really good way to finish the training matches. The team didn’t give us a bad run by any means but we worked on a couple things and the players applied themselves well today,” Eve told TTFF Media after the match which was the second win in four games in Fort Lauderdale after an opening 4-1 victory over Honduras 5 Stars last Sunday.

“We still have a couple things to polish up on and we’ll be working on this over the next couple days before we head over to LA. But I was happy with our finishing today and the aggression as well. Now it’s that time where it’s the difficult part where the final team has to be named and some players have to be left out.

They are all part of the squad but unfortunately we can’t pick everyone to go into the tournament.  From here into the tournament the focus will be on our three matches with no other distractions whatsoever,” Eve ended.


55
Football / The Warrior Call podcast, with special guest Lasana Liburd.
« on: March 01, 2012, 11:17:10 PM »


Welcome to the 4th episode of the Warrior Call podcast entitled "Get Wired!". Your hosts Dinho, Football Supporter and Tallman are back with special guest, sports journalist Lasana Liburd. They discuss Lasana's journalistic contributions to T&T football, his coverage of the 2006 World Cup Warriors' legal battle with the TTFF, the threat of legal action made against him by Jack Warner, his groundbreaking website Wired868.com and much more. Heed "The Call" and enjoy!

Listen

Listen on itunes

56
Fantasy League / FPL Vibes Podcast (episode 10) - Compliments of the Season
« on: December 19, 2011, 03:43:32 PM »
Greetings everyone and compliments of the season from the FPL Vibes Crew...
We return with episode 10 of the FPL Vibes Fantasy League Podcast brought to you by SocaWarriors.net.

Dinho is joined in the studio by 2cents as well as our first special guest from the "D Picong" league, Mero (aka FC Juma). We recap the last gameweek, discuss rotation and fixtures ahead of the busy xmas schedule and preview upcoming Gameweek 17 with special emphasis on the Spurs v Chelsea game. Hope you enjoy:

Is ah vibes!!!

FPL Vibes Episode 10: Compliments of the Season

Listen in itunes

57


Greetings fans of T&T football,

SocaWarriors.net and the Warrior Nation are pleased to present the second episode of the Warrior Call Podcast entitled “Cause and Effect”.  Hosts Dinho and Football Supporter are joined in the studio by SocaWarriors.net co-founder and Warrior Nation president Nigel “Tallman” Myers and special guest TTFF Media Officer Shaun Fuentes, to discuss T&T’s recently failed World Cup campaign, changes within the TTFF, the future of T&T football and other important matters. We hope you enjoy it!

Special thanks to Ryan "Preacher" Daniel for providing the Warrior Call intro music and Robert "E-man" Engelmann for the Warrior Call graphic.

Warrior Call (episode 2): Cause and Effect

Listen on itunes

58
Fantasy League / FPL Vibes Team of the Week (Wk 15)
« on: December 09, 2011, 12:07:50 PM »
Welcome to FPL Vibes Team of the Week. Each game week your resident FPL Vibes gurus will flash their selection skills to bring you what can potentially be the deadliest 11 in EPL Fantasy football.

Vorm (12)
Enrique (6)
Vermaelen (6)
Wes Brown (2)
Jones (2)
Sinclair (11)
Walcott (3)
Adam (8)
Pilkington (0)
Ba (12)
RVP(Cpt.: 14)




59
Fantasy League / EPL Fantasy League News
« on: December 08, 2011, 06:23:12 PM »
In an attempt to keep FL managers frequenting the FL message board we are creating this thread to provide news and updates on the EPL Fantasy League. Feel free to post any articles, links or information you may come across on the many Fantasy League websites out there.


60
Greetings fans of T&T football,

SocaWarriors.net and the Warrior Nation are pleased to present the “Warrior Call”, a monthly podcast that highlights the main issues affecting Trinidad and Tobago football. Hosts Dinho and Football Supporter are joined in the studio by SocaWarriors.net co-founder and Warrior Nation president Nigel “Tallman” Myers to discuss the upcoming T&T World Cup Qualifiers against Guyana on Friday, Nov. 11 (in Guyana) & Tues., Nov 15 (at home).  They also touch on aspects of the T&T Pro League and other relevant matters.

We hope you enjoy the Warrior Call’s inaugural episode entitled “ Prelude to Guyana” and remain loyal listeners.

Warrior Call: Prelude to Guyana

itunes link

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