Topics

571

Football / Germany: "FULL FORCE AHEAD" or S.A.2010?

« on: May 17, 2005, 03:25:26 AM »

Very interesting takes from the link  as noted in the TNT Express: First I was impressed with Yorke's show of sincerity and  desire to represent TNT.He appears to have the 'jump' to play some serious ball once more.

Secondly, the link with reference to  proposed friendlies affirms what I said a couple of months ago in regards to coaching. It made mentioned of the fact that Beenhakker 'demanded  an additional warm up friendly' aganist this Peruvian club.

Upon the firing of BSC  I said, With a local coach TTFF tells him what to do and he is at their mercy. With a foreign coach, that coach tells TTFF what to do and TTFF is at his mercy. Does either one guarantee a win or place in WCQ? Probably not; that is the nature of sports.

In praise of the TTFF; I see these efforts( certainly  better organization and planning may be warranted so as not to gourge the local fan of substantial dollars for these games) to have these additional friendlies as providing the players, coaches and the team with as many opportunities to be successful. One of the opportunities for this coach is  the provision of accessible players at his disposal, more games to accesss the team and additional support from management. Conditions which may prove conducive for success. The obstacle to overcome once more is the element of time!!!!

Could a formidable squad be  game ready in time for Panama? and of course the physical and mental psyche of our players have to be at a peak level come game day. This is the work of the coach to ensure that the right players are playing at the right time at the right optimum level in the right situation.

As a fan, I am encouraged by the efforts made by all to provide us with this opportunity to do TNT proud. Germany "Full FORCE Ahead" . I call on all TNT citzens and fans to rallly around our team, our management and our coaching staff to move positively ahead and with God's blessing for renewed success in our upcoming campaign.

respectfully submitted

572

Football / playing fuh Mother CoUNTry

« on: May 12, 2005, 09:53:37 PM »

I wonder if this latest trend to track down nationals with 'trini blood' is not a sign of desperation. It is often heard that desperate times call for desperate measures.

However I wonder about the impact on the local player development.
The former coach stated publically that he had little faith in the local pros. Yet  with basically with a local squad he was able to win one game aganist less than power house Barbados and we are in the Gold Cup. Our present coach, elected the best of the local pros and was not successful in getting a positive result.

With wanning interest from some of our foreign based players, it appears that  by seeking  to find players with  links to our country is an act of deperation. I am for getting the best talent and fielding the best squad that will giv us a chance to be in Germany but I am also perplexed by the lack of effort and motivation by some of the locally based players.
Maybe  there is a feeling that they do not have a fair chance of making the final cut once the foreign players arrive and that they are just training camp fodder.

How could players be made to feel that they indeed will be given an equal opportunty to represent their CoUNTry if the TTFF go out on scouting missions and invite people who hav never been on the soil to represent when ther are those who have been toiling  just to play for  the home land?

573

Football / Tee Shirts fuh Miami & USA Game

« on: May 12, 2005, 12:10:10 AM »

Ok leh we identify weself: I say fuh dem games in Miami and de WCQ, somebody could organize a Tee shirt logo like one ah them we had on the post awhile  back. On the back we put
" SOCA WARRIORS FORUM X1" and  each man "handle"

Ah go take an x-Large.

Look we not only promoting we team, we also  wideing our fan base and support for the forum work by Flex and tallman.

574

Football / Soca Warriors Forum X1

« on: May 11, 2005, 07:06:43 PM »

Look nah we need tuh help out with the football situation at home. I am proposing dat we form a side and we go play dem some friendlies. I mean it eh matter if we win or dey win; dis is only tuh see if them could run, dribble, pass or if man could think out dey.

I mean i eh sure if ah have the speed no more but from the reports ah reading, it looks like if we could catch dem boys napping we have a chance. Now  I could  be a team sports psychologist or I could be an assistant coach. But wait nah, if ah do that, allyuh go have to talk tuh meh agent; I go want ah car when ah get dey, an apt a flight first class setas fuh me and meh wifey. If ah char get dat ah go play GOALKEEPER.

yUH KNOW we could ask Winnipeg Fury tuh arrange some  warm ups aganist Canada before we tackle TNT. They have one old stadium in Winnipeg dat  we could play in.

All right every man in forum state yuh playing position we forming a x1 side tuh play TNT. Tell Beenie man we go play dem fuh free; we eh go charge admission. ah go get sponsorship from de pro league the CEO  married tuh meh cousin. Leh we set up  the players in the forum:

Every man state yuh position:
 we motto " TIME FUH TRINI"

575

Football / Coach's performance so far?

« on: May 10, 2005, 06:33:41 PM »

So leh we see ummmm dis eh fair de man only had two sessions,  used a local squad. Mind you  these are suppose to be the best local footballers worthy of national selection and they lose to a local pro league team!!!!!

Well did the system change the results? did an injection of new coaching strategies with all de experience change the results? ummmmmmm

Me ah laying low and just wondering. No more philosophical musing; just wonderings.

Fuh men who saw the match, how would you rank the players? the system? the coaching strategies?

576

Football / A Modest Proposal: to Jack W.& TTFF

« on: May 01, 2005, 10:50:51 AM »

With apologies to the writer Jonathan Swift, this is a quasi renditition of  his satire :
"A Modest Proposal" (remember this is a SATIRE; The purpose of a satire is to comment on social conditions with the intent on bringing about changes)

First I do not claim to  have any insights nor am I an omnipotent authority on the subject of football. I am simply a 'diehart TNT to  D bone' and one who over my life time has seen us come close to major winning only to be disappointed. Given that premise, I would like to suggest that Mr. Warner and the TTFF, acknowledge and verify we the fans and contributors of this forum as the founding members of  a branch of the TTFF to be known as : TTFFIS : TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO FOOTBALL FEDERATION INTELLIGENCE SERVICES.

Long time they use to call this "SCOUTING" ; well today  the game and the tactics have changed. With men in different parts of the U.S.A , Canada and the West Indies, we should be able to provide  enough information on all opposition and provide  the TTFF with reports  so that critical informed decisions could be made to ensure the success of our team.

We need to get  intelligence officers in  the U.K. I believe we have someone who reports out of there. I am not sure.  But judging by the unearthing of that player from Port Vale with the Trini mom, I would bet that someone in the TTFF is doing some homework.We can then gather all our information on each of our opposition and  post the information on this forum. The idea is to expose the strategies of the opposition and have them make  quick readjustments-- hopefully they will not have the time to implement their new strategies. Or we could send all the information to  the TTFF. They may listen or they ignore our information.

Now we know that the TTFF do their homework. This is very evident by the plans they had for our 2006 WCQ campaign so far. First  they hired a local coach with limited knowledge, let him expose our weakness or lack of strategies, then bring on a top gun foreign coach and make the oppositon guess as to what our new strategy will be and how we will play. Now it does not matter if the foreign coach  is doing some of the same things as the former coach: for example, he is working with local based players; he went sightseeing in the U.K. and stopped in to meet with our players there. Remember our former national coach did the same thing. Well that was the plan at least.

The TTFF has now shown a new direction in their planning; one that is intent on confusing the opposition. As fans, most of us have endorsed this plan and have thrown our support behind the latest endeavour. After all we want to see our team move on to Germany. I suspect that the TTFF has a subversive mission to expose all TNT nationals who may have harbored a  male child with a foreign national from a recognisable soccer playing country. All of a sudden we hearing about an English man with a trini mother and who knows which other ones are lurking in the bushes.

Maybe the TTFF long range plans or maybe  this was a plan in motion since the inception of Jack as the big cheese; which was to send out our women and men to find and bred with Brazilians, English, Dutch, French, Germans and the likes. This way we will ensure that we will have a crop of potential soccer pedigree for the future  of football in our nation.

 If we cannot go out and find  potential soccer pedigree why not bring them to the island? I see that TTFF have already initiated this plan by bringing three Dutch nationals to our soil. They say that their mission is to train our team, but I suspect that after hours of training, they may find themselves liming at our local establishments indulging in some drinks and who knows encounters with TNT females who may bless them with  a gift nine months from now. Smart move TTFF.

Our proposal is to further the goals of the TTFF by forming this intelligent network  so as to see TNT reach the ultimate goal of World Cup  and to ensure future geneartions of great soccer players. Thanks to our soccer greats like Yorke, the mission of breeding foreign nationals has already started.

I profess, in the sincerity of my heart, that I have not the least personal interest in endeavoring to promote this necessary work, having no other motive than the public good of my country, by advancing our game, providing for players, relieving the ineptitute, and giving some pleasure to the fans. I have little juice left  by which I can propose to add to this project and my wife past child-bearing.

The End

577

Football / 'Sizing up" the next opponent.....Panama

« on: May 01, 2005, 08:58:38 AM »

I will begin this  not by looking at the results or the individual Panamanian team players, but by trying to extrapolate the philosophy and the mental make up of what is driving this team so far. Here are some thoughts from the coach that may provide some idea as to this team's beliefs:

First the coach: Jose “Cheché” Hernandez is the Colombian-born coach of a country more known for its canal than its soccer. He is in charge of a squad with wily veterans and a base of youngsters that qualified for the FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates in 2003 and ready to make noise with the senior team.


Your next opponents are Trinidad & Tobago, a side not in the best of form. How do you go into a game like that?

I always try to instil the idea in my players that no team is more important than any other. We're on a mission where there are no stronger or weaker sides. It's like our approach to friendlies: we take them as seriously as a competitive match. It's undeniable that players will be more fired up against some teams, but I try to remain above that kind of thing so that we don't fall into the trap of over-confidence.



It will be Leo Beenhakker's first game in charge of T&T. Do you have any thoughts on that?

We're well aware of his record as a coach and there's no doubting that he's got what it takes to lead a national side. But it's something which doesn't concern me or my team. I can't say any more than that really.

Panama have been through a lot to get to this six-nation final qualifying group. What are your feelings when you look back at all that has happened?

We've come a long way and that has helped to confirm our belief that we stand a chance and that it's worth fighting for. When I look back, I see that the hard work that we've put in has borne fruit. But I think we'll need a few years to truly appreciate what we've done in this campaign. I'm not surprised by the results, though. I think it's normal that things have turned out the way that they have.

How are you working on the players' mental approach as you prepare for the final push?

Now is not the time to change anything that we've done so far. Our work is based on belief in ourselves, the will to win and hope. It's just a matter of reaffirming those ideas. It's not about changing them.

Until now, Panama had only ever qualified for the FIFA World Youth Championship UAE 2003. Now they're battling for a place at Germany 2006. Are we witnessing the emergence of a new generation of players in the country?

There's certainly a fresh generation of players coming through. It's only natural. But I think that the real change in Panamanian football will come when we get a truly resounding result. Then we can work on the entire structure of the sport in Panama, with different planning and working methods.

And how do you mean to achieve that?

By qualifying for the World Cup! (laughs).

What is the key to qualifying?

We have to maintain the simplicity and humility with which we've played until now. When you get a result like the one against Mexico, it's easy for the public and media to get carried away by the euphoria and it ends up affecting the players. We have to keep our feet on the ground. It was just a point, after all.

Can you imagine what might happen if Panama do make it to Germany 2006?

I don't think we're truly aware of what we achieve when we're actually doing it. That comes with the passing of time. If we do finally do it, it will be in the future when I tell my children, or my grandchildren. History is what makes you open your eyes

Now having read the above, I believe that:
This press released is very much 'guarded' by no means is this all revealing but what it does show is a 'peep' into some of the beliefs which are at the surface of this campaign for Panama. This WCQ is about a legacy, a defining point for a nation, it's about the emergence of a new era. Points which could also apply to TNT.

Starting with this general overview, I invite others to begin providing specifics about this team's strengths and weaknessess. Let's break this down and deconstruct the elements of this team's performance thus far and see what we (TNT) need to work aganist to  get a positive result. Ok all you TNT football experts; leh we beging doing some work to help out LEO and Phillips.[/i]

Let's consider facts:

Panama lost to CR despite CR being short handed.

Panama ties Mexico despite Mexico being short handed.

CR ties TNT.

 Do you think that  these  are suffucuent to predict any kinds of results?

In their own way, Panama are the most anonymous team in the region.  But what about Panama? Everyone's heard of Panama, if only for the canal, and everyone knows they must play football. But is there anyone out there who knows how good they are? Who can give any of their results in recent competitions? Who can supply even one fact about Panamanian football?

    The fact is, Panama just about defines football mediocrity.  They're not really bad: they've been in the region's final 12 the last two WCQ cycles, they've always been better than minnow Nicaragua, and over the years they've claimed a scalp or two against the stronger Central American teams. But they're not very good, either: they have yet to make any sort of impact on the Gold Cup, they've never finished in the top 3 in UNCAF, and the only team they've beaten in the round of 12 has been Cuba.

    For 87 minutes back in the summer of 2000, it appeared all this might change. Earlier in the year Panama had played well in an early WC qualifying stage, and they were hosting Mexico in the opening game of the semifinal round. Expectations were high--and the team didn't disappoint. They were brilliant, holding off the opposition with ease, controlling midfield, attacking with verve and creativity. They just couldn't get the ball in the net. And as so often happens, they lost: in the 88th minute, Ramón Ramirez of Mexico got a rare scoring chance, and converted it. The final was 0:1, and Panama collapsed. They managed only one draw in the next five games, and wound up with a GF/GA of 1:16.

    Since then, same old story: a few wins, a few losses, some encouragement, some frustration. Their biggest disappointment was the 2003 UNCAF tournament, held in Panama for the first time, at which the team was expected to make history. But they bombed, winning only one of five games, finishing tied for fourth with Honduras--and in the final indignity, they lost the coin flip for a spot in the repechage for the Gold Cup.

    But believe it or not, the canaleros have a future. With the American influence waning, football is slowly assuming greater importance. In 2003, for the very first time, the U-20's qualified for the FIFA world championship. In the regional qualifiers for Athens 2004, Panama made it into the final 8, and even beat Canada in their group stage game. Defender Felipe Baloy has crashed the most foreigner-resistant league of all, playing for Gremio in Brazil. The team has had some excellent results in the runup: a scoreless draw at Honduras, a 4:1 home win against Bermuda, a surprise 2:0 win at Guatemala. They're not going to become a power overnight, but it may not be long before you'll know a fact or two about them.

Key player:  Player To Watch:
The legend of Panamanian football is Julio Dely Valdes but the new face of Panamanian football is Roberto Brown. The Austrian based striker leads the team 5 goals scored and has had tryouts with teams in Portugal.

578

Football / Least we forget.... players of this calibre.Bring back the TNT PRIDE

« on: April 30, 2005, 06:43:10 PM »

    Let's take pride in those 'Warriors' who are no longer with us, yet gave so much for TNT.  Please add to this thread by posting a memory of those former greats. Their memory and what they stand for should be an inspiration to our country's fight as we begin preparations for the upcoming WCQ and Gold Cup.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mickey Trotman - Athletes
Born :10/21/1974 Died :10/01/2001 Country :Trinidad and Tobago
Best known for/as: International Football Player for Trinidad & Tobago, and former US-Major League Soccer player for Miami Fusion & Dallas Burn
Biography: He represented Trinidad & Tobago in football on the international level 32 times. Made his debut for Trinidad on 5/6/1999 against South Africa, scoring one of the goals (2-0).

Trotman was a member of Trinidad's 2002 World Cup Squad. He played football for the American Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs: Miami Fusion, Dallas Burn & Rochester Rhinos of the A-League.

He started playing football at 5, following his uncle Simon Trotman. He attended Arima Boys RC, Five Rivers Junior Secondary, and Arima Senior Comprehensive. He also attended Alvin Corneal coaching school which provided a football scholarship to Mobile University in Alabama in 1993, graduating in 1997 with a Business Management degree, and eventually signing a football contract with Dallas.

He was named an All-American in 1995 & 1996, was an A-League All Star in 1997; and represented Trinidad internationally at the U-17, U-18, U-20 & U-23 levels. His favourite team was Juventus (Italy), his favourite player was team-mate Russell Latapy, and his favourite non-football sport was Basketball.

His claim to fame was scoring the "Golden Goal"; which gave Trinidad & Tobago a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica in the second round of the 2000 Confederation Gold Cup. He was a man who never forgot his roots and gave back to his community on numerous occasions. Sponsoring his adopted team "Cool It" in football tournaments, conducting football camps in the off-season in Pinto, Trinidad.


 

579

Football / Putting our best foot forward....

« on: April 30, 2005, 09:06:31 AM »

It is very encouraging to read the post by the Brazilian player who intimated his desire to represent TNT.  It is an admirable gesture  and very  reassuring to see the zeal and eagerness with which others seem to display for an opportunity to represent TNT; however I wonder if we have not lost focus on those who are near at hand when we solicit participation by  foreign nationals to represent TNT.  What perception will this have on our onw national players, the public, and other countries?

What would it look like if TNTcontinue to base its team around TNT's best soccer players? This includes providing more opportunities to local players, accessing and keeping close contacts with the success  of TNT foreign based players. I wonder if a better focus is needed to promote and provide opportunities for our 'home grown' talent to  represent TNT?


Should we have an open door policy to allow anyone with a remote connection to TNT to play for the country? Should we be really stretching FIFA rules to permit this type of representation? I know that  there are stipulations about residency and  immigration requirements, however when I see these types of actions, and even the  one involving the  new 'English player,' it appears that we are showing to others a sense of urgency, desperation and panic. I also wonder as to the confidence we are conveying to our own NATIONAL players?

One mistake I believe that a previous national  coach made was the public statement that he had 'little faith in the local pros' These are the  statements which comes back to 'bite you in the ass.' We did not have the most convincing performance in the Digicel Cup!!!! with the local players. As a player why would you want to play for a coach who  has little confidence and faith in your abilities?

If players knew that their play is being monitored and that  it may result in  a national selection or even a tryout, don't you think this would provide some incentive for our players? What incentive or what confidence is nurtured by TTFF if they continue to pursue players who are remotely connected to TNT or who continues to negotiate for monetary gains? what system or what precedent is this establishing?

These are my humble opinions; they are open for discussion and for those who see it differently. I am open  to different ideas. That is why we have public forums. Thanks

Respectfully submitted

580

Football / Beenhakker's mandate

« on: April 28, 2005, 06:54:52 AM »

I think Leo's mandate is  clear. Coach the national team. Focus on the national team; get the national team to Germany

Having said that, I will anxiously await for  events to unfold which will reveal if the mandate is possible with the approach, the team, and the selection of play we reveal toward the upcoming opposition.

Two questions:

how do you think Leo will go about fulfilling this mandate?

What support is in place to make this mandate a reality?

581

Football / Latapy fuh coach of TNT Gold Cup Team

« on: April 24, 2005, 10:30:59 PM »

I say Latas should be given an opportunity to  coach the TNT Gold Cup  team starting in Miami.

582

Other Sports / ames IN ONE BREATH YUH WANT TUH DO GOOD BUT THEN YUH PUT WE DOWN

« on: April 22, 2005, 05:48:43 PM »

WHY do these fellows say shit like this to people in CANADA:

He hopes to use his foundation to help promote golf in his homeland and hone the skills of young players. One of his goals is building a golf course.

"Being from Trinidad, which is recognized as a Third World Country, we don't have the facilities like we do in the States or Canada," said the father of two sons. "I see a lot of kids that have the same ability, if not more, than I did at that age.

AMES  TELL ME WHO IS FIRST WORLD AND SECOND WORLD? TELL ME WHO IS FOURTH WORLD?

583

Other Sports / Ames Must have read dis board; he wants to make amends

« on: April 20, 2005, 08:54:20 PM »

Wednesday, Apr 20, 2005   Email this to a friend
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Ames wants to give back to kids in Canada, Trinidad

 
 
full image
Golfer Stephen Ames. (Files) 
 
(CP) - His passport says he is now a Canadian, but golfer Stephen Ames has not forgotten his roots.
Ames, who lives in Calgary, is in the process of setting up a foundation to help develop golf talent in his native Trinidad. He's also established the Stephen Ames Cup, a three-day competition this July in Toronto, which will see eight of Canada's best junior golfers compete in a Ryder Cup format against a team from Trinidad & Tobago.

"I think it's a way of giving back," Ames, 40, said during a conference call Wednesday promoting this year's $360,000 Telus Skins Game in Whistler, B.C.

"I enjoy helping the kids as much as I can. I guess being a dad, but also being a person that always enjoyed teaching as well as playing golf, that's my way of giving back."

Ames, who won his first PGA Tour event last season and collected over $3 million US in earnings, was born in San Fernando, Trinidad. He received his Canadian citizenship in December 2003.

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He will be the Canadian content at this year's Skins Games, teeing it up along with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, Vijay Singh and John Daly in the July 4-5 event.

The competition will be played on the Nicklaus North Golf Course which Nicklaus helped design. It will also be held just one week before Nicklaus plays in his final British Open at St. Andrews.

Ames laughed when asked if he will have any nerves playing beside the Golden Bear.

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"None at all," he said from Houston, where he will play in this week's Shell Houston Open. "I'm going to take as much as I can out of it, talking to him and needling his brain a bit, how to go about playing the way he did for all those years."

Ames said he's looking forward to the more relaxed atmosphere of a Skins Games.

"Jack and I are probably going to be the straighter hitters and probably the two shortest ones, compared to Vijay and John," he said. "The thing about it is you can have fun with it.

 
"I think there is going to be more chatter. Vijay and I get along very well. We're going to have fun with that."

It has taken Ames years to develop his game to the point where he can rub shoulders with the likes of Nicklaus and Singh.

He hopes to use his foundation to help promote golf in his homeland and hone the skills of young players. One of his goals is building a golf course.

"Being from Trinidad, which is recognized as a Third World Country, we don't have the facilities like we do in the States or Canada," said the father of two sons. "I see a lot of kids that have the same ability, if not more, than I did at that age.

"By maybe building a golf course in Trinidad, it gives those who normally don't have the opportunity of playing golf at all the opportunity to at least being introduced to the game. There could be another Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh come out of there."

The Stephen Ames Cup will attract young golfers from across Canada, plus players from Trinidad and Tobago.

"It's giving them an opportunity of playing golf away from home," he said. "It gets them familiar with different course conditions and how to travel and stuff like that."

So far this year Ames has won just under $400,000 US and his best finish is a sixth-place tie at the MCI Heritage.

He expects his game will return to the same form of last year that saw him making 21 cuts in 27 tournaments and resulted in 11 top-10 finishes.

"The year is long," Ames said. "There is a lot of golf to go.

"All I have to do is be patient and wait for it to happen and it will."
 

584

Football / What will be our rallying cry?

« on: April 17, 2005, 09:50:07 PM »

Out of sorrow comes joy from sadness delight; like the phoneix rising from the ashes so to must we rise. These assertions are ones with  roots in chaos theory/construct.

You see as sad an event as the lost of a national soccer hero in such a tragic manner, Jamacia's team will now have a rallying point  fuh the Gold Cup. What could we rallly around?

A. Marvin's injury?

B. "Time Fur Germany?

C. a good "tun tun" twoknee?

D. National pride

E.The demise of BSC?

F.The coming of Beenhakker

G. Caribbean soccer supremacy

H. Yorke's move to down under?

I.  soul on Fire by KMC

We have  much at stake here and  we should leave no stone unturned to find ways to forge ahead. "TOGETHER WE ASPIRE TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE"

585

Football / Musings about our WCQ preparations thus far

« on: April 17, 2005, 08:27:31 AM »

I am becoming increasingly impatient with  the lack of public disclosure of our WCQ preparations' plans. An announcement about friendlies, or potential oppositions would  heighten interest at this time.

It is mid April and  with a new coach, and renewwed expectations, should we not be  more methodical in our preparations?

This last minute, hasty approach to organization, and assembling players and friendlies are impediments to  success. Could we reduce the anxiety, panic and utter feelings of desperation among the players, by at least planning and announcing:

  A. Possible rival matches
  B. Possible names of players
 
I am hoping that we did have a well layed out plan  for this WCQ prior to 2005. For obvious reasons, the plan was not successful and we switched. Good call. But  what time constraints are we operating under for this new plan to materialise?

If this WCQ  campaign does not go our way, I would suggest we begin  building and setting in place, starting with the Gold Cup a 5 year plan for 2010 in South Africa. I know it may appear a long ways away but  one step in the present and one in the future will provide a vision for where we want to be and where we hope our football program can be. There is a whole  lot of football left to be played, but I believe that those in  management should be doing more to restore public confidence, to incite interest, to build our players sense of direction and to revive  confidence among our National team.

I think the business of accountability must be at the forefront. Those entrusted with public funds, must be held accountable; those entrusted with the managining and direction of our team must also be accountable.
Respectfully submited

586

Football / Is the MLS a solid league for our players?

« on: April 16, 2005, 05:08:12 PM »

Three Caribbean players, Trinidad and Tobago's

Leslie Fitzpatrick and Marlon Rojas

Jamaican Wolde Harris, are set to appear in today's US Major League Soccer (MLS) clash between Real Salt Lake (RSL) City and the Colorado Rapids.

 
Caribbean players are also appearing at Giants Stadium in New Jersey - where the Kansas City Wizards, with Jamaicans Khari Stephenson and Shavar Thomas and Trinidadian Scott Sealy, tackle the MetroStars - and at The Home Depot Centre where Vincentian Ezra Hendrickson's Chivas USA meet FC Dallas, who have Trinidadian Cornell Glen on their roster.


I would think that this  league would assist with our player development as the style of play is very reminiscent of the CONCACAF region.

Note to Jack & investors: what is the feasability of  stacking a side in the MLS with trinis? dat could be the base for our national team:  Think 2010. WCQ.
 Just to make Winnipeg fury happy, we could stack one in Canada too.

587

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / sweet soca soccer

« on: April 15, 2005, 08:17:29 PM »

sweet soca soccer
http://www.timeplusbeats.tv/showroom/imix_tv/imix_tv.htm

588

Entertainment & Culture Discussion / Trini Soca videos

« on: April 15, 2005, 07:36:55 PM »

oh gosh allyuh check dis out. whine fuh so: 

http://www.timeplusbeats.tv/showroom/imix_tv/imix_tv.htm

589

Football / Plotting our depth chart

« on: April 15, 2005, 06:08:04 PM »

What does our depth chart look like: I invite the fans to start filling out names of avaliable players who are healthy; be they locally based, MLS, or U.K and others:

Let's really see what each player will bring to the team in terms of strengths and weakness. We will then make informed choices on what is best for the team aganist Panama.Then with all due respects ah go leave it up to Felix and Tallman to submit to Warner,Fuentes and Beeenhakker.

MIDFIELDS:





FORWARDS:




DEFENSE:





GOALKEEPERS:

590

Football / Beenhakker's NEW TNT team

« on: April 10, 2005, 12:48:40 AM »

Time to begin the predictions: I say that the team  will be revamped with a mixture of overseas  and local players.
All yuh men want tuh start  guessing who the man will have on his team?

591

General Discussion / BIG FIRE IN POS

« on: April 09, 2005, 10:31:04 AM »

any one with the latest on the fire in POS?

592

Other Sports / Ames has declared he is CANADIAN

« on: April 09, 2005, 10:30:28 AM »

 Why would I wish him........ dis is a Trini who has all out denounced his place of birth and  goes by his adopted city Calgarian Stephen Ames. I happen to live in Calgary Alberta Canada and as aformer president of the Trinidad and Tobago association, I have never once seen nor heard of Ames at our functions.

He has declared emphatically in the local newspapers that  he is now proud to represent Canada. He is also refered to in the press heer as Canadian.

All I have to say to Mr. Ames is  "remember Ben Johnson; he was canadian until the steroids blow up then he as JAMACIAN Ben .....

593

Football / Brief Review of WCQ

« on: April 09, 2005, 09:28:45 AM »

6 April 2005
by FIFAworldcup.com

With three matches in the sack, there has been no mean amount of incident so far in North, Central America and the Caribbean qualifying. Join FIFAworldcup.com for a look at seven moments to savour from the last two matchdays in the New World.

1.) Heads-up Borgetti
His brilliant reverse, turnaround header against Italy in the first round of Korea/Japan 2002 should have alerted the world to what Santos Laguna and Pachuca fans have known for years: Jared 'Boom Boom' Borgetti has one of the best heads in the game. He proved it again when the United States came to town for a hotly anticipated match at the Estadio Azteca on Easter Sunday. In a space of just three minutes, Borgetti's aerial threat brought Mexico two goals. A defensive mix-up on the half-hour mark allowed him to storm through and nod home from close range, becoming the region's top scorer with 11 goals in qualifying. And just two minutes later, with nearly every American defender keen to keep him from scoring again, he slipped a headed pass to the unmarked Antonio ‘Zinha' Naelson, who nonchalantly tapped past Kasey Keller to kill off the affair.

2.) Up-and-down Donovan heads home, Johnson on point
Though he struggled with the altitude, atmosphere and opponent at the Azteca, American boy wonder Landon Donovan bounced back three days later against Guatemala. With a renewed sense of spirit and determination, he set the table for the Americans' first goal in Birmingham, Alabama on 30 March. And the man who latched onto his dainty little heel flick in minute 11 was none other than remarkable scoring phenom Eddie Johnson. With eight goals in his first eight caps and barely 21, Johnson looks destined for great things. While young Eddie's star is on the rise, Donovan's return to Major League Soccer the day after the 2-0 win over Guatemala - after his second failed stint in Germany - may prove a step in the wrong direction. U.S. boss Bruce Arena has time and again expressed his desire for American players to test themselves abroad.

3.) Heads roll in Costa Rica, T&T
In football, failure often leads to rapid change. Most often that change occurs on the touchline. Inconsistent Costa Rica and underwhelming Caribbean side Trinidad & Tobago both lost their heads after playing one another in the region's third matchday. The Ticos have been a study in inconsistency. After opening with a historic home loss to Mexico, they beat Panama at the death in San Jose, before ignominiously drawing with previously point-less T&T in Port of Spain. The Federation, having seen enough, sent Jorge Luis Pinto – who recently led them to the Central American Championship – on his way. He will be replaced by former boss Alexandre Guimaraes . It is hoped the man who took Costa Rica to Korea/Japan 2002 and led them to a first win against Mexico at the Azteca, can show the way again. T&T opted for experience too, replacing Bertille St. Clair with former Real Madrid and Holland boss Leo Beenhakker .

4.) Home is where the points are
Over the course of six matches between 26 and 30 March, not one team managed to sneak a win on the road . Mighty Mexico, after their 2-1 win over the States at home, conspired to draw with minnows Panama. Guatemala, fresh off a 5-1 hammering of T&T lost 2-0 to the States, while Costa Rica had the best chance to get a road win against lowly Trinidad & Tobago. But they too could only manage a dour 0-0 draw in Port of Spain.

5.) Goals galore, points at a premium for Guatemala
A five-goal surge from battling Guatemala earned a lopsided win for the Central Americans on 26 March. A brace apiece for top scorer Carlos ‘The Little Fish' Ruiz and Dwight Pezzarrosi spelled the largest scoreline in the region's final round of qualifying. Despite the lopsided victory, it is the only match in which Ramon Maradiaga's men have scored in the final round. A 0-0 draw against Panama and a 2-0 loss to the U.S. put things in a bit of perspective. Still, currently in third place, the Central Americans will be happy enough for the time being as they chase their first finals appearance.

6.) Strained tempers flare up
The six-match schedule in the region saw two sendings-off, but only one side was ultimately made to pay for their lack of discipline. Jose Luis Lopez was dismissed for Costa Rica on 26 March against Panama, leaving the home team to struggle for nearly the entire second half with ten men. But despite the one-man disadvantage, Roy Myre's 91st-minute goal saw them shade the game 2-1. Mexico were less lucky on their 30 March travels to Panama. The home team, seemingly learning their lesson, forced El Tri to leave two points in Panama City in a 1-1 draw after Pavel Pardo was sent off in minute 57. These two are the only expulsions so far in nine final-round ‘Hexagonal' games.

7.) Outsiders looking in
In only their first trip to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying, Panama are keen to cause a sensation. Not known for their footballing pedigree, there has never been a better time for the unfancied Panamanians to overcome the ultimate hurdle. Currently in fifth place with only two points, realistically they would only have to finish fourth to have a chance at qualifying for Germany 2006. As opposed to previous tournaments, CONCACAF now has three and a half places at the finals. The fourth-placed finisher will take on Asia's fifth-placed team in a two-legged play-off. Guatemala, currently in third place, are licking their lips as well as they begin to realistically contemplate World Cup football for the first time.

North, Central American and Caribbean qualifying resumes on 4 June when T&T meet Panama, Costa Rica travel to the U.S. and Guatemala host Mexico.

594

Football / What is Beenhakker REALLY SAYING?

« on: April 07, 2005, 07:54:59 PM »

"Looking ahead to the crucial World Cup matches, Beenhakker aid there were no guarantees. “There are no guarantees in sports and in life. The job is not going to be easy. There are no miracles, but it’s all right for you to dream, you can remain hopeful and work hard towards your goal.”  Don't expect miracles

I am not sure that this team has all that it takes to win.

This team is a bigger project than I thought

All of Trini and Tobago  dreaming

His words sounding much like BSC; no wonder he inquired as to if BSC could work alongside him.

Miracles is some thing which affirms faith; to have faith you must have belief; Right now there is little belief and thus little faith that  our team has the personnel to get us to Germany. So when a coach says don't expect miracles, is he in fact telling us that we ought not to have faith because there is little to substantiate that faith?

595

Football / Campaign for better coverage of WCQ

« on: April 02, 2005, 12:15:59 PM »

Am I the only one with an issues over the lame media coverage of CONCACAF WCQ coverage.
I thought that  ScoocerCentral " Sportsnet channel in Canada would surely have some highlights and discussion of our pastgame this morning on there weekly soccer coverage.

Why was I surprised to see coverage of  all the EUROPEAN PLAYOFFS? some coverage of Brazil and Uraugray and Argentina and Columbia. By the way those games were not very decisive for the former World Cup Champions. Atre they struggling? Even Spain and Portugal were not overly powerful looking in their games.

Frankly I know about the rights to games andd sponsporship etc... but my take on that is again  one of 'eurocentric' domination to keep pushing a particular game upon us. Does it mean nothing to these T.V producres that there is another markek audience outside of Europeans?

Please join me in my campaign of emails to these stations: THE SCORE; TSN SPORTSNET
should we include  any TNT stations on this?

596

Football / Excellent site for ordering SOCCER Tickets

« on: April 01, 2005, 11:40:36 AM »

Here it is:
www.soccervacations. com



http://www.soccertravel.com/search.php?which=type&type=077

http://www.soccertravel.com/custom.php?language=en&pack=00015485

597

Football / The new coach's PLAN should include.......

« on: March 31, 2005, 07:24:19 PM »

To Merss..... here is an outline of a plan, please pass on to whom it may interest.

 A  FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION/ GOVERNING BODY/Technical Director/coach/  who will provide the leadership and dynamism necessary to take Triidad and Tobago's Football Association's Technical Program to a new level of success.
Principal responsibilities:

* Overall development and direction of the Association's Technical Program, including the preparation and maintenance of a 5-year plan to achieve the Program's objectives
* Player and Coaching development at all levels
* Direction and supervision of all National Training Centres
* Direction and supervision of all National Youth Development Team coaches
* Ongoing review and refinement of the Association's Coaching Certification Program
* Close liaison with the National Male and Female Senior Team coaches
* Close working relationship with national Technical Directors and their staff

Candidate Specifications:

* Extensive coaching experience at the International level
* Proven track-record in developing and implementing high-performance technical/coaching programs and long-term planning
* Previous experience in an instructional/pedagogical technical environment
* Self-starter with vision and a detailed technical knowledge of the game
* Team-leader with strong presentational and interpersonal skills
* Superior communication skills, both written and oral
* Passionate about the game and its development

The ability to work very flexible hours and to travel extensively is a requirement of this full-time position. An ability to speak and relate to  'trinbogonians- wil be an asset.

598

Football / Keeping all common topics in one POST

« on: March 31, 2005, 01:09:19 PM »

The problem here is that we are all posting on a similr topic but to follow the flow of thought is challenging as we are all posting new 'threads' would it be not simpler to post all comments on the same idea in one 'Thread'

This way man could follow what was said before and add to it, comment upon it, rather than reposting new ideas same theme over? MAYBE i HAVE THIS ALL WRONG. Maybe everytime one has anew idea, they are suppose to post a new 'Thread' me eh know nah; I is just a simple man trying to keep the football vibes going.

Just my thoughts.

599

Football / USA 2 GUA. 0

« on: March 30, 2005, 10:07:45 PM »

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Eddie Johnson came through once again, showing the stellar form that's made him America's top scorer and giving the United States a key victory in World Cup qualifying.

A day shy of his 21st birthday, Johnson scored a brilliant goal in the 11th minute and set up Steve Ralston's goal in the 68th to lead the United States over Guatemala 2-0 Wednesday night.

CONCACAF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Sat., Mar. 26
Costa Rica 2-1 Panama  Report
Guatemala 5-1 T&T  Report
Sun., Mar. 27
Mexico 2-1 USA  Report
Wed., Mar. 30
T&T 0-0 Costa Rica  Report
USA 2-0 Guatemala  Report
Panama 1-1 Mexico   
Standings
Johnson, who also nearly connected on an audacious bicycle kick, has eight goals in eight international appearances, an astonishing figure that has caused European clubs to express interest in acquiring him from Major League Soccer's Dallas team. Seven of the goals have come in World Cup qualifiers, tying him with Brian McBride for second on the U.S. career list, two behind Earnie Stewart.

Just three days after playing tentatively and conservatively in a dismal 2-1 loss at Mexico, the Americans opened with one of their most high-octane performances, outshooting the Guatemalans 14-3 in the first half. Poor finishing, especially by Brian Ching, kept the United States from running up the score.

By winning their first home game in the final round of the North and Central American and Caribbean region, the Americans improved to 2-1-0, temporarily joining Mexico at the top of the CONCACAF hexagonal with six points. Mexico (2-0), which played at Panama (0-1-1) Wednesday night, also had six, followed by Guatemala (1-1-1) and Costa Rica (1-1-1), which was held to a 0-0 tie at Trinidad and Tobago (0-2-1).

The Americans were forced to make changes because DaMarcus Beasley was suspended for getting his second yellow card of qualifying and captain Claudio Reyna sprained an ankle during Sunday's game in Mexico.

U.S. Soccer scheduled the game for Legion Field, expecting a patriotic red-white-and-blue crowd. But, surprisingly, the majority of fans at gametime consisted of blue-clad Guatemalan supporters. They filled the old football stadium with the sound of their national anthem, and cheered loudly for the Chapines, but by the end of the first-half, chants of "U-S-A! U-S-A!" took over.

Nifty passing set up both goals.

On the first, Pablo Mastroeni sent a through pass to Landon Donovan, who let Johnson run onto the ball. His left-footed shot from 12 yards hit the right post, then rebounded across the goalmouth and into the left side of the net.

On the second, Eddie Lewis crossed the ball into the center, where Johnson flicked it with his head to Ralston, who hopped over a defender and beat goalkeeper Richard Trigueno from short range.

In the 66th, Donovan put the ball in off a cross from Lewis, but was ruled offside on a close play.

U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller then made a sprawling one-on-one save on Carlos Ruiz and, at the other end, Johnson's bicycle kick was blocked by Trigueno. Guatemala's Nestor Martinez batted the ball with a hand during the sequence in the penalty area, but there was no call.

600

Football / Trinidad and Tobago FIRES coach after draw with Costa Rica :IT'S OFFICIAL

« on: March 30, 2005, 08:45:00 PM »

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) - Bertille St. Claire was fired as coach of the Trinidad and Tobago national team and will be replaced by an unidentified European coach, the head of the local football federation said Wednesday.

CONCACAF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Sat., Mar. 26
Costa Rica 2-1 Panama  Report
Guatemala 5-1 T&T  Report
Sun., Mar. 27
Mexico 2-1 USA  Report
Wed., Mar. 30
T&T 0-0 Costa Rica  Report
USA vs. Guatemala  Preview
Panama vs. Mexico   
Standings
The dismissal came after Trinidad and Tobago was held to a 0-0 draw at home by Costa Rica on Wednesday, leaving the Soca Warriors in last place in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying with one point from three games.

Trinidad lost its opener at home to the United States and was beaten 5-1 by Guatemala on Saturday.

"I am not dissatisfied with St. Claire. He did the best within his limitations, but it's time to move to a higher level and that time is now," former Trinidad federation head and CONCACAF president Jack Warner said in an interview with local TV6 following Wednesday's game.

"I have already completed negotiations with a new foreign coach," said Warner, who also is a vice president of FIFA. "He is European, highly respected and of international acclaim."

Warner would not say when the new coach will arrive in Trinidad, but assured his name will be revealed in the next few days.

He said the new coach will head May's training camp in preparation for June's qualifying match in Panama.