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4441
Football / Jason Norville Colchester United deal collapses.
« on: March 24, 2005, 07:19:25 AM »
Jason Norville Colchester United deal collapses.[/size]



Colchester United FC.
The U's expected loan move for Trinidad & Tobago international Jason Norville has collapsed at the last minute, after parent club Watford decided they wanted to retain the striker for the rest of the season having been on trial with the U's for the past ten days.
A deal had been agreed earlier in the day for the 21-year-old striker but, having signed the paperwork at Layer Road on Thursday morning, he has now been recalled by the Hornets.
U's Chief Executive Marie Partner explained: "I have just received a phone call from Watford, who were particularly apologetic and embarrassed by the fact that they have had to recall Jason.
"In light of the recent disruption that has taken place at Vicarage Road with the manager leaving, their chairman felt that by allowing Jason to leave, it left their squad depleted and formally requested that he returned to Watford straight away.
"He had been in to Layer Road this morning and signed the paperwork involved to complete the move, but after Watford got in touch to say that they had changed their mind, this paperwork was not submitted to the Football League."
The pacey forward will return to Vicarage Road on Thursday afternoon to prepare for the Hornets' Easter fixture list. We will have further comment later in the day from Phil Parkinson.

4442
Football / ‘Coaches undermining effort’
« on: March 24, 2005, 06:24:10 AM »
‘Coaches undermining effort’
T&T Newsday Reports.


Trinidad and Tobago football coach Bertille St Clair confesses to one objective: Getting the national team to the World Cup Finals next year in Germany. And he says he is receiving no help from his fellow coaches who are critical of his efforts. Today he continues his exclusive interview with Newsday correspondent ANDRE E BAPTISTE which was recently broadcast on i95.5FM Radio.

AB: Dwight Yorke’s return, you wanted it for a long time. Finally it happened, too late?
BS: Not really too late, but better late than never, and Dwight Yorke has a contribution to make to football in Trinidad and Tobago, whether we like it or not.

AB: In the midfield?
BS: Anywhere!

AB:Your preference would be where for him?
BS: Uhm, depending on the structure I play, I use him, you know, because I am saying that he has the ability, one, and he has the experience to play football. So I will use him for which best he is suited within the arrangements that I make.

AB:You mentioned structure, what is the best structure?
BS: There is no best structure. You see, everybody jumps up and says “system”, and what is system? The system is based on the type of players, and that is the first thing you have to do. You have to put in a system according to the kind of players that you have, and you see, no system in the world could work if you can not control the ball, pass ball, cannot or will not run.
But I am saying that you must put the structure in place according to the kind of players you have. I was reading an article of the Olympics where I believe it was Korea who changed their structure about four times in a day. When they played Azerbedjan they played 4-4-2 and then suddenly switched to 4-3-3. They thought they were good in the back so they put more players up front. You have to have players who can adapt quickly.

AB: Do we have that?
BS:  Well, as I say to you, with some of the guys who come back with experience you may be able to do that. For the others at home, you have to work and drill it in and drill it in to get that to work.

AB: David Nakhid, his return?
BS: David Nakhid’s presence in the team brings a sense of discipline. And what we do not like in Trinidad and Tobago is people who speak their mind and letting you know clearly that wrong is wrong and right is right. We have underminers, and that is how I view all the coaches, underminers. It is not like they would say “Come let’s talk”. No, instead they go through another channel, which is so sad.

AB: Do you see David Nakhid having a role to play on the field?
BS: Well, maybe, when I am training he works out with the guys. Hey, Nakhid in my opinion looks better than Kerwyn “Hardest” Jemmott for example, who is one of the more talented players we have for the moment in Trinidad. And as I said earlier, Frank Sinatra said: “My way”

AB: Why did David Nakhid not play against the USA?
BS: He just got back in the fold and I did not see him work. I was working with the youngsters and the players who came from away. They played in a practice match and I had seen them, so you have to give them the opportunity to play. If Nakhid works and works and is capable, here and there you give him a match.

AB: If you were able to go back in time, would you have let him play that USA match?
BS: No regrets. I thought we had an equal opportunity; we could have come out with two/three points or one in that match. We did not take our chances and as I said to you earlier, the man above had decided. And I add to that, if we had beaten USA we would have felt that we had reached, but now that we lost we have to work even harder to come there.

AB: Russell Latapy, you talk about his recall.
BS: As I said earlier, and I say it all the time, that this team is Trinidad and Tobago. Once you like Trinidad and Tobago, you will want to come here, that is also why I took this job, because I like Trinidad and Tobago. I had a job in the USA, and I had something else in England, but they said the national team and that comes first. The money out there was bigger than this. That is my challenge. So, I never close the door on anybody.

AB: But there is talk that he would want the role as a coach.
BS:Yes, but naturally everybody would want to do that. But if I am a young coach, I would take my time.

4443
Football / Rhinos re-sign Craig Demmin.
« on: March 24, 2005, 05:17:04 AM »
Rhinos re-sign Craig Demmin.
Rochester Rhinos News Release.


Rochester Raging Rhinos General Manager Chris Economides announced today that the team has re-signed defender Craig Demmin and has signed former Rhino goalkeeper Scott Vallow.
Demmin will return to the Rhinos this year for his seventh season. The 6-2, 195-pound native of Arima, Trinidad, has brought consistency and leadership to the entire Rhinos organization. Last season, Demmin appeared in 26 regular season games for Rochester, collecting one assist.  Last season, he won his fourth Rhinos Team Most Valuable Player award (1998-2000, 2004). He has been named to the First Team All-League three times (1998,1999 and 2000) and to the Second Team (2002) once.  As one of the top defenders in club history, Demmin ranks third on the franchise’s all-time lists in games played (146), games started (141) and minutes played (13,066He spent the 2001 season with the Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS) where he appeared in 19 matches.
"Craig has been a leader for many years for our team," Rhinos General Manager Chris Economides said. "It’s great to have him back to help solidify our defense."
Vallow returns to the Rhinos after a two-season stint in Major League Soccer with the Colorado Rapids. The 6-3, 195-pound goalkeeper from Modesto, California, also spent time with the Dallas Burn and the New England Revolution (2002) of MLS. Vallow was a valuable part of the Rhinos’ two consecutive USL First Division Championships in 2000 and 2001. During the 2000 season, Vallow posted a record of 12-6-1 and led the league with a 0.83 goals-against average. Vallow’s superior play earned him the 2000 USL First Division Goalkeeper of the Year award. Overall in his Rhinos’ career, he has appeared in 45 games compiling a 27-13-3 record with 15 shutouts and a .093 goals-against average.
"Scott will be fighting for the starting spot this season," Economides said. "Our success starts in the back with our goalkeepers and having Scott back in the hunt can only add to our team on and off the field."
The Raging Rhinos will open their 2005 preseason training camp on Monday, March 28th at TSE. The squad will train for the following five weeks in preparation of their season opener on Saturday, April 30th in Vancouver against the Whitecaps.

4444
Football / North East Stars/AC Port of Spain Thread
« on: March 24, 2005, 03:48:48 AM »
North East Stars aiming to shine even brighter in 2005.
By: Joel Villafana.
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Guyanese Coach James Mc Clean is under enormous pressure to repeat the success North East Stars enjoyed last season when they made history by winning the T&T Pro League for the first time in their short three-year history.
Nevertheless, Mc Clean will not too be overwhelmed, he admitted to ‘ttproleague.com’, “Yes there is some pressure going into the new season—as champs everybody wants to beat you, and that’s the challenge we face, but when the season starts the boys will be up for the task.”
The successful coach said this year; discipline will be our main watchword, as we need to better the standard of play we displayed last season. The North East Stars coach was happy with his pre-season preparation, saying, “We basically used the time to regroup and re-focus on the job at hand and we are now re-energized and ready to go.”
The Sangre Grande based outfit has lost big influential defender Charles Pollard to San Juan Jabloteh—Coach Mc Lean has admitted that it’s a big loss—but said “It was like when Manchester United lost Beckham—we have moved on, and we have some new players that are expected to make their mark this season.”
There are four new faces in the North East Stars line up, Jabloteh’s Fabian Garcia, Tobago United’s Dwayne Jack Caledonia Fire’s Brent Antoine and Vincentian import Melvin Andrews. There are also a couple of young under 20 players that have come through ranks in the club—National under 20 player Kendall Jagdeosingh and Keston Pierre.
But the core of the winning team from 2004 will be back aiming for more success—the league’s leading goal scorer last season Jerren Nixon is making a return and once again a lot will depend on his goal scoring ability. The Guyanese trio of Howard Lowe, Abassi Mc Pherson and Carey Harris, along with St. Vincent’s Kendall Velox will be the heart of the Sangre Grande based outfit once again.
Coach Mc Lean is not undaunted by the prospect of defending the league title, “I am very confident—but not overconfident, we will be keeping our feet on the ground and not getting carried away.”
“I believe the chemistry and the togetherness we have are our greatest strengths and that’s what got us through last year and will see us forge on in 2005,” Mc Lean boasted.
Mr. Mc Clean’s said his objectives are simple—“I want to see North East Stars successfully defend the league title and capture a knockout title, but more importantly the Guyanese coach will like to leave an indelible mark in local club football as a foreign coach in the T&T Pro League—and in the meantime turning North East Stars a football dynasty in the region.”

Team Profile.
Coach—James Mc Lean.

Assistant Coach—Philbert Charles.

2004 Achievements.
2004 T&T Pro League Champions,
Defending F.A. Cup Champions from 2003.

Last Season’s Top Goal Scorer—Jerren Nixon—37 goals

New Players—Melvin Andrews, Brent Antoine, Dwayne Jack and Fabian Garcia.

Registered Squad of Players

Captain-Jerren Nixon.

Goalkeepers—Trevor Nottingham, Melvin Andrews.

Defenders—Wilford Joseph, Howard Lowe, Glenton Wolfe.

Midfielders—Kayode Mc Kinnon, Abassi, Mc Pherson, Keryn Navarro, Dwayne Jack, Ochieng Abosi, Kern Thomas, Kendall Velox, Keston Pierre and Fabian Garcia.

Forwards—Brent Antoine, Carey Harris, Jerren Nixon, Kendall Jagdeosingh and Anthony Wolfe.

4445
Football / LEAN times for T&T quartet.
« on: March 24, 2005, 03:36:15 AM »
LEAN times for T&T quartet.
By: Lasana Liburd - T&T Express.
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On paper, Tayside-home for Scotland Premier League teams Dundee and Dundee United-is the hotbed of Trinidad and Tobago football talent outside its territorial waters.
United, who formerly employed Caribbean and T&T Player of the Year Jerren Nixon and midfield legend Russell Latapy, now have Jason Scotland and Collin Samuel on their books. Two years ago, Scotland was lauded as his country's most gifted striker by then national coach Hannibal Najjar. Samuel promised much after scoring a hattrick on his senior international debut while still a teenager as well as over a dozen goals at Falkirk in his first full season in Scotland.
At Dundee, 28-year-old goalkeeper Kelvin Jack is considered the long-term successor to T&T captain Shaka Hislop while defender Brent Sancho, also 28, has already cemented his place in the national team.
But Tayside is still awaiting the best of the T&T quartet.
At the weekend, none were in their respective line-ups while Sancho and Scotland were late substitutes.
Jack has missed much of the season through a groin injury and remains unavailable to Dundee manager Jim Duffy as well as national coach Bertille St Clair while Duffy's decision to sideline Sancho is almost certainly linked to the dreadlocked player's reluctance to sign a new contract.
Samuel struggled to recapture his form with First Division club Falkirk in the SPL and it came as little surprise when manager Ian McCall, who was sacked by United last week, asked the ex-CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh to find a new club in January.
But what has concerned Tayside is Scotland's failure to build on a promising debut season with United.
After starting life as a squad player, the former Defence Force stand-out forced his way into the first team with some impressive performances, which had McCall gushing over his potential.
McCall insisted that Scotland should easily score over 10 goals this season after notching five last year. To date, he has managed just three goals and would happily settle for eight in total.
"I feel disappointed in a sense because I was playing to potential when I first came here," said Scotland. "I think I was going well but I just haven't been able to get enough games together (in succession). At the end of last season, I was playing regularly but now we are in a relegation battle and it is harder to get a chance."
At present, United are at the bottom of the SPL and in danger of relegation although Scotland said the players remain confident that they will avoid the drop. Caretaker manager Gordon Chisholm may be encouraged by their performance against Celtic on Sunday although United eventually lost 3-2 at Tannadice Park.
Scotland was introduced in the 86th minute in a desperate attempt to claw back a point following Celtic's late third goal. However, he failed to put away his chance when Celtic defender Stanislav Varga miskicked in the penalty area. Caught by surprise, Scotland could not get the ball out from under his boot with enough venom to beat Celtic custodian Rab Douglas.
"When you go on with just five minutes to play," he said, "sometimes you are wondering about if you will get a touch of the ball.
"Unfortunately, I was still getting in the game when the chance came to get an equaliser."
Scotland has another season left on his contract and is certain to get more playing time. Fans and manager alike concur that he is a talented prospect.
But he must still prove that he can be a top goal scorer in the SPL.
McCall said once that Scotland needs to get more "ugly goals"-the six-yard finishes that compatriot Stern John thrives on.
Scotland admitted that he was still adjusting to the Scottish style of play and it is obviously more difficult to do so from the substitutes' bench. His lean spell at United coincides with his exit from the national set up and he suggested that the two were related.
He began the season in United's starting line-up but lost his place after returning from international duty against St Kitts and Mexico in September. He was an unused substitute in St Kitts and played just five minutes against Mexico.
St Clair has not recalled Scotland since although the striker understands that he has done little to merit a recall.
"I am not disappointed at not being called up because I am not playing how I would want to with my club," said Scotland. "Although I would like to know what are the criteria that the staff looks at for getting in the team."
At present, Scotland is preoccupied with his job at United. There are eight fixtures remaining this season and he is aiming for five goals. It would auger well for his future in the SPL.
Jack will restart light training today with Dundee while Sancho and Samuel will re-evaluate their careers this summer. Sancho's present contract expires in June and there is sure to be takers while Samuel has another year left on his deal but could also find a compromise with his employers. Tough times at Tayside; but, hopefully, there would be a shift in fortunes soon.
Will Bertille survive Costa Rica?
By: Ian Prescott - T&T Express.
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The Warriors left Trinidad and Tobago Sunday for Miami, USA, where they will train for four days. While there, they were billed to play Honduras in a friendly warm-up in Fort Lauderdale this week, before leaving for Guatemala where they play the first of probably the two most crucial games of their 2005 CONCACAF World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Warriors take on Central American rivals Guatemala Saturday at the Estadio Mateo Flores Stadium, and then fly back home where they host Costa Rica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain next Wednesday, Spiritual Shouter Baptist Liberation Day holiday.
What happens if Trinidad and Tobago were to go to Guatemala and failed to get a point. Or God forbids, they lose at home to Costa Rica. There is absolutely no doubt that the calls for the sacking of national coach Bertille St Clair will be heard far and wide. The pressure on St Clair must be intense. Even in Barbados, the often eccentric St Clair had confessed on Barbados television that his job was in jeopardy after Trinidad and Tobago's less that impressive performance at the Digicel Caribbean Cup. To be exact, St Clair said: "I feel a little disappointed because football is victory. Right now, back home they ready to cut meh neck."
At the moment, St Clair's neck remains intact, but even now it is being muttered that if T&T were to gain no points after their first three games of the World Cup campaign, then St Clair should go. But is it fair to St Clair that his tenure may very well depend on just these three matches, during a 10-match qualifying campaign? Current Warriors' manager, Richard Brathwaite, a veteran of many national teams, has repeatedly said the standard of this country's football may not be as good as in the past. Likewise, former captain and current assistant coach David Nakhid has supported Brathwaite's assertion by stating that though this current players are a far more committed bunch than in the past, the team does not have possess natural quality as those of past squads. In other words, both believe St Clair is not totally at fault for what is being seen on the field. Mind you, coaching is a tough job and getting the sack goes with the territory. St Clair should know, having gotten the boot himself, following a successful 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup run where T&T reached the semifinal stage-which represents T&T's best run in any international tournament in recent times.
While, many believe that the games against Guatemala and Costa Rica can make or break T&T's 2005 qualifying campaign, outstanding former national goalkeeper Lincoln "Tiger" Phillips, the current Trinidad and Tobago technical director, thinks these games are very important, but not all important. Phillips sees Guatemala and Panama as the teams T&T must beat to get to the World Cup Finals.
"The game against Guatemala is extremely critical to us," Phillips says, "but it is also mainly critical to them."
Phillips says a lot of pressure will be place on Guatemala to win at home and so Trinidad and Tobago can expect a hostile home crowd and a Guatemalan team which will be trying to put loads of pressure on them. A loss, he believes, might very well cost the Guatemalan coach his job, so he will pushing his team to win at all costs.
"Playing over there (Guatemala), may be harder at this stage than playing Mexico in altitude," Phillips believes.
"Against Costa Rica, it will also be tough because they come here to beat a team they are expected to beat-which is Trinidad and Tobago. I think we will do good if we were to get a draw."
Even in the worst case scenario, should Trinidad and Tobago lose both games to their Central American rivals, Phillips believes that all is not lost.
"Even if we lose the two games, the campaign is not over," Phillips insists. "We have 10 games, and even if we were to win the last two games and get a couple of draws, we could still qualify, because people will be beating each other. We here, panic all the time. We panic and we change the coach and everything turns upside down and we fall behind. I am not saying that we should not change the coach-that is a decision for the executive (Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation). But we have to just look back at the last four World Cup campaigns and see where we have made these drastic changes and nothing there has worked out."
Now, I remember Jack Warner stating emphatically at a press conference last year, that he was backing St Clair all the way. Promises, promises, promises. As often said, a promise is a comfort to a "fool". Will promises hold firm when the pressure is on? Will Bertille still be the national coach after next Wednesday? Anyway, that's left to be seen. And that question becomes academic if the Warriors were to come away from these two crucial games with two good results. Bertille will be smiling like a schoolboy. Pressure off - that is until the next match!

4446
Football / St Clair: We’ll be prepared for whatever comes our way.
« on: March 23, 2005, 02:19:16 PM »
‘Warriors’ aim to put points on the board.
By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer in Guatemala City.


With eight games to go after this one, the “Warriors” need to get into the norm of picking points up. That’s what head coach Bertille St Clair has ordered from his players when they take on Guatemala at the Mateo Flores Stadium in Guatemala City from 8pm local time (10pm T&T time) on Saturday.
With Trinidad and Tobago’s  next outing at home to Costa Rica on Wednesday, the pressure could slowly mount if the “Warriors” were to come away with nothing to show from Saturday’s affair and the T&T faithful will be looking on with keen eyes from this weekend.
The T&T 18-man squad arrived in Guatemala at 7:30pm on Thursday night and were quickly escorted to the Grand Tikal Hotel after a few fans grabbed the opportunity to get their shirts signed and pictures taken, with Dwight Yorke notably being the most popular with the home fans.
The conditions here have been slightly chilly and the team was expected to get a good feel of the surface at a training session carded for around game time on Friday night.
Most of the morning period following a 9am breakfast was spent reviewing the Guatemalan team on video and holding discussions around the game itself, mindful of the fact that the Guatemalans would be under pressure not to lose any points at home having drawn their previous qualifier with Panama.
But the home side will remember their 4-1 win over T&T at the same venue in a friendly last August. T&T lost defender Marlon Rojas to a yellow card inside the opening 15 and after losing Angus Eve to injury in the pre-match warm up, also lost Arnold Dwarika, Gary Glasgow, Cornell Glen and Derek Phillips to injuries during the encounter. This time around, goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, Brent Sancho, Carlos Edwards, Dennis Lawrence, Silvio Spann, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Stern John, Hector Sam, Dwight Yorke and Clayton Ince are all in the T&T squad which should pose a different and hopefully tougher opposition for the Guatemalans.
In other matches between the two nations, T&T won 3-1 at home in a build up to their 2002 qualifier away to Costa Rica and won 4-2 in the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup first round. In past World Cup action, T&T won 2-1 at home and 1-0 at the Mateo Flores Stadium with Philbert Jones and Kerry Jamerson (2) being the scorers during the 1990 campaign. In the 1998 qualifiers, T&T drew 1-1 at home with Jerren Nixon on the mark and then lost 2-1 in the return with Angus Eve netting the lone item.
But St Clair is not thinking about past performance and results whether at home or away.
“Playing away from home is difficult but I always believe that it’s a mindset and it can only be a problem if you think about it that way,” St Clair told TTFF Media on the eve of the match.
“Football is a level playing field and I am quietly confident that we can get a result once we play to our ability and plan. The best way to defend is to go out and attack and I think we need to put some pressure on the home team from the first whistle and exploit their weaknesses,” he added.
Remembering the Rojas sending off as well as mindful of possible yellow card suspensions for future games, St Clair said he hoped that being cautious will not affect T&T’s game.
“Everything is in the hands of the referee so we have to try our best to play to the rules but that must not affect our aggression.
“The team has changed since the last game as we have more experience this time but the same would occur with Guatemala. Hopefully we have prepared well and the evening will end in our favour. You go into every game aiming for three points,” St Clair concluded.
Wrexham striker Hector Sam has not played since scoring the equalizer in the 2-1 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines last November which could leave St Clair starting with Kenwyne Jones up front with John again while Yorke and Edwards will be the trumps in the middle of the pitch with Fitzpatrick and Spann supporting not to forget Eve. Workhorse Marvin Andrews is out through injury which means that Sancho will need to pull all his weight in the back alongside Lawrence, Rojas, Thomas and Nigel Henry in the wait.
“I am positive about us giving a good showing considering too that this is our first game of the round away from home,” said Hislop, who is expected to wear the armband. “It’s important that we settle in quickly and take the game to them rather than sit back and allow them to control. We expect that the atmosphere will be a hostile one but it’s not a first time for us. A good result is certainly beyond us in this one,” added the Portsmouth man.
Guatemalan MLS striker Carlos Ruiz is their biggest threat and head coach Ramon Maradiaga expects his team will get the job done.
“I don’t expect that the game will be an easy one but we will want to make it as difficult for them as well and take advantage of being at home. We know they are capable of good football but we will try to take care of that,” Maradiaga uttered.
American referee Kevin Stott will take charge of proceedings which will be witnessed by CONCACAF President Jack Warner who flew into Guatemala on Friday with his entourage.
News from the 25th of March 2005.
St Clair: We’ll be prepared for whatever comes our way.
By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer in Ft Lauderdale.
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Veteran midfielder Angus Eve continued his scoring form for Trinidad and Tobago’ senior team when his 41st minute rocket shot turned out to be the winning item for the “Warriors” in their 2-1 victory over Atlanta Silverbacks at the Sunrise Hilton training pitch on Tuesday.
In what was the final tune up before Satirday’s 2006 World Cup qualifier away to Guatemala, coach Bertille St Clair saw his men turn in a solid performance against a team that never really posed problems as goalkeepers Shaka Hislop and Clayton Ince got a half each with not very much to do between the uprights.
Overall though, the exercise may have been just what the team wanted at this stage, a chance to get together in a game situation.
The Silverbacks, team of midfielder Leslie “Tiger” Fitzpatrick seemed intent on giving the visitors a tough run but they never really matched up and were lucky not to have gone behind in the 22nd minute when Anton Pierre’s drive from the top edge of the penalty box went just wide of the upright.
With nothing to show on the scoresheet, Eve then stepped up. A ball played into Stern John by midfielder Dwight Yorke on the edge of the box led to Eve collecting wide on the right and having sufficient time to rifle home a right footer through the stranded Silverbacks goalie on 34 minutes.
Stoke City’s Kenwyne Jones started up front with John but he had to be replaced in the 24th minute after receiving a knock to the knee. His replacement, Nigel Pierre, didn’t take long to make the 100 odd T&T fans present aware of his presence. Carlos Edwards swung one over from the right and Pierre, all alone, went up and perfectly headed into the right corner for a 2-0 advantage going into the break. Moments before the break though, Fitzpatrick won the ball atop the box and found Yorke whose well struck low shot was saved by the ‘keeper.
The second half saw St Clair change his team around with Silvio Spann replacing Edwards. Keyeno Thomas for Eve, while Rojas, an earlier substitute, came back on for Eve. With 20 minutes to go Silverbacks midfielder and former Honduran National team star, Alex Pineda-Chacon brought them back into the game when he scored one.
The other defenders Anton Pierre, Brent Sancho, Nigel Henry played the full 90 as did John and Yorke. Wrexham’s Dennis Lawrence and Hector Sam received at the Sunrise shortly after the outing.
Miami-based forward Jason Nelson, from Tobago, also got a few minutes in place of Pierre (N) near the end. Nakhid got 17 minutes of the pitch in place of Atiba Charles and showed glimpses of his ability in the middle, making runs at the defense and threading the ball around but to little avail at that stage.
“I think overall the match was a good one for us because the guys looked more assertive and comfortable as a team,” St Clair told TTFF Media. “It allowed us to see how the players would perform in the positions that we will like to be in and all in all, it was not a bad showing. We were clean in defense and things didn’t look badly in the middle of the park but we know that it will be a different ball game in Guatemala and at this stage we will be prepared for what is to come at us,” St Clair added. The team spent much of Wednesday relaxing and will return to the training  ground on Thursday morning before departing for Guatemala ahead of Saturday's encounter.
Despite the outcome for Silverbacks, Head Coach David Vaudreuil was extremely pleased with his squad's efforts against a T&T squad that featured Dwight Yorke, Stern John and Shaka Hislop, he commented, "Given that we're missing several of our regular season starters,  and one of those was playing for the other team, we played much better than I expected. I'm pleased with our progress in such a short period of time."

Line-Up:
Shaka Hislop (Clayton Ince 46th), Anton Pierre, Brent Sancho, Nigel Henry, David Atiba Charles (David Nakhid 73rd), Carlos Edwards (Silvio Spann), Leslie Fitzpatrick (Marlon Rojas), Dwight Yorke, Angus Eve (capt) (Keyeno Thomas), Kenwyne Jones (Nigel Pierre 24th) (Jason Nelson), Stern John.
'Warriors' respond well to Sunrise call.
By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer in Ft Lauderdale.
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The absence of experienced Glasgow Rangers defender MArvin Andrews from Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Guatemala should not be a major worry for this country's senior footballers.
This is the opinion of head coach Bertille St Clair after he received confirmation of Andrews' knee injury on Tuesday as he took charge of the "Warriors" in their Fort Lauderdale training camp ahead of the second match of the final qualifying round. It's not certain whether the big defender will also miss the March 30 match against Costa Rica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.
Added to Andrews' missing in action status, English-born stopper Ian Cox also turned unavailable after suffering a hamstring pull on the weekend which resulted in a late call for Wrexham defender Dennis Lawrence who last appeared against Mexico last year and was unforgettably a regular member of the 2002 World Cup squad.
"Marvin has grown into becoming one of the more important players in the team and is now one of the recognised defenders in Scotland but I don't think his absence will have any major effect on the team," St Clair told TTFF Media on Tuesday. "Of course, there's always a concern when you are missing a key player, especially in defense, but we have guys who can step up to the call and this simply means that one of the other guys will now get a chance to take up that responsibility."
Over the past two days St Clair has focused on getting the players reacquainted with each other and the spirit on and off the pitch has been a lively one at the Sunrise Hilton. Training each day from 9am and then at 4pm along with the excellent facilities at the LA Fitness Center being part of the all-access package has been the story for the "Warriors".
"It's always important to ensure that the guys are comfortable together when you are preparing for a game and this goes on to have a positive effect on what takes place on the pitch. So far I think things have gone well and we should be able to get on even better as the match date gets closer," a focused looking Dwight Yorke said shortly before the training match with the Atlanta Silverbacks on Tuesday afternoon.
Some followers of the team from home and even those who have showed up at the team base in Ft Lauderdale questioned whether the overseas-based pros would actually report to camp on time and those here have seen the committment for themselves which has left St Clair a pleased team boss.
"I always advocate that if you are going to represent Trinidad and Tobago, then you have to do the things that the country deserves from you. As the coach I have stressed the importance of this and we have observed  that each of the guys who have come on board have adapted quickly and have been doing the right things. Rules are made to be followed and you tend to gain once you follow it correctly," St Clair stressed.
"We are doing as much on the field to try and gel as a unit and we are working on getting as mentally prepared as we can for this game in Guatemala which is our forst match of the round away from our Stadium," he ended.

4447
What about Track & Field / Cloud hangs over CARIFTA Games.
« on: March 23, 2005, 07:08:11 AM »
Cloud hangs over CARIFTA Games.
By: Walter Alibey - T&T Newsday.


A cloud of concern now hangs over the staging of the 2005 CARIFTA Games in the sister-isle of Tobago with just two days to go before the official start. President of the National Amateur Athletics Association Ken Doldron is fuming over what he describes as the casual approach to the emerging problem by those in authority. The availability of flights in and out of the sister-isle ahead of the games, is worrying organisers with regional teams and supporters uncertain of whether they will make to Tobago on time or at all.
According to Doldron, the stage has been set with a spanking new state of the art IAAF-certified track facility, as well as interest which is guaranteeing a sold-out crowd for the the annual regional three-day junior track and field fiesta. The event is carded for March 26, 27 and 28 at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, but Doldron feels the party can be spoilt if national airline BWIA and the Tobago Express do not move swiftly to sort out the problem. Doldron pointed out that a contingent from French Guyana is currently in Trinidad attempting to sort out flight arrangements to meet their scheduled time of arrival for the Games.
He added that desperate attempts were made by Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Orville London to increase the number of flights to transport the athletes and their supporters via the Tobago Express, but that effort has been unsuccessful. Now Doldron is contending that the matter could have been dealt with had BWIA put plans in place to deal with the obvious influx of passengers over the coming Easter weekend. Newsday understands from a BWIA source that the problem is no fault of theirs since the airline has been operating with limited flights to as many destinations as they possibly can. Further  while BWIA are not the only ones dealing with flights on the airbridge route, the problem is one of “resource constraints”.
Newsday was told that the matter should be picked up with Tobago Express and not with the cash-strapped BWIA. Doldron revealed that Caribbean athletic powerhouse Jamaica are expected today, but will be spared the hassle since they have secured a chartered flight straight to the sister isle. Barbados and the Bahamas are also due in on chartered flights but there are many other countries who could be stranded if they depend on airbridge flights from Piarco. These countries include  Belize, Suriname, Guadeloupe and Martinique among many others.
Doldron suggested that the national carrier (BWIA) put additional flights during the nights from tomorrow and Friday,  which will deal with passengers making the trip to Tobago. He also feels that two other flights to operate the airbridge on Tuesday morning or night will also assist in taking the passengers out of Tobago when the Games have been completed. Some 550 athletes from 26 countries from as far as Haiti in the North to Guyana in the South are expected in Tobago for CARIFTA Games. Doldron says Trinidad and Tobago will be fielding a competitive team, led by sprint queen Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Rennie Quow, Marcus Duncan, high jumper Rhonda Watson, Damian Douglas and speedster Jamil James, among others.
Bovells make FCB awards history
By: Joel Bailey - T&T Newsday.


George Bovell III and his father George II became the first father-son combination, in fact the first parent-child duo, to earn the annual Sports Personality of the Year awards. George II copped the award for his outstanding swimming performances in 1969, when the function was organised by the West Indies Tobacco Company (WITCO). Thirty-five years later, his son George III copped the prestigious prize, at Monday’s ceremony at Queen’s Hall in Port-of-Spain.
Bovell was rewarded for  his third-place finish in the men’s 200-metre Individual Medley at the Athens Olympics last year. With George III preparing with his Auburn University team for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Swimming Championships in Minneapolis, his father accepted the award on his behalf. “For me, as his father, I’m very proud of his achievements and I hope it is an inspiration for all young swimmers and athletes that if they stay the course, they can become champions,” said George II. Did George II envision himself returning to the stage nearly four decades later? “Never,” was his reply. “When I won in 1969, I was the most surprised person there and I think, in fact, my wife (Barbadian-born runner Barbara) was a far better athlete than I was,” he added.
When asked how will George III feel about the award, his father replied: “I think it means the world for him. He has been nominated several times and to be chosen, especially when you’re chosen over an athlete like Brian Lara, that’s a tremendous honour,” added the elder Bovell. How has the life of Bovell III changed since his bronze-medal achievement at Athens? “George is a very down-to-earth kind of person,” responded his father. “The training regime of a swimmer, maybe a cyclist (is) the only athlete that puts in that kind of hours,” he said. “It’s very tough,” he added. “Balancing his academics and his swimming is a full-time job.” Another member of the Bovell clan, younger brother Nicholas, is also one of Trinidad and Tobago’s top swimmers, but he has always been in the shadow of his elder sibling. “Nicholas has always tried to compete and be as good as George,” said their father. “George keeps raising the barrier all the time. Nicholas gets discouraged at times but he had an injury (last year) and he wasn’t able to show off how good he was,” added Bovell II.
“He’s back swimming now and we hope that, by next year, he can have achievements that he is proud off.” By dint of her ninth-place finish at the hammer throw at Athens, Candice Scott repeated her 2003 success by claiming the Sportswoman of the Year Award. But the humble Scott stressed: “I don’t let these things get to my head.”  Looking back at the Olympics, she admitted that it was her greatest accomplishment. “But I also have World Games coming up (in Helsinki, Finland in August) so I’m working towards that.” Stating that 2004 was her best year in track and field, Scott is hoping that, in the future. “I want to see how far I can go, which includes breaking the 70-metre barrier,” she said. Scott’s best throw has been 69.94m at Athens. Bovell and Scott joined 2003 Sportsman of the Year Brian Lara, Canadian-based golfer Stephen Ames, national hockey captain Kwandwane Brown, sprinter Jamil James, bodybuilding star  Dareem Charles, rifle shooter Roger Daniel and the table-tennis pair of Dexter St Louis and stepdaughter Rheann Chung as the Top Ten Personalities of the Year.
Another big award winner on the night was the National Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA) who, for the first time in their history, collected the Jeffrey Stollmeyer Memorial Award for the top sporting organisation. NAAA president Ken Doldron said: “When one could look back at the history of track and field and the administration of the NAAA, it must be one of the things that we’re proud about, to move from what we were perceived to be at the bottom of the ladder, in terms of our image to the public. “And, in 2004,” he continued, “to come away with the top award for organisation and managing our affairs, especially our financial affairs, I think it’s a contribution to the entire executive and members of the association.” The NAAA are currently preparing for the hosting of the 2005 Carifta Games, which will be held at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Tobago from Saturday until Monday.
“To say it’s a challenge is really putting it mildly,” Doldron noted. “It’s a tremendous challenge to get a Games organised in Tobago, particularly over the Easter weekend when there’s quite a lot of activities taking place in Tobago.” He continued: “Not withstanding that, I think we’ve weathered the storm. We’re definitely ready for the Games.” With over 500 athletes expected to compete, Doldron emphasised: “We can safely say that all our athletes will be properly housed.” Copping the inaugural Lystra D Lewis Sportsmanship Award, for “display of empathy and kindness so seldom found in the sometimes overly competitive atmosphere of the game” was Matthew Ramirez. Ramirez, the captain of 2004 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) East Zone and “Big 5” winners St Augustine, gained fame following the “Big 5” semi-final against Mucurapo, at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, on October 19.
After a tense penalty shootout, Mucurapo’s Shervon Jack sent his shot overbar, which resulted in St Augustine prevailing by an 8-7 margin. But Ramirez left his celebrating team-mates to console the beleaguered Jack. Reflecting on the incident, Ramirez noted: “That was how I was brought up. I was brought up among a lot of old people, brought up in the right way. It was just a natural reaction,” he added. Commenting on the award, Ramirez stated: “Being the first award (recipient) is amazing. This is my first occasion coming here. I hope it wouldn’t be my last. I’m hoping (for) bigger things to come.”
Among his aims in the future is getting selected on the national team for the next World Cup.

4448
Football / San Juan Jabloteh Thread.
« on: March 23, 2005, 06:43:25 AM »
San Juan Jabloteh hungry for success in 2005.
By: Joel Villafana.


Last season, they failed to successfully defend their league title, which they won back in 2003—but come 2005, Jabloteh will not be taking anything for granted.
Negotiations are well on the way for an English born coach to lead the team for the 2005 season—but in the meantime Assistant Coach and Youth Technical Director Michael Grayson will take charge of the squad.
Grayson who coached Starworld Strikers last season, will lead Jabloteh in the early part of the season and he is eagerly looking forward to the challenge.
He told ‘ttproleague.com’ “I want to ensure whenever the new coach takes over we are in a position of strength to go on and ensure we take back the league title.”
Jabloteh’s pre-season has gone pretty well so far—they have been in training for the last six weeks and Grayson is satisfied with the progress he has seen leading up to the 2005 season.
They were given a great test when they hosted and played the New York/New Jersey MetroStars and lost 3-2—but Coach Grayson believes the team is right where they should be at this point and will be firing on all pistons when the season starts.
The former Starworld Strikers Coach was quick to point out they suffered a few niggling injuries over the last week—the key one, new Jamaican born U.S. based striker Nicholas Addlery who will be out for at least 2 weeks with a concussion he sustained in the MetroStars game—also on the injury list is Michael Celestine, Travis Mulraine and Cyd Gray, however Grayson is hoping that all will be well come the April, 2nd when the season kicks off.
Jabloteh has brought in some re-enforcements that they hope will further strengthen the squad—Jamaican born striker Nicholas Addlery, Guyanese striker Nigel Codrington, North East Stars defender Charles Pollard and Joe Public’s Kevaughn Cornell.
Grayson believes all these players will add further quality to the squad, “Pollard is one of the better defenders in the league, while both Nicholas Addlery and Nigel Codrington are exciting and deceptive strikers.”
Nevertheless, Jabloteh’s potency, still lies with the likes of national skipper, now player/coach at Jabloteh Angus Eve, and their attacking force of national striker Nigel Pierre, along with Aurtis Whitley, Devon Mitchell and Trent Noel.
Grayson is expressing confidence that Jabloteh will do well this year, stating, “Our strength is that we possess quality players and our chemistry is just amazing, and it all has to do with the family atmosphere that exist in the club.”
The former national player, is hungry for success, and said “We want back the league title desperately and we also want to take away the knockout titles that will be on offer this year as well.”
 
Team Profile:
Coach—Michael Grayson

Assistant Player/Coach— Angus Eve

2004 Achievements.
Placed 3rd in the league competition,
Beaten finalists in the Pro Bowl Knockout competition.

Last Season’s Top Goal Scorer—Trent Noel and Aurtis Whitley—10 goals each

New Players— Nicholas Addlery, Charles Pollard, Nigel Codrington and Kevaughn Cornell.

Registered Squad of Players

Captain- Angus Eve

Goalkeepers— Daurance Williams, Brian James.

Defenders— Nigel Daniel, Ansil Elcock, Dexter Frankyln, Ian Gray, Cyd Gray, Charles Pollard, Kenyo Thomas and Marcelle Francois.

Midfielders— Vernon Bailey, Kerry Baptiste, Michael Celestine, Kevaughn Cornell, Angus Eve, Josh Johnson, Travis Mulraine and Trent Noel.

Forwards— Nigel Codrington, Devon Mitchell, Nigel Pierre, Aurtis Whitley, Nicholas Addlery, Christopher Sam and Kerry Noray.

4449
Football / Shaun Fuentes Thread
« on: March 23, 2005, 03:55:28 AM »
The Pro-Look, with Shaun Fuentes.[/color]

Atiba Charles attracts UK interest.

W Connection defender Atiba Charles is expected to return to Oldham Athletic for preseason training in July.
The former national Under-23 player, currently with the senior team in Miami, spent two weeks at the club with fellow local player Andre Toussaint earlier this month, and was able to give a good account of himself, particularly during a Reserve game for Athletic which they lost 2-1 to Manchester United.
Scouts from Coventry City and a couple other clubs saw him and have also invited him for trials while word is that Falkirk of Scotland have also expressed willingness to see more of him.
Overall it was a very beneficial experience for me. I thought things went pretty well and the manager at Oldham indicated that he was happy with what he saw, Charles said on the weekend.
Silvio Spann, Marlon Rojas settle.

Defender Marlon Rojas made his first appearance for MLS side Real Salt Lake in a 2-2 draw with Colorado Rapids on Saturday.
The former Police and Joe Public player set up the equalising goal for forward Jason Kreis in the 70th minute.
Rojas has been with the team for the past week after recovering from a hamstring injury and is now fully fit for T&Ts match against Guatemala on Saturday.
Things have gone really good. I am settling down in the city itself and preparations with the team have gone well. We have some really decent players in the team like Jason Kreis and Andy Williams out of Jamaica, Rojas said.
Meantime, young midfielder Silvio Spann is coming off three appearances with Yokohama FC in the Japanese Pro League. He is making his return to the T&T line up since his last appearance in the World Cup qualifying semi-final round last year.
The league there is very fast paced and as such Ive got to be on my toes right through and stay injury free. The quality is good as well which makes it a very competitive League but so far Ive fitted in well with the team and my hope is just continue keeping my game up both for them and the national team, Spann said after training with the T&T team for the first time on Monday.
Fans call for Shaka Hislop.

Goalkeeper Shaka Hislop is currently the number one choice goalkeeper for T&T and maybe its about time that Portsmouth put him back in that position if they intend to stop their losing streak.
Thats what the Pompey fans have been calling for as Greek goalie Kostas Chalkias continues to concede goals. So far the former Panathinaikos keeper has let in 13 goals in six matches since taking Hislops place in January.
I would be delighted to get back into the team. Ive always kept myself prepared to play again. But I dont make these decisions and am prepared for whatever happens. The manager hasnt spoken to me,said Hislop who is with the T&T side for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Guatemala.
The situation at Portsmouth is a tight one at the moment but Ill see how it goes over the rest of the season. Im pretty confident that things will work its way out.
Kenwyne Jones stays with Stoke.

Kenwyne Jones has scored two goals in six appearances for Stoke City and has agreed to stay with the club on loan until the end of the season.
Jones has also been on loan at Sheffield Wednesday where he ripped up the scoring charts and has been doing well at Stoke as well.
But he has his sights set on returning and establishing himself in the Premiership with Southampton.
I have agreed to stay with Stoke but my plan is to return to Southampton because the Premiership is where I really want to play,Jones said on Monday.
But Stoke is in a relatively comfortable position and I have settled in there as well. The goals havent come as freely as when I was at Sheffield but Ive managed to get a couple and hopefully I can go back and help to some good results.
Carlos Edwards to come better.

Carlos Edwards remains keen to sign a new contract with English League One side Wrexham.
Having returned from a serious knee injury earlier this year, Edwards said that he will take some time to start ripping on the flanks again with Wrexham two spots from the bottom of the table.
It hasnt been easy so far but Im getting there,
Edwards said on Monday.
Wrexham are not in the best of positions but hopefully we can survive but I also have some options that will be available to me so the most important thing is getting myself back into top shape, he added.
I have a series of matches to go into for the national team and I am hoping that Ill be whipping them in constantly. I think were in with a good chance of picking up some points in these next two games.

4450
Football / Defence Force a ‘Force’ to be reckoned with in 2005.
« on: March 22, 2005, 07:30:58 AM »
Defence Force a ‘Force’ to be reckoned with in 2005.
By: Joel Villafana.
[/size]

Former National Midfielder Kerry Jamerson has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading Defence Force back to their glory days—Jamerson has been appointed head coach for the 2005 season, replacing Hutson Charles and he is determined to lead the army outfit back to winning ways.
The former ‘Strike Squad Player said, “this year we will spring a few surprises, we have added four new players, which includes three new exciting strikers.”
Keon Trim, Kayode Thomas and Akeil Pierre, together with midfielder Christopher Durity have all been drafted into the squad for the new season. Coach Jamerson believes that these players have fitted in well and will contribute to the team in a positive way this year.
However, once again the team will be built around the experience of national defender Anton Pierre, Rawle Fletcher, along with talented strikers Kevon Carter and Devon Jorsling.
According to Jamerson, their pre-season preparation went very well, and they went on an International Military Tournament in Canada—where they got some good match practice during their pre-season—coming up against military teams from the U.S. and Canada. The local army/coast guard outfit won one game, drew two and lost one match.
Kerry Jamerson is very confident going into the new season—saying, “our pre-season was very intense and as for some of the top teams in the Pro League that are accustomed to beating us, they will have another thing coming.”
“The likes of Kevon Carter and Odelle Armstrong have matured and are much more experienced and will present a different proposition to our opponents this year,” added Jamerson.
The new head coach is of the opinion that this coming season defence force’s strength will lie in their all round ability, “last year we were not a well rounded outfit, as we were missing something up front—but this year our game has come together nicely—in defence, midfield and in attack.”
Coach Jamerson in his first full season as head coach has set himself some targets, he told ttproleague.com that he first will like to get the team playing consistently well and get into a winning habit—he will also like to see more defence force players forcing their way onto the national team—and finally he wants to win the league and get their hands back on the FCB Cup—a title they narrowly missed out on last year losing out to W Connection in the final.

Team Profile:

Head Coach—Kerry Jamerson

Assistant Coach—Dexter Lee

2004 Achievements—Placed 5th in the league competition,
Beaten finalist in the FCB Cup Knockout competition.

Last season’s top goal scorer—Kevon Carter-10

New Players—Akil Pierre, Kayode Thomas, Keon Trim and Christopher Durity.

Registered squad of players:

Captain-Kelshall Alexander

Goalkeepers—Selwyn George, Cleon John

Defenders—Claude Adams, Kelshall Alexander, Michael Edwards, Rawle Fletcher, Dexter Pacheco, Anton Pierre and Corey Rivers.

Midfielders—Ronald Boyce, Christopher Durity, Anton Joseph, Javon Neptune, Ronald St. Louis, Kwesi Smith, Kurt Williams and Shelton Williams.

Forwards—Odelle Armstrong, Jerwyn Balthazar, Kevon Carter, Devon Jorsling, Akil Pierre, Kayode Thomas and Keon Trim.

4451
Football / Scott Sealy scores in Wizards debut.
« on: March 22, 2005, 03:53:19 AM »
Scott Sealy scores in Wizards debut.
Kansas City Wizards Media Relations.



Scott Sealy scored the only goal of the game in the Wizards' win Monday. (Tony Quinn/MLS/WireImage.com).

Alauela, Costa Rica - The Kansas City Wizards topped Costa Rica club Carmelita 1-0 in Alajuela, Costa Rica Monday morning. Forward Scott Sealy scored the game's only goal in his first match since joining the Wizards. Sealy, the 11th overall pick in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft, joined the team in Costa Rica on Friday following the receipt of his P-1 visa. He had taken part in just two training sessions with the team before starting and playing the full 90 minutes on Monday.
The Wizards got on the board early when Sealy scored in the 30th minute. Midfielder Jack Jewsbury crossed a ball in from the left side that was miss-cleared by a Carmelita defender. Wizards forward Omar Gomez, on trial with the team, collected the loose ball on the right side of the box and knocked it to Sealy, who was positioned near the penalty spot. With his back to the goal, Sealy let the ball play in front of him while he turned and faced the goal. He then stuck a shot hard and low to the back post, beating the outstretched goalkeeper.
The Wizards were content with the one goal as they sat back and defended the ball well considering the blistering heat of the Costa Rican morning. Making a series of substitutions at the second half, the Wizards would grind out the final 45 minutes and earn the 1-0 win.
Kansas City will face Costa Rican side Alajuelense on Tuesday evening in their final exhibition in Costa Rica. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 8:00 p.m. CT. The team will depart Costa Rica on Wednesday, March 23rd and return to Kansas City.

Scoring Summary:
KC- Scott Sealy (Omar Gomez) 30'

Kansas City Wizards Line-up: Will Hesmer-GK; Brian Roberts, Danny Jackson, Dustin Branan, Shavar Thomas (Brian Bliss-70'); Preki (Khari Stephenson-46'), Doug Lascody, Alex Zotinca (Jay Alberts-60'), Jack Jewsbury (Diego Walsh-46'); Omar Gomez (Ryan Pore-46'), Scott Sealy.

4452
Quizz Time & Facts / Test Your knowledge.
« on: March 19, 2005, 08:52:47 AM »
Test Your knowledge.
By: Flex.


1. Which two foreign born T&T players were born on the same day but different year?

2. Who was T&T's first professional football player?

3. Who holds the record for scoring the most goals in the T&T Pro-League?

4. Who wrote the national anthem?

5. Who wrote the national pledge?

6. What city was the first capital of Trinidad?

7. Who was the youngest player to gain a foreign contract?

8. Who scored the most goals in the T&T U-16 Pro-League in the 2004 season?

9. Who scored the most goals in the T&T U-14 Pro-League in the 2004 season?

10. Who was the first T&T player to ever play in the MLS?

11. Who was the first foreign born player to play for T&T?

12. What year did the National Super League officially kicked-off?

13. Name the 2 T&T born players that was picked to train in the AC Milan Youth Program?

14. Who is currently the chief executive officer of the Trinidad & Tobago Professional Football League?

15. Who is the Technical Director of Trinidad and Tobago?

16. Name the line-up that played against Haiti during the CONCACAF classic that was hosted in Haiti in 1973?

17. During the 1989 world cup qualifiers, T&T beat Guatemala in Guatemala, who scored the goal and what was the final score line?

18. When was the last time T&T beat the U.S in any competition, who was the scorer and what was the final score?

19. Which T&T footballer carries the alias "Squeakie"?

20. What year did the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association form?

21. Who was the first Brazilian to coach T&T?

22. What year was the first time a T&T team toured England?

23. How many world cup goals Steve David scored for T&T?

24. Who is known as the "Schillaci"?

25. Who is known as "the man in the blue boots"?

26. Which school won the most SSFL titles?

27. Who was known as the "dread dribbler"?

28. During the Pan-American Games in 1967, T&T posted victories over Canada, Argentina and Colombia, what was the score for each individual game and, how did T&T place in that tournament?

29. In 1974 CAC - Games T&T placed ?

30. Who is currently the top scorer "since the year 2000" for T&T in both the Under 20 and Under 23 teams?

31. Who scored the first goal for T&T during the finals of a world cup (not world cup qualifier) but world cup itself and, against whom?

32. Who holds the record for the most Under 17 goals scored since the year 2000?

33. What school does Muhammad Isa currently coach?

34. What school does Selris Figaro and Ian Clauzel currently coach?

35. Who won the 2004 Tobago SSFL title?

36. Who played the most games for T&T?

37. Name the two players that were brothers who represented T&T?

38. Who was the first T&T player to play professionally in Peru?

39. Who is the oldest player to play for T&T?

40. Which past T&T player currently has a nephew playing for the T&T senior team?

Good Luck .....  ;)

4453
General Discussion / Eat more fish for a healthy heart.
« on: March 19, 2005, 06:43:19 AM »
Eat more fish for a healthy heart.
T&T Newsday Reports.


Ask an expert to list the ways that fish is good for your heart, and it  may take a while. But ask for advice, and you’ll get a quick answer: Eat fish once or twice a week and you’ll see cardiovascular benefits. Fish are nature’s richest source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, nutrients that have been firmly tied to a wide range of cardiovascular health benefits. They cut overall heart-disease risk, reduce the likelihood of sudden cardiac death, lower blood pressure, bring down levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, slow the progression of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, and help shield us from developing potentially deadly abnormal heart rhythms. And that’s not all.
Omega-3 also appear to help the cells lining our blood vessels to function more effectively and to improve the tone of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling the heart, says Dr Dariush Mozaffarian, an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who has been researching fish and cardiovascular health for several years. In fact, the American Heart Association now recommends that everyone eat two six-ounce meals of fatty fish each week, and urges additional omega-3 intake via supplements for individuals at greater risk.
The fish richest in omega-3s are dark-fleshed varieties like salmon, sardines, mackerel and bluefish, while tuna is also a relatively good source. But even fish with lower levels of omega-3s remains high in protein and low in saturated fat, so it’s always a good menu choice — especially if it bumps a burger off your plate, says Dr Alice Lichtenstein of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston. But pregnant and nursing women, as well as women who are planning to become pregnant, should be careful about mercury when eating seafood. High  levels of this heavy metal in the body can lead to brain and nerve damage.
The US Food and Drug Administration advises pregnant and nursing women  to stay away from shark, tilefish, king mackerel and swordfish, but says pregnant women can eat up to 12 ounces of a variety of other fish each week. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pollutants that can impair neurological development, are another common seafood contaminant. In guidelines issued last year, Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Association for Reproductive Health Professionals advised young women and children to eat no more than one or two servings each month of salmon, sardines, herring or bluefish in order to reduce PCB exposure. The groups echoed the FDA’s warning list on fish high in mercury, but added that marlin and grouper should only be eaten once weekly.
For most people, the benefits of omega-3s found in fish outweigh the risks posed by contaminants, Melissa Ohlson, a nutritionist in preventive cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, said. She advises people to mix it up, eating several different types of seafood in order to prevent high exposure to any single contaminant. There is one type of fish meal that won’t do your heart or blood vessels good. A study by Mozaffarian and his colleagues published in January found people 65 and older who ate fish sandwiches or fried fish more than once a week had a 44 per cent higher risk of stroke than those who indulged less frequently.
Consumption of fried fish or fish sandwiches also showed no relationship to levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood, although levels did increase with the amount of tuna or broiled or baked fish consumed, says Mozaffarian. Another study by Mozaffarian and his team, published in 2003, found eating baked or broiled fish at least once a week reduced the risk of developing an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation by 30 percent, while consumption of fried fish or fish sandwiches had no effect.
Fast-food restaurants likely use relatively lean, white fish, Mozaffarian notes, and tend to fry it in artery-clogging hydrogenated vegetable oils. Even worse, he added, some restaurants may use oil over and over again and allow it to burn, which produces additional harmful byproducts. But Mozaffarian and Lichtenstein agree that if you feel like frying up a filet at home you’ll be fine, as long as you use unsaturated fat like canola or soybean oil to prepare it. Baking, broiling and steaming are also excellent options. And the classic tuna sandwich — “on whole wheat, light on the mayo,” Lichtenstein advises — is always a good choice too. ... but there’s a catch.

4454
What about Track & Field / Government $$ for CARIFTA Games.
« on: March 19, 2005, 04:08:43 AM »
Government $$ for CARIFTA Games.
T&T Newsday.


Government has decided to assist the National Amateur Athletic Association to prepare for the 34th CARIFTA Games. The Games  takes place at Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet,  Tobago, during the Easter period. The NAAA were asked to stage the games, originally scheduled for Grenada, following the devastation of the “Spice Island” by Hurricane Ivan. Sport Minister Roger Boynes, in making the announcement of government assistance stated, the Tobago House of Assembly had been upgrading the stadium at a cost of  TT$6.5 million. He said NGC had agreed to purchase $300,000 in field equipment.
Stars shy from HC Stadium track.

Trinidad and Tobago (CMC) track and field star athletes Darrel Brown, Mark Burns and Fana Ashby may miss this year’s June 18-19 National Championships because the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) has not certified the track at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. This was confirmed by the National Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA) secretary Alan Baboolal, who said that the track had never been certified by the IAAF. Booblal’s confirmation came after the TT trio’s agent John Regis expressed his concern. “It has been brought to my attention that the track which will be used for the Trinidad and Tobago National Championships is not an IAAF certified track,” Regis said.
He added: “This causes me great concern for the athletes I represent: Darrel Brown, Marc Burns, Nicconnor Alexander and Ato Modibo and not only will their times not be recognised but competing on such a track could also hinder the athletes’ insurance claims should any of them become injured.” Regis said that the officials should either contact an IAAF representative “come and inspect the track, or consider holding the National Championships elsewhere, as these athletes may be advised not to compete at the Championships by their insurers.” If the relevant authorities do not acquire certification in time for the nationals, then the NAAA might just switch the venue to the Tobago based Dwight Yorke Stadium, which is gearing up to host this year’s edition of the CARIFTA junior track and field championships.
Henry Rolle the coach of the Trinidadian ace sprinters and coach at Auburn University where Brown and Ashby are students, said the 2003 World Championships silver medallists and his training partner are in good shape for the 2005 season. “Marc (Burns) is great. He and Darrel are complementing each other. They’re very focused, and taking one meet at a time,” he said.  He also complimented Ashby’s efforts at last weekend’s NCAA championships in Arkansas, which saw her victorious in the 60 metres and taking silver in the 200 metres saying he was “satisfied and happy.”

4455
Cricket Anyone / CL Financial want full-time Windies pros.
« on: March 19, 2005, 04:00:42 AM »
CL Financial want full-time Windies pros.
By: Mark Pouchet - T&T Express.


Off-season occupation and full-time year-round professional employment for all members of the West Indies cricket team.
That's what Caribbean conglomerate CL Financial is promising as the company stands "ready to invest well over US$20 million in the support and development of West Indies cricket".
However, reports are that sources connected to Digicel have dismissed as "utter rubbish", the Trinidad and Tobago-based company's proposal that was made public Thursday night, adding that Ireland-based telecommunications company Digicel "are totally committed to the deal" with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and "have invested too much time and effort to just walk away".
In a letter sent to the WICB on Thursday, CL Financial, through their group financial director Andre Monteil, laid an offer on the table that proposed the buy out of the disputed Cable and Wireless contracts of seven players, including that of star batsman Brian Lara.
CL FInancial also intended to buy out Digicel's US$20 million five-year sponsorship deal with the WICB.
Yesterday, in a press statement, Gabriel Faria, marketing director of CL Financial's subsidiary company Angostura Ltd, elaborated the proposed terms of their sponsorship for West Indies cricket.
Calling the move a "recovery plan for West Indies Cricket", Faria said: "Cricket is the original passion and as the Caribbean's premier business entity, we stand ready to play our part in bringing stability and pride back to the team and West Indies Cricket as a whole."
At the heart of the offer would be off-season occupation and full-time year-round professional employment for all members of the West Indies team, a situation that would have the WI cricketers "make a viable livelihood from cricket, while concentrating on their own and the team's development".
Faria added that Angostura's endorsement with Lara and CLICO's (another CL Financial subsidiary) $5 million sponsorship of the West Indies under-15 cricket championships position the T&T company at both ends of the spectrum-the beginners and the world-class achievers.
"Recent developments with the team suggested to us that a holistic approach to support was needed, and needed immediately," said Faria.
Faria further explained that robust energy sector earnings have made it possible for the CL Financial Group to give back more to the region, while building a positive association for their key brands as linked to "the innate talent of our Caribbean territories".
Waiting on Lara.
By: Tony Cozier - T&T Express.


C&W six out, 'Prince' still to decide.
The Plot thickened yesterday in the latest complex saga that has undermined the already threadbare fabric of West Indies cricket. In an astonishing development, even by its own standards, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced that Brian Lara had suddenly been deemed eligible for the first Test of the Digicel series against South Africa in Georgetown, now 12 days away.
In a statement from its St John's headquarters, it said it had issued a letter of invitation and a match/tour contract to the 35-year-old master batsman "to make himself available for selection", adding that he had agreed to respond "within 24 hours".
As a result, the WICB once more delayed announcing the already selected squad of 14 until today. It had earlier been promised on Thursday and then again yesterday.
Lara has played no cricket since returning from the VB Series in Australia in early February, reportedly because of a wrist injury sustained in the opening match of the tournament.
But it is his reaction to the entire episode, rather than his fitness, that is likely to condition his decision.
Veteran of 112 Tests, captain since 2003 and holder of the world record Test and first-class scores, Lara is the only one of the seven players cleared who hold personal endorsement contracts with Cable and Wireless, the former team sponsor and direct telecommunications competitor of new sponsor, Digicel.
Lara and the others with Cable and Wireless agreements-Dwayne Bravo, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Ravi Rampaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Dwayne Smith-were originally ruled out of contention by the WICB when it chose 22 players March 4 to prepare for the series.
It explained that it wanted time for its lawyers to examine the contracts to determine whether they would constitute a breach of its agreement with Digicel.
The WICB stated yesterday that its legal counsel advised that Lara's two-year contract with Cable and Wireless, signed in 2003 and due to expire in September, differed from the others since it was "entered into with the constructive knowledge of the board and with its blessing".
It added that its lawyers found that the contracts of the others were "clearly not in the nature of individual contracts and were signed as members of the West Indies team while under contract to the West Indies Cricket Board".
Throughout the day, speculation mounted that, even if Lara was included in the squad, he would be replaced as captain by Shivnarine Chanderpaul, his deputy on the recent tour of Australia and the second most seasoned member of the team with 80 Tests.
The selectors reportedly recommended that he retain the leadership he has held, for the second time, since March 2003. But it had to be ratified at a teleconference call yesterday by the 14 WICB directors, several of whom are known to oppose his reappointment.
There were other issues yesterday that kept the pot boiling.
The WICB said it had no knowledge of a front page lead story in the Trinidad Guardian stating that Cable and Wireless released its signed players from their contracts "to pave the way for the West Indies selectors to pick the best regional team".
For its part, Digicel dismissed any suggestion that it would take up a published offer from CL Financial, the large Trinidad and Tobago conglomerate, to buy out its US$20 million, four-year contract with the WICB. "We are totally committed to this deal," the website cricinfo.com, quoted "a source connected to Digicel" as saying.
And overnight, the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) issued a statement again berating the WICB, its bete noire, for its role in the conflict over the Digicel-sponsored team.
Each new twist, individually and collectively, was guaranteed to keep the emotional and often misinformed debate volatile.
West Indies Players Association call for Caricom enquiry.
T&T Express Reports.


The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) has criticised the West Indies Cricket Board over its handling of the current sponsorship impasse, and has called on the Heads of Caricom Governments to commission an inquiry into the Board's running of the regional game.
In a release issued late Thursday night, WIPA said it was not pleased with that fact that the Board assumed sole authority in taking a decision on the validity of the players' personal contracts, and that it had set its own time frame for picking the team for the first Test against South Africa.
"It is clear to WIPA that the ongoing behaviour of the Board during this entire exercise raises serious questions regarding the important issue of cricket administration in the Caribbean which in WIPA's opinion is best addressed by an open inquiry commissioned by Heads of Caricom Governments," read the release, signed by WIPA president , Dinanath Ramnarine.
It continued: "Unfortunately, WIPA has concluded that the Board has set up its legal advisors as the sole arbiter of these contracts and is therefore likely to come on its own to a final conclusion whether or not the players can fulfil certain unstated obligations to the Board and Digicel.
"The Board has unilaterally set its own timeline for the naming of a team, ensuring that it takes advantage of the fact that the clock would run out.
According to the release, the Board's actions would inevitably place the team selected under immense pressure and compromise the preparation for the upcoming four-Test series.

4456
Football / 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ Tickets go on sale.
« on: March 19, 2005, 03:54:17 AM »
2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ Tickets go on sale.

CONCACAF announced that tickets for the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ are available from today, at each of the seven stadiums in the six USA cities that will host the event from 6-24 July.
Ticket prices for single dates start as low as $20 in some venues for first round doubleheaders. Discounts are available for group tickets and for packages of tickets to all the match days in the same city. All tickets are subject to availability.

2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ Ticket Purchase Information:

Round 1 Group A
Orange Bowl (Miami) Tickets priced $20-$35
06.July, Colombia – Panama, 19:00
Trinidad & Tobago – Honduras, 21:00
09.July, Panama – Trinidad & Tobago, 19:00
Honduras – Colombia, 21:00
11.July, Colombia – Trinidad & Tobago, 19:00
Honduras – Panama, 21:00
Tickets, packages, groups: +1 305 669 0101

Round 1 Group B
Qwest Field (Seattle) Tickets priced $25-$65
07.July, Canada – Costa Rica, 17:30
Cuba – USA, 19:30
09.July, Costa Rica – Cuba, 11:30
USA – Canada, 13:30
Tickets, packages, groups: +1 206 381 8057
Tickets, packages, groups: +1 206 622 3415
Ticketmaster: +1 206 628 0888

Gillette Stadium (Foxboro) Tickets priced $22-$40
12.July, USA – Costa Rica, 19:00
Canada – Cuba, 21:00
Tickets, packages, groups: +1 877 GET REVS (+1 877 438 7387)
Ticketmaster: +1 617 931 2222

Round 1 Group C
Home Depot Center (Los Angeles) Tickets priced $25-$50
08.July, South Africa – Mexico, 19:00
Guatemala – Jamaica, 21:00
Tickets, packages, groups: +1 877 3 GALAXY (+1 877 3 42 5299)
Ticketmaster: +1 213 480 3232

L.A. Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles) Tickets priced $25-$50
10.July, Mexico – Guatemala, 12:00
Jamaica – South Africa, 14:00
Tickets, groups: +1 213 747 7111
Ticketmaster: +1 213 480 3232

Reliant Stadium (Houston) Tickets priced $20-50
13.July, Guatemala – South Africa, 19:00
Mexico – Jamaica, 21:00
Tickets, packages, groups: +1 832 667 2002, ext 2
Ticketmaster: +1 713 629 3700

Quarterfinals
Gillette Stadium (Foxboro) Tickets priced $30-$60
16.July, QF1: A1 – B2, 13:00
QF2: B1 – 3A or 3C, 16:00
Tickets, packages, groups: +1 877 GET REVS (+1 877 438 7387)
Ticketmaster: +1 617 931 2222

Reliant Stadium (Houston) Tickets priced $25-55
17.July, QF3: C1 – 3A or 3B, 14:00
QF4: C2 – A2, 17:00
Tickets, packages, groups: +1 832 667 2002, ext 2
Ticketmaster: +1 713 629 3700

Semifinals & Final
Giants Stadium (NY/NJ) Tickets priced $30-$90
21.July, SF1: QF1 – QF2, 18:00
SF2: QF3 – QF4, 21:00
24. July, FINAL, 15:00
Tickets, packages, groups: +1 888 4 METROTIX (+1 888 4 63876849)
Ticketmaster (NY): +1 212 307 7171
Ticketmaster (NJ): +1 201 507 8900
Ticketmaster (Español): +1 212 307 4757

The 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ will consist of three groups of four teams for the first round with the top two from each group, along with the best two third-placed teams progressing to the quarterfinals for a total of 10 doubleheaders from 6-17 July throughout six stadiums in the USA.
Group A, which will stage all its matches at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, will have Colombia, Honduras, Panama and Trinidad & Tobago. Group B, playing games in Seattle's Qwest Field before moving to the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro near Boston, includes Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba and the USA.
The final group, Group C, will see Guatemala, Jamaica, South Africa and the reigning CONCACAF Gold Cup™ champions Mexico. The group games are scheduled for two stadiums in the Los Angeles Area, Carson's Home Depot Center and the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, before moving to Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas for the last day of first round play.
The quarterfinal matches will take place on Saturday, 16 July (two games in Foxboro), and Sunday, 17 July (two games in Houston). The 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup™ semifinals and final is scheduled for Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Thursday, 21 July and Sunday, 24 July, respectively.

Download Match Schedule.

CONCACAF GOLD CUP HISTORY:
YEAR - CHAMPION - RUNNER-UP - VENUES:
1991 - USA - Honduras - Los Angeles, Pasadena (USA)
1993 - Mexico - USA - Dallas (USA); Ciudad de México (México)
1996 - Mexico - Brazil - Anaheim, San Diego, Los Angeles (USA)
1998 - Mexico - USA - Oakland, Miami, Los Angeles (USA)
2000 - Canada - Colombia - San Diego, Miami, Los Angeles (USA)
2002 - USA - Costa Rica - Pasadena, Miami (USA)
2003 - Mexico - Brazil - Foxboro, Miami (USA); Ciudad de México (México)

4457
Caledonia AIA Fire coming to blaze in 2005.
By: Joel Villafana.
[/size]

Arima Morvant Fire will be known as Caledonia AIA Fire in 2005—the club has made a name change to assist in rallying the support of the Caledonia community where they once enjoyed vibrant support.
The Caledonia based outfit finished 6th out of an 8 team table last season, and showed glimpses of greatness at times reaching the Pro Bowl Knockout semi-final, but the camp is expecting to improve on that this year—a lack of consistency from game to game was the main problem in 2004, this according to assistant coach Jerry Moe.
Mr. Moe told ‘ttproleague.com’ that this year it’s going to be different—as they have been working hard during the pre-season on maintaining a level of consistency throughout the season.
Mr. Moe described Fire’s preparation ahead of the 2005 season as fairly successful, “I believe we are about 80% ready—but come the 2nd of April when the season starts we will be right where we want to be.”
There are a few new faces in the team this year—W Connection’s Titus Elva has made a switch, Jabloteh’s Stokely Mason and Kerwyn ‘hardest’ Jemmott also joins the fray at Fire. There is also a young national under 20 striker by the name of Kordell Samuel—and a St. Lucian import known as Vernus Abbott who comes into the squad as a defensive midfielder.
Assistant coach Jerry Moe believes that the new players will definitely add something positive to the team, as some of them are coming from championship teams—and they know what it takes to win, and most of them have played at the highest level and have some experience that they will bring to the table.
Moe added that Fire’s strength this season will be their defence—“we have been working hard on that part of our game, to try and ensure we don’t give up easy goals.”
As far as Caledonia AIA Fire’s ambitions this season—Assistant Coach Jerry Moe told us, “while we will like to win the league, we have set ourselves the target to be up there in the top three when the curtains come down on the 2005 season.”

Caledonia AIA Fire Team Profile:

Head Coach—Jamal Shabazz.

Assistant Coach—Jerry Moe.

2004 Achievements—Placed 6th in the league competition,
They reached the semi-finals of the Pro Bowl Knockout Competition.

Last season’s top goal scorer—Ashford ‘leggy’ Leggerton-7 goals.

New Players—Titus Elva, Stokely Mason, Kerwyn Jemmott, Vernus Abbott and Kordell Samuel.

Registered squad of players:

Captain-Anthony Haynes.

Goalkeepers—Michael Woods and Martin Perry.

Defenders—Michael Bubb-Cadore, Nathaniel Charles, Marlon Grant, Anthony Haynes, Daryl James, Shawn Jack, Mark Small.

Midfielders—Kevin Baptiste, Abede Fernandez, Akeil Guevara, Elliot James, Kerwyn Jemmott, Stokely Mason, Randy Ramcharan, Dale Simon, Uz Taylor and Denzil Theobald.

Forwards—Abdullah Phillips, Titus Elva, Alvris Dias Fauria, Ashford Leggerton, Handel Manswell, Devon Modeste and Kordell Samuel.

4458
Doubt over Andrews as ‘Warriors’ check into Sunrise Hilton.
By: Shaun Fuentes, TTFF Press Officer in Ft Lauderdale.
[/color]

English-based striker Dwight Yorke was among the list of the Trinidad and Tobago footballers checking in at the Sunrise Boulevard Hilton Hotel in Ft Lauderdale, Miami on Sunday afternoon for the start of a four-day training camp ahead of Saturday’s 2006 World Cup qualifier against Guatemala.
The contingent of locally-based pros along with head coach Bertille St Clair and other members of the staff arrived in Miami at midday and the UK-based pros arrived a couple hours later with Yorke, Stern John, Brent Sancho, Shaka Hislop and Kenwyne Jones settling in. Scheduled to arrive later that evening were Clayton Ince and Carlos Edwards as well as Silvio Spann. Nigel Henry and Marlon Rojas will join the team on Monday along with Cornell Glen. The home-based pros in Miami at the moment are Angus Eve, Keyeno Thomas, Nigel Pierre, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Anton Pierre and Atiba Charles.
But there was some worrying news as defender Marvin Andrews failed a late fitness test before Glasgow Rangers win over Motherwell on Sunday and is now doubtful for the Guatemala match while Gillingham defender Ian Cox has suffered a hamstring injury which may force St Clair to make two other calls.
The luxurious hotel is also equipped with top of the line fitness facilities with the T&T players having all access to a fully equipped fitness centre and there are two playing fields within the hotel area.
“Things are in place for a good build up before we leave for Guatemala because the facilities here are very impressive. I expect that the guys will settle in and get down to business this week because come Saturday we have everything to play for against the Guatemalans,” St Clair told TTFF Media.
Following the cancellation of the friendly against Honduras, The “Warriors” have opted to play American A-League side Atlanta Silverbacks in a closed door training match on Tuesday at the Hotel Ground.
News from the 19th of March 2005.
MetroStars pip W Connection 1-0.
By: Nigel Simon.


Striker Sergio Galvan Rey got the goal as visiting New York/New Jersey MetroStars ended their two-match tour of Trinidad with a 1-0 win over VIBE CT 105 W Connection at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on Friday night. Each team finished the match with 10 players as referee Ted Gordon dismissed W Connection defender Atiba Charles in the 46th minute for a professional foul while nine minutes from time guest player Devon Mitchell was shown his second yellow card for diving, when it seemed he was clearly fouled. Mitchell was one of three CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh players used that night by the MetroStars, together with with Nicholas Addlery and Kevaughn Connell.
But the Metro Stars must thank W Connection goalkeeper, Colombian goalkeeper Alejandro Figueroa for handing them the lead in the 23rd minute.
Figueroa chased down a through ball on the end-line, ten yards away from his net, while MetroStars John Wolyniec, scorer of a double in their 3-2 win over CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh on Tuesday also give chase.
Wolyniec persistent seemed to throw-off Figueroa, who rushed to clear the ball, but his errant pass was intercepted by Galvan Rey, who fired into the vacant net before the goalkeeper managed to get back into position.
The goal seemed to spark life into the W Connection players who surged forward for the equaliser mainly through the play of Brazilian midfielder Gefferson Goulart, but all their efforts thwarted by goalkeeper Zach Wells.
Wells made an outstanding save in the 14th minute when he dove to his right to stop a shot Ronaldo Viana.
Seven minutes later Wells met another Connection challenge when forward William Da Silva Olivera unleashed a blast from 25 yards out, but Wells was able to corral it.
One minute into the second-half the MetroStars were forced into a change when W Connection defender Atiba Charles caught MetroStars invitee Nicholas Addlery with a vicious elbow to the side of the head.
Addlery, who scored for Jabloteh against the MLS club on Tuesday was knocked unconscious and had to be helped off the field on a stretcher while Charles was dismissed with a red card by referee Gordon. Addlery was taken to hospital where he was kept overnight and released at 6pm yesterday.
With the substitution of Oliveira, Gilberto and Earl Jean, who had a quiet night by his standards, W Connection struggled to penetrate the MetroStars defence as youngsters Clyde Leon, Lyndon Diaz, Bevon Lewis and Hughton Hector found the going tough.
With nine minutes left, Mitchell seemed to be tripped over at the edge of the penalty area by a W Connection defender, but instead of getting the call in his favour, he was shown his second card of the match reducing his team to 10 players. Chances were then few and far between as the match withered away.
In the night’s first encounter, W Connection’s Under-16 players blanked then national women’s team 4-0.
After a lacklustre performance by both teams, coach Bob Bradley of MetroStars said he thought the W Connection players matched them in every department but they just could not get through their very tight defence.
He also had high praise for the three players from San Juan Jabloteh who were drafted into his team for their final match-up-Devon Mitchell, Kevaughn Connell and the unlucky Adderly.
Bradley and his squad left Trinidad yesterday morning for New York where they will be going all out to better their 2004 MLS position where they finished in mid-division. The 2005 MLS season begins on Saturday April 2.

Scoring Summary:
MET- Galvan Rey 23'

Discipline Summary:
MET- Mendes (Caution; Professional Foul) 32'
WC- Charles (Sent Off; Professional Foul) 46'
MET- Mitchell (Caution; Professional Foul) 51'
MET- Agoos (Caution; Dissent) 58'
MET- Mitchell (Second caution, Sent off; Dive) 81'

MetroStars: Zach Wells, Jeff Agoos (Tim Regan 71'), Carlos Mendes, Jeff Parke (Pierre Baizie 75'), Chris Leitch (Ademir Dos Santos 75'), Amado Guevara (capt), Gilberto (Ramon Bailey 61), Kevaughn Connell (Osni Neto 45'), Michael Bradley, John Wolyniec (Nicholas Adderly 45', Devon Mitchell 49'), Sergio Galvan Rey.

Substitutes Not Used: Jason Hernandez, Seth Stammler, T.J Tomasson, Mark Lisi, Jonny Walker.

W Connection: Alejandro Figueroa (Jan Michael Williams 45'), Elijah Joseph, Gefferson Goulart (Clyde Leon 78'), David Atiba Charles, Nicholson Thomas, Kevon Clement (Lyndon Diaz 78'), Andre Pacheco, Andre Touissant (Hugton Hector 63'), Earl Jean (Bevon Lewis 78'), Ronaldo Viana (Dwight Scott 64'), William Da Silva Oliveira (Brenton De Leon 78').

Substitutes Not Used: Jason Cudjoe.

Attendance: 2,124.

Weather: 75 degrees and humid.

4459
Football / Jorginho and Machel put faith in "Warriors"
« on: March 18, 2005, 01:32:36 PM »
Jorginho and Machel put faith in Warriors.
By: Shaun Fuentes.


Trinidad and Tobago's senior footballers got some boosting words from former Brazilian midfield standout Jorginho and local songster Machel Montano when UNICEF n collaboration with Island People and Xtatik staged a sports development seminar on Thursday.
UNICEF, as explained by communications officer Viviana Limpias, linked up with the Caribbean Football Union at its Annual Congress last month and grabbed the opportunity to stage the one week programme here to incorporate sport, moreso football, recreation and other types of entertainment to bring about positive lifestyles.
Jorgino, who runs a sports project for communities in Brazil, delivered a lengthy presentation to an audience which included several youngsters from T&T and throughout the Caribbean who were brought to Trinidad through the efforts of UNICEF.
Also sitting at the head table at the evening's presentation at Pier 1, Chaguaramas, were FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, Julio Mariz, president of Traffic USA and TTFF technical director Lincoln Phillips.
Montano recalled his days while “trying out the game of football at Presentation College, San Fernando and following the exploits of the 1989 Strike Squad during the Road to Italy campaign.
I think we are obviously one of the more talented islands in football since back in the days of the strike squad and right now we are trying to raise back that level of awareness and support again, Montano told TTFF Media.
The guys need our support too in order to achieve the winning results. I remember what took place in this country back in 1989 when we were so close and this time I think we can get even further. The entire nation was captured by the football and I believe that we can get into that sort of momentum again for it to really have a positive effect on the country.
This is similar with what we are trying to create here with the Xchange to get that positive sort of energy across and show the youngsters how they can benefit from different areas whether it be sport and entertainment or any other part of the culture itself. I think it was a blessing when I was able to visit Brazil and met up with Derrick Lewis (Island People’s creative director) and we realized just how much can be done through Carnival. To see how they had it so well choreographed and the passion that was evident among the people there was just amazing and then there was the side of the talented youngsters who were trying to make something of themselves the one from the underprivileged areas. Now we have a chance to try and make things better for the ones in our land and in a similar way the success of our entertainers, sportsmen and by extent the footballers can really have a major impact in this way through the communities and other groups, added the Xtatik leader.
Montano spent the latter part of the evening signing autographs and joggling a footballwith Jorginho who visited these shores with the Brazilian All Star team in February, 2004.
I played against the Trinidad team last year and I remember they were a skilful bunch and looked capable of playing good hard football. But it is important that they work on playing a controlled game because having to come up against teams like Costa Rica and Mexico, you must be able to not only take control of the game but you must be able to have controlled play as a team, Jorginho told TTFF Media.
It would be wonderful for a country like yours to qualify for the next World Cup as it would spread the game more throughout here and the region and it would make people become fascinated with the sport and realize that there are opportunities to create a better way of living through it.
He recalled his days as a Brazilian national player leading up to their success at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. His team were knocked out in the second round of the 1990 World Cup by Argentina by a Claudio Canniggia goal set up by Diego Maradona.
“Most of my playing days were spent with the majority of the nation against us because we were out early in 1990 and then everyone was looking to see what would happen in 1994. But when the people don't give you the support you want, it makes you a stronger person and a better team and similarly this is what has to happen with Trinidad (and Tobago). The players must pick themselves up and use this as something to spur them on and the success will find its way once they put in the hard work, Jorginho ended.
Meantime, national coach Bertille St Clair conducted his final session at home prior to Sunday's departure for Miami where the Warriors will spend four days before departing for Guatemala for next Saturday's World Cup qualifier at the Mateo Flores Stadium.



Lincoln Phillips, Jorginho, Julio Mariz, president of Traffic USA and Machel Montano at Pier 1 on Thursday.



Jorginho joggles the ball.

4460
Football / On location: T&T training continues for MetroStars.
« on: March 18, 2005, 05:55:12 AM »
On location: T&T training continues.
MetroStars.com.


Tim Ward endured a brutal travel schedule to join the U.S. U-20s in South Korea. (MetroStars)
The MetroStars followed up their match with Jabloteh with a spirited practice in Trinidad's Hasely Crawford Stadium on Wednesday. Agility and fitness were the focal points, as the team puts the finishing touches on the 2005 preseason.
The club will play one more contest in Trinidad Friday night at 7 p.m. local time (6 p.m. ET) before departing the island Saturday morning. They will remain in the Tri-State Area until Thursday, when they leave for Jackson, Miss., to play the Chicago Fire on March 25.

Trinidad notes:

The undercard in Tuesday's Metros vs. Jabloteh bout was an interesting one, as the Trinidad & Tobago U-19 girls national team took on Jabloteh's U-16 boys team. The boys won the battle of the sexes 8-0 behind six second-half goals.
Metros fans might recall San Juan Jabloteh as the club team of former MetroStar Cornell Glen.
Defender Tim Ward played in the friendly vs. Jabloteh on Tuesday and left Trinidad on Wednesday to join the U.S. U-20 national team in South Korea. He flew from Trinidad to Miami, Miami to Los Angeles and then Los Angeles to South Korea and is expected to train with the U-20's on Friday.
San Juan Jabloteh hosted a reception for the MetroStars Wednesday night that introduced the club to many aspects of Trinidadian culture, complete with a live steel band, various Trinidadian pastries and entrees and a fresh juice bar.
The reception was held in Hasely Crawford Stadium's function hall and on display was a video presentation from Trinidad and Tobago's 'Carnival,' which is the island tradition that falls two days before Ash Wednesday. Similar to Mardis Gras, Carnival has a large parade where participants are adorned in elaborate costumes and headdresses.
W Connection take on MetroStars tonight.
T&T Express Reports.


With their Brazilian big guns Gefferson Goulart and Ronaldo Viana back from a one-year stint in Europe with FC Zelenik of Yugoslavia, Vibe CT 105 W. Connection will be expecting a good showing tonight against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars of United States Major League Soccer(MLS).
The teams meet from 7 p.m. at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella in a friendly game that will cost adults $50 to enter, while children under age ten get in free of charge.
The Metrostars are in Trinidad for a two-match pre-season tour and are coming off a 3-2 victory over CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh on Tuesday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. That game was a rough one, with each team picking up several yellow cards and Jabloteh having three players ejected.
W.Connection owner David John Williams said his team intend to counter the physical stuff by keeping the ball and controlling the play.
Also in their line-up tonight are defender David Atiba Charles, who recently had a trial in England with Oldham Athletic, and veteran St Lucian striker Earl Jean, while Brazilian Jose Luis Seabra is on the bench having sustained a fractured nose in training.
W. Connection, winners of the T&T Pro Bowl and FCB Cup last season, have been in training since January 15, during which time they beat Caledonia Fire 2-0, Joe Public 4-0, Caroni by 5-0 and 3-0 margins; and Rotiv Couva Players 7-0.
But the game against the Metrostars represents their toughest assignment for the year and John Williams feels it is an excellent gauge of what they have done in pre-season and will tell them how far along they are in their preparation for the 2005 Trinidad and Tobago Pro League season.
Scott Sealy's Wizards out of Champions Cup.
MLSnet.com Staff.


The Kansas City Wizards were cruelly dumped out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Thursday night, Deportivo Saprissa scoring a dramatic late equalizer before getting an extra-time winner for a 2-1 victory in the second leg of their quarterfinal series at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The teams played to a scoreless draw in the first leg in Kansas City a week ago, then Jose Burciaga gave the Wizards a stunning lead in the 79th minute from a free kick.
But some two minutes into second-half stoppage time -- on almost the final kick of the game -- Gerald Drummond turned home a rebound from close range after Kansas City 'keeper Bo Oshoniyi had parried a powerful drive from Pablo Brenes.
Then six minutes into extra time, Ronald Gomez flicked a bouncing ball over his head into the Wizards penalty area where Drummond beat the on-rushing Oshoniyi and looped the ball into goal.
Saprissa dominated the match, the Wizards unable to muster a single attempt at goal in the opening 45 minutes. But their defense held firm as Oshoniyi was really tested only once, able to block a firm angled drive from Gomez.
The breakthrough finally came after Kerry Zavagnin was clipped some 25 yards straight out from goal. Burciaga's powerful swerving drive fooled Saprissa goalkeeper José Francisco Porras and sailed into the back of the net.
Just when it seemed the MLS side would escape Costa Rica with a remarkable result against that country's 23-time champion and the runner-up in last year's Champions Cup, a long ball was played into a crowded Wizards penalty area. Nick Garcia's headed clearance was pounced on by former MetroStars midfielder Brenes, and his fierce blast was barely kept out by Oshoniyi. It fell into the heart of the goal area where Drummond was on hand to give it the final push over the line. After Drummond's second goal put Saprissa ahead on the night and on aggregate, Alonso Solis nearly doubled the lead with a dipping blast that rattled the woodwork.
That left the Wizards alive to pull level and they nearly did. Davy Arnaud was left all alone in front of goal but just headed an Alex Zotinca cross past the post, then Chris Klein hammered a long-range blast that beat Porras, only for it to come down off the underside of the crossbar and bound away to safety.
"It was an awfully good performance for so early in the season. We did pretty much what we felt we needed to do in terms of not sitting back and sucking up the pressure, but going at them as well. I think our guys put on a tremendous performance for so early in the season," said Wizards head coach Bob Gansler. "As I told after the game, they have every right to be proud of the 120 minutes and we will build on this. Saprissa advances to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup where they will face CF Monterrey of Mexico, while D.C. United of MLS and Mexico's Pumas UNAM will play in the other semifinal series.

4461
Ahead of the field Ganga hits highest individual score for T&T.
By: Vinode Mamchan.


T&T skipper Daren Ganga had to bat through the “pain barrier” to get to his record-breaking score of 265 runs against the Leeward Islands.
“Half-way through the innings, the tennis elbow injury that I suffered a while ago, acted up. But I told myself, this injury and the extreme heat at Salem Park were not going to stop me from recording a big one this time,” the delighted Ganga revealed.
The innings followed Ganga’s 113, made one match earlie, which paved the way for T&T to defeat the 2005 champion side Jamaica at Shaw Park, Tobago.
It was also Ganga’s sixth regional century and he bettered the previous innings of 220 by Tobagonian Lincoln Roberts, which was made in 2003 against the West Indies “B” team.
In becoming T&T’s highest individual scorer since 1966, Ganga also added another milestone to his name by becoming the first local batsman to score a century against all the regional teams.
These include 138 versus Barbados in 1998; 151 vs the Windward Islands (2002); 111 not out vs Guyana (2003); 113 vs Jamaica (2005); and, of course, his 265 against the Leewards. His other century was against Barbados in 2001, when he hit 105.
The versatile right-handed batsman also had the satisfaction of leading T&T to the President’s trophy to give the team its first regional title in more than a decade.
Ganga received praise from Roberts, who said he did not see the knock but concluded that it was magnificent.
“I would like to congratulate Daren on a magnificent innings. Getting 220 runs a couple of years ago was a real effort. It took a tremendous amount of concentration and willpower in the heat, so I can imagine it must have been even harder for Daren.
“I hope that he goes on and breaks the overall regional record.”
The highest mark in Caribbean regional First Class cricket is 303, held by Guyana’s Shivnarine Chanderpaul and made against Jamaica at Sabina Park in 1996.
Ganga says he was disappointed at not breaking the record. “I was so close. When I got out, I felt really down. After a while I just reflected on the innings and felt good.
“What was even more important was the fact that the innings helped T&T get first innings points. Records are great, but when it benefits the team, you get the true enjoyment.”
Ganga feels that he still has a long way to go in regional cricket, so the opportunity may very well come again. “You can’t predict these things, but I would really like to have another go at the record and see what happens. My form at present is very good and is similar to 2003 when we played against Australia.”
On that occasion Ganga scored back-to-back Test centuries.
Ganga, who ended the season with 600-odd runs and has earned a recall to the West Indies squad, said he is hoping to get back in the final WI 11 for the First Test. “I would really like to get back into the squad and get some big scores for the West Indies to do well.”
Ganga described himself as a student of the game and said he has certainly learnt a lot over the past few seasons. “I am still learning,” he stated.
Ganga is the seventh T&T player to score a double-century in regional First Class cricket.
Apart from Roberts, Sheldon Gomes scored 213 against Jamaica at Jarrett Park in 1977; Brian Lara hit 206 versus Barbados at Queen’s Park Oval in 1994’ Phil Simmons struck 202 against Guyana in 1992; and his nephew, Lendl, got 200 against Jamaica at Shaw Park earlier this season.
The other T&T batsman to reach the mark is Aneil Kanhai. However, his 223 was made against T&T while he was playing for the West Indies “B” team in 2003.

Double centuries in regional cricket since 1966

BATSMAN SCORE C OPP VENUE YEAR


S Chanderpaul 303 Guy Jam Sabina Park 1996

D Ganga 265 T&T LI Salem Park 2005

C Lambert 263no Guy Win Berbice 1993

S Williams 252 LI Guy Albion 2002

R Fredericks 250* Guy Bar Kensington Oval 1975

D Haynes 246 Bar Win Kensington Oval 1992

A Hannif 235 Guy Bang Bourda 2002

M Foster 234 Jam T&T Jarret Park 1977

A Kanhai 223 WIB T&T Couva 2003

C Hooper 222 Guy LI Albion 2002

L Roberts 220 T&T WI Couva 2003

E McMorris 218 Win Guy Bourda 1967

J Murray 218 Win Guy Tanteen 1997

R Federicks 217 Guy Jam Bourda 1983

S Gomes 213 T&T Jam Jarrett Park 1977

S Joseph 211no LI WIB Jarrett Park 2002

S Campbell 211 Bar LI St. Thomas 2004

C Gayle 208no Jam WIB Jarrett Park 2001

M Odumbe 207 Ken LI The Valley 2004

B Lara 206 T&T Bar QPCC 1994

GA Greenidge 205 Bar Jam Kensington Oval 1967

G Sobers 204 Bar Guy Kensington Oval 1966

PD Lashley 204 Bar Guy Bourda 1967

LG Rowe 204 Jam Guy Sabina Park 1974

B Butcher 203no Guy Bar Bourda 1970

J Adams 203 Jam T&T Chedwin Park 1998

P Simmons 202 T&T Guy Guaracara Park 1992

CG Greenidge 202 Bar T&T Kensington Oval 1987

R Harper 202 Guyana Win Bourda 1995

T Mohammed 200no Guy Win Berbice 1986

C Davidson 200no Jam LI Sabina 1989

D Haynes 200no Bar Win Arnos Vale 1995

F Reifer 200 Bar Win Kensington Oval 1997

L Garrick 200no Jam WIB Jarrett Park 2001

L Simmons 200 T&T Jam Shaw Park 2005

4462
Cricket Anyone / CL Financial wants to buy out Digicel.
« on: March 18, 2005, 03:30:11 AM »
CL Financial wants to buy out Digicel.
T&T Guardian Reports.


CL Financial has offered to take over the sponsorship of the West Indies cricket team with a US$20 million offer to buy out the Digicel contract to resolve the current cricket impasse.
A CL Financial source said group financial comptroller Andre Monteil wrote the CEO of the WICB on Wednesday advising of the company’s preparedness to enter contractual negotiations with the WICB and players.
“The company is willing to assist, even if it means matching the Digicel offer to resolve the matter,” the source said.
“CL Financial is a strong brand in the region which has the Caribbean and the sport of the Caribbean at heart and will always try to further the development of youth in the region.”
CL Financial subsidiary Colonial Life yesterday announced a $5 million sponsorship of the West Indies Under-15 cricket championships.
Chanderpaul tipped to replace Lara.
By: Valentino Singh.


Cable & Wireless yesterday released Brian Lara and the six other contracted players from their obligations with their company, to pave the way for the West Indies selectors to pick the best regional team for the series against South Africa which starts on March 31, in Guyana.
Yesterday, the regional selectors comprising Joey Carew, Gordon Greenidge, Clyde Butts and coach Bennett King, were advised by West Indies Cricket Board to pick two squads of 14 players.
Following an executive meeting of the WICB today, it is expected that the squad which includes Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo would be named to attend a camp in Barbados from Wednesday to Saturday.
Sources say that the two squads were selected prior to Cable & Wireless’ release of the players.
Both captain and vice-captain will also be named today for the four-Test series. Guyanese batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul is, however, tipped to be named captain, whichever team is picked.
Lara is the selectors’ preferred choice for captain but the board may be concerned about the impact that this may have on its sponsor, Digicel, although the board had no problem with Lara’s Cable & Wireless contract since it was entered into since September 2003.
Yesterday, the board kept the region in suspense, failing to provide information on a meeting with its lawyers that was designed to say whether or not Lara and other contracted Cable & Wireless players would play.
The board issued a release on Wednesday which stated that following a review of the contracts by its lawyers which was expected to be completed by noon, it would determine whether or not Lara and the Cable & Wireless contracted players would be allowed to play in the series.
Contacted yesterday, WICB corporate communications manager Leonard Robertson said the board would not be issuing a release but would reveal the names of the 14 players from whom the team would be chosen today, along with the findings of their lawyers, headed by Antiguan Joyce Kentish.
However, sources said that the Cable & Wireless release which was sent to the board late yesterday had effectively ended the impasse.
“What Cable & Wireless wants is for the healing to begin. They recognise that the players who are contracted to them are hurting, that West Indies cricket will lose and they, too, have nothing to gain in the current scenario. This was responsible for their position.”
The source said the WICB meeting today would discuss the Cable & Wireless release of the players and a simple rubbing stamping of the best team would be done.
Clico sponsor WI Under-15 tournament.
By: Mark Pouchet.


Clico is pumping $5 million into the sponsorship of the West Indies Cricket Board's (WICB) Regional Under-15 tournament.
This was revealed at a media conference to announce details of the CLICO/WICB partnership at the CL Financial Executive Booth, Queen's Park Oval yesterday.
The insurance firm has committed that sum to the annual tournament over the next five years. The media conference was chaired by Anthony Harford and also in attendance were CLICO CEO Claudius Dacon, WICB CEO Roger Braithwaite, CLICO chief marketing officer Ian Garcia and WI U-15 tournament chairman Alloy Lequay.
Garcia revealed that the $5 million figure only covers CLICO's direct investment in the competition.
This year's tournament, which bowls off in Trinidad from March 29-April 9, will also benefit from CLICO's provision of team clothing for the six-squad championships, as well as a Man-of-the-Match award for every game.
In addition, CLICO will fund the teams' reception, as well as host the presentation dinner. And the Caribbean corporate giant will support a scholarship of US$1,500 for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament "to help that young man achieve their academic goals", according to Garcia.
When he delivered his address, Dacon said his company's graduation from sponsoring their National Cricket League Championship Division club Preysal to the West Indies Under-15 tournament was a natural one.
"We agreed to sponsor the club (Preysal) because they had a vibrant development programme," Dacon stated, after relating that it took some convincing by Harford. "...a few weeks ago when he (Harford) came to us with the idea, we made the instant decision that the idea was worth pursuing."
Dacon revealed that national players Ravi Rampaul and Denesh Ramdin were two cricketers who had distinguished themselves out of the CLICO Preysal club.
And he expected this latest investment by CLICO would help towards developing more talent at the international level.
"It is our fervent hope," he declared, "that the support we pledge today would translate into the discovery and nurturing of the abundant talent we know exists in the Caribbean."
In his turn at the mike, WICB CEO Braithwaite said the value of the tournament was as "a nursery for future West Indian players", citing names such as Marlon Samuels, Ryan Hinds, Xavier Marshall and Rampaul who had come throught the ranks.
The tournament bowls off with the T&T versus Guyana match at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain on March 29.
P Town in PowerGen final.
By: Naz Yacoob.


Barrackpore Secondary Comprehensive in pursuit of 270 runs for first innings lead and the PowerGen Secondary Schools Cricket League 2005 title, were making a strong reply against Princes Town Senior Comprehensive yesterday at Syne Village in Penal.
At the end of the first day’s play, Barrackpore closed on 133 for two, with T&T Under-19 batsman Anderson Beharry on 28 not out, and skipper Jason Mohammed 27. This was in reply to P Town’s competitive total of 269.
Spinner Jason Samuels has so far taken two for 33 for P Town.
According to the playing conditions, the match will continue today (from 9.30 am) until first innings lead is determined.
Earlier, the “Barrack Boys” won the toss and elected to field, a move which paid rich dividends early, as P Town slipped to 70 for five but a defiant sixth wicket partnership of 118 runs by T&T Under-19 opening batsman William Perkins and skipper Lynden Luke revived the innings with intelligent batting and sensible running.
Perkins continued his fine run of form this season with a blistering innings of 98 which included eight fours and three sixes, while Luke struck four fours and one six. He was ably supported by Kevin Lamont with an unbeaten 52.
Pint-sized off-spinner Adesh Deonarine with figures of four for 31 from 11 overs was the leading bowler. Giving support was T&T and West Indies left-arm spinner Rishi Bachan with two for 71, while leg-spinner Roger Seenath picked up two wickets for 80.

Summarised Scores:

AT SYNE VILL.: Princes Town Comprehensive 269 all out (William Perkins 98, Kevin Lamont 52, Lynden Luke 46, Adesh Deonarine 4/31, Rishi Bachan 2/71, Roger Seenath 2/80) v Barrackpore Secondary 133/2 (Shirvon Sankar 31, Anderson Beharry 28 not out, Jason Mohammed 27 not out, Kareem Mohammed 20, Jason Samuels 2/33)

4463
Yorke, Shaka heads list of pros for Miami, Guatemala outings.
Issued By: Shaun Fuentes.


Trinidad and Tobago coach Bertille St Clair has finalized an 20-man squad for next week’s training camp in Miami ahead of the March 26 2006 World Cup qualifying encounter against Guatemala at the Mateo Flores Stadium.
St Clair, just back from England where he met with some of the T&T pros, will have the services of 13 overseas-based professionals for the period and should have striker Scott Sealy in the team for the match against the Guatemalans. Sealy will not be available for the Miami camp as he leaves on the weekend to join Kansas City Wizards for a camp in Costa Rica.
Among the players in the team include Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, Crewe Alexandra goalie Clayton Ince, Glasgow Rangers defender Marvin Andrews, Dundee’s Brent Sancho, Wrexham duo Carlos Edwards and Hector Sam, Coventry City striker Stern John, Stoke City utility player Kenwyne Jones, Real Salt Lake defender Marlon Rojas and Birmingham City’s Dwight Yorke.
Also making a return to the side is Japanese-based midfielder Silvio Spann and Gillingham defender Ian Cox. The rest of the team includes W Connection defender Atiba Charles, just back from a trial with Oldham Athletic, CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh duo Kerry Baptiste and Angus Eve, Leslie Fitzpatrick, Defence Force’s Anton Pierre and defender Nigel Henry.
Meantime, T&T is expected to play a training match against a team to be named shortly in Miami as the previously arranged encounter against Honduras for March 22 has been cancelled as both teams are in the same group for the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The match date had been originally carded before the recent Gold Cup draw.
St Clair, who will have sessions at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 4pm on Thursday and Friday prior to the team’s departure on Sunday, was optimistic going into the Guatemala clash.
“I think the squad of players we have put together is a well rounded one and we expect that the guys will really rise to the call in what is our first away game of the round, “ St Clair told TTFF Media. “We will be gathering in Miami before the match and this is an important phase because as you know, the majority of our players are from outside and this gives us a chance to get together before the match itself and I expect that the period before the game will be well spent getting ready for the big one.”
Injury concerns to Ince (broken finger) and Glen (ankle) have surfaced over the past couple weeks but both men should be ready in time for the match.
“Fitness is a key component in any team and we will monitor the players very closely but we expect that they will be ready in time. Aside from that, the rest of the team is in good shape and we are remaining positive about our chances in Guatemala,” added St Clair.
His opposite number, Ramon Maradiaga, also called a squad of 21 for the match and conducted a training session on Thursday at the FIFA Goal Project facility, Guatemala City. Los Angeles Galaxy’s Carlos Ruiz and Guillermo Ramirez will spearhead their attack.
Maradiaga said he expects crowd support to work in his team’s favour.
"We need to win the game, its important to us get the three points at home, beat Trinidad and get prepared for the hard game on March 30 against the US team,” Maradiaga said on Wednesday.
"We hope to be supported by our fans on Mateo Flores stadium and be able to give them a great soccer show. "I don’t know if I or someone else will be at Miami to watch Trinidad but we surely want to see what they have to offer."

Trinidad & Tobago Team:

Goalkeepers:
Shaka Hislop (Portsmouth), Clayton Ince (Crewe Alexandra).

Defenders:
Marvin Andrews (Rangers), David Atiba Charles (W Connection), Anton Pierre (Defence Force), Brent Sancho (Dundee), Ian Cox (Gillingham), Marlon Rojas (Real Salt Lake), Nigel Henry (Charleston Battery).

Midfielders:
Silvio Spann (Yokohama FC), Kerry Baptiste (San Juan Jabloteh), Angus Eve (San Juan Jabloteh), Leslie Fitzpatrick (Alanta Silverbacks), Kenwyne Jones (Stoke City), Carlos Edwards (Wrexham).

Forwards:
Stern John (Coventry City), Dwight Yorke (Birmingham City), Cornell Glen (FC Dallas), Scott Sealy (Kansas City Wizards), Hector Sam (Wrexham).

Guatemala Team:

Goalkeepers:
Miguel Klee (Coban), Paulo Motta (Municipal), Ricardo Trigueño, Suchitepequez).

Defenders:
Angel Sanabria (Coban), Nelson Morales (Coban), Denis Chen (Coban), Gustavo Cabrera (Comunicaciones), Nestor Martinez (Comunicaciones), Carlos Quiñonez (Comunicaciones), Pablo Melgar (Municipal).

Midfielders:
Mynor Davila (Aurora), Fredy Thompson (Comunicaciones), Gonzalo Romero (Municipal), Carlos Figueroa (Municipal), Carlos Castillo (Xelaju), Guillermo Ramirez, LA Galaxy).

Forwards:
Dwight Pezzarossi (Comunicaciones), Hernan Sandoval (Comunicaciones) Juan Carlos Plata (Municipal), Carlos Ruiz (LA Galaxy).

4464
Football / King Carlos of Wales.
« on: March 17, 2005, 04:10:39 AM »
A look at T&T's rising star.
Playing Away with Lasana Liburd in the UK.
[/color]

It hardly seemed fair. It could not be. On Saturday afternoon, Trinidad and Tobago striker Hector Sam breathed new life into a lacklustre Wrexham outfit with a lively performance and the game's only goal as they snatched a precious 1-0 win at home to visiting Oldham Athletic.
Wrexham sweeper Craig Morgan was adjudged Man of the Match for a steady performance, which included a goal-line clearance, while Welsh international defender Steve Roberts, captain Darren Ferguson and lanky stopper and Sam's compatriot, Dennis Lawrence, also worked tirelessly for the cause.
In contrasting kit, Oldham's lone forward Chris Killen, energetic midfielder Neil Kilkenny and goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi did themselves proud as well.
But it was winger Carlos Edwards, Wrexham's third Trinidad and Tobago international, who left the most lasting memory from the League One affair although he faded badly after the interval and failed to conjure up anything particularly threatening in the first half either.
He was the best player on the field although a videotape of the match would suggest otherwise..
In an age that swears by technology, it can be difficult to disabuse anyone of the notion that a picture-still or motion-can relay untruths. But it can and does.
I have seen enough Elvis Presley footage to last a lifetime but still sneer when I hear him referred to as "The King".
"But he has never even sung anything as memorable as The Beatles or Bob Marley," I argued.
"Maybe so," my aunt countered, "but you had to see him perform."
I shook my head as unconvinced as she was certain.
Yet, I am similarly frustrated when I try to explain the aura of France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry to a disbelieving friend who chose to judge the player by the harsh light of television cameras and, to a lesser extent, statistics.
But the camera, which is trained to chase the ball, is incapable of relaying an intoxicating swagger or the intake of breath by 40,000 spectators when Henry tames the sphere and draws himself to his full height before nonchalantly flicking for a team-mate to allow a mass exhalation.
In short, television cannot capture charisma. Henry has it in bucket loads and so too, two divisions lower at unfashionable Wrexham, does Edwards.
His body language suggests that you are looking at someone special even before he has touched the ball.
The 26-year-old ex-soldier walks as though on a catwalk. Every movement is done with a deliberately understated flourish. Like someone trying to be humble and not quite pulling it off; sort of how your company CEO would look if he joined your department for a beer at lunch.
Even though Edwards shares the field with 22 persons, including the referee, he moves like a man who believes that everyone is there to watch him.
And he is not far wrong.
A football agent schooled me of the importance of a peep in the visitor's tea-room to catch out the surprise guests at any given fixture. On Saturday, I spied Blackburn Rovers' chief scout and former manager and player, Tony Parkes, while a Sheffield United representative was also reputedly present. Almost certainly, they were there to cast an eye on Edwards, whose contract expires this summer-no club worth their salt would make a purchase based solely on television evidence.
It is difficult to tell what their final verdict would be for a variety of reasons.
First, partly because of the mediocre quality within Wrexham's ranks, Edwards was double marked whenever he crossed the halfline. It is unusual for a wingback to be treated with such deference and Parkes was unable to gauge the player's ability to exploit space.
Despite the bustling and commitment of players, the ball does not stay in play as long nor is it used as constructively in League One as it would be in the Premiership, so that Edwards was not in possession as much as anyone-barring the Oldham players-might have liked.
There was also the obvious fact that he faced mainly average defenders less used to guile and stopovers than in the higher leagues.
League One is not the most demanding level of football and the majority of Trinidad and Tobago Pro League players would not feel out of depth. Allow me to qualify that statement. Any Caribbean player who can survive freezing temperatures, blustery winds, sadistic referees, foul mouthed coaches, flying tackles and an ingrained prejudice against non-European players should do alright-and this is not factoring the inescapable culture shock.
Does not sound quite so easy now does it? Well, it isn't.
But Edwards has done better than merely hold his own. He was selected on the division All-Star team for two years running-an honour bestowed by his professional peers who vote for their own best 11 players-and Parkes and company do not show up merely to see his catwalk impression.
The boy can play.
He has superb balance and awareness on the ball. He dribbles, or rather caresses the ball, with either foot as easily as a point guard does with his hands. Like a matador, he always seems a step ahead of raging, brutish defenders.
Saturday's audience of 4,170 spectators murmured anxiously as Edwards dithered in possession and a vengeful defender stealthily moved in to clobber him from behind. Just as the Oldham defender smirked and readied his coup de grace, Edwards pivoted with a flourish and played in a teammate.

"Ole!"
Not that he always escaped. Oldham left back Adam Griffin scythed him down, midway though the first half, after taking exception to a neat shimmy. Edwards dusted himself off, with little external indication of displeasure, and looked for an open player from the resulting free kick. The Wrexham faithful cheered; Griffin, presumably, felt even more inferior.
But can Edwards make the likes of Gary Neville (Manchester United) and Ashley Cole (Arsenal) look silly?
It is worth noting that the smooth criminal is yet to torment CONCACAF defences as casually and gracefully as he does in League One. To be truthful, his international career so far is quite uninspiring.
Edwards is yet to score after 34 international senior caps. He has two Caribbean Championship gold medals but was a fringe player in both tournaments-he was used once off the bench in the 1999 edition and started just one match in a meaningless group fixture in 2001.
Bertille St Clair, in his earlier stint as head coach, did not select Edwards on his 2000 Gold Cup team while Brazilian Rene Simoes also overlooked him when he took T&T to the 2002 Gold Cup.
I prefer to trust my own eyes though and am certain of his improvement over the past three years. It is not so much his raw talent although he does possess some. He serves the ball well with either foot, has a deceptive turn and is athletic enough to chase the length of the flank for 90 minutes.
But it is Edwards' confidence and calm temperament, which tells me that he can stay afloat in more trying conditions. His knack for keeping his head in the face of provocation; his ability to churn out steady performances regardless of Wrexham's precarious position-financially and otherwise-and despite the uncertainty over his own future.
Scouts have been queuing up for over a year and he must have been silently praying for a big move last summer. Instead, he suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in his knee on international duty last June that kept him inactive until after Boxing Day.
If he was frustrated, he hid it well. His commitment to the sinking ship that is Wrexham is unquestionable.
No camera or data sheet can detect or assess such qualities. But the discerning eye of a clever coach or scout would.
Edwards, like Henry, has what the French call "Je ne sais quoi"-a quality difficult to describe or express. Lucky devil.

4465
Football / Is T&T's UK obsession good for its players?
« on: March 17, 2005, 04:07:07 AM »
Britain or Robust.
Opinion By: Lasana Liburd - T&T Express.


Britain's memory of Trinidad and Tobago will always be, first and foremost, the toothy grin of former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke, who, at present, is the seventh highest English Premier League scorer of all time.
Likewise, Trinidad and Tobago's perception of the UK leagues was forever altered by Yorke's phenomenal success at football's richest club.
It is the impossible yardstick that measures Stern John, Kenwyne Jones and the future wave of exports.
As gifted as Yorke is, it is uncertain whether even he could manage it given a second try. His healthy goal returns were no fluke; but his rise was.
There is something asymmetrical about Yorke and England. Something that explains why Yorke, at 33 and with 122 Premiership goals, is surplus to requirements at the top level while elder and less talented or prolific marksmen such as West Brom's Kevin Campbell, 35, are still considered key players.
Last summer, Graeme Souness dumped his two experienced 33-year-old strikers from Blackburn Rovers. Andy Cole is now the Fulham captain. Yorke is virtually a memory at Birmingham City where he can no longer even claim a spot on the substitutes' bench.
It is not that Yorke has faded faster. Rather, he was paddling upstream from the start.
Remember when ITV and BBC swooned over his charming smile as he plundered goals for United? They failed to mention that former Aston Villa manager "Big" Ron Atkinson was so sick at the sight of Yorke's gums that he ordered teammate Ugo Ehiogu to punch him at training sessions to "toughen him up".
Reporters also forget to mention the odds stacked against Yorke from the offset at Manchester United, partly because they put them there in the first place. He was considered a certain flop even before his debut. Yorke, they opined, just did not have the quality or temperament to survive at such a big club.
The reservations were not restricted to outside the club either. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson endured a whispering campaign started by his own assistant, Brian Kidd, that the esteemed boss was off his rocker.
Kidd felt that Ferguson would get better value from rugged Wales and Celtic striker John Hartson. The same Hartson who almost decapitated Israeli playmaker Eyal Berkovic in a pick-up match-and that was his teammate!
I was drilled once on the impressive composure of Trinidad and Tobago and Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop by "Pompey" fans, who were certain they knew his secret and sought confirmation.
"He takes a little puff, don't he mate?" asked one supporter, who motioned as though drawing from an imaginary cigarette. Only he was clearly referring to something stronger than Benson and Hedges.
I denied the suggestion politely but firmly. I could tell that they were unconvinced.
Britain's perception of the Caribbean, at least at ground level, has not changed much over the decades. Nice blokes, they say with a smile but wistful nod. It is a double-edged compliment. Britain likes mean players.
I was introduced to an English lower league club CEO recently and immediately asked about some Trinidad and Tobago players his squad hosted for trials.
"They were okay," he said, pulling a face. "But they need some unngh!"
I thought of some local players who might have the desired personality traits. There was CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh's combative midfielder Travis Mulraine, who I am convinced, can earn a good living in Britain, as well as his club teammate and powerful national defender Keyeno Thomas. Conrad Smith could pull it off as well because of his versatility and ambition. Maybe Defence Force midfielder Kurt Williams too, if he secured a work permit.
But, with all due respect, these are not Trinidad and Tobago's most gifted players, are they?
In Britain, football is played with the heart first and legs second. Perhaps that explains why Yorke has not quite received the respect he deserves and John never will-not in this country.
Mulraine and Thomas have the right blend of skill, strength and sass to make a mark in the UK and are good assets for any coach. But, to be honest, I prefer the artistry of Nigel Pierre, Kerry Baptiste, Silvio Spann and Kerwyn "Hardest" Jemmott.
God forbid that any agent tries to turn any of that latter bunch into British-styled players.
I have seen little of Caledonia Fire midfielder Densil Theobold over the past two years but I shuddered at the news that he was set for trials at Queen's Park Rangers before an injury. QPR is to football what heavy metal is to music; a lot of angry noise and collisions with little perceivable talent. I saw them play in January and wondered whether their manager recruited at karate exhibitions or maybe from tug-of-war contests.
Results show that QPR's style of play is not altogether unsuccessful and they might even sneak a League Championship Play-off spot. But it escapes me why any agent would want to send a Trinidad and Tobago player there.
The obsession with British football, in my opinion, is doing our country's self-esteem more harm than good. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) would benefit greatly from a few well-placed European-based agents.
I would suggest Holland straightaway although I am biased since it is the only country I visited, to date, on Europe's mainland.
But Holland's preference for technical skills over less aesthetic qualities would surely be more homely to T&T's players. There is also a surfeit of Caribbean success stories from Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard to Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Clarence Seedorf.
The lifestyle too is slower and more laidback. It is colder but not as gloomy and most Dutch persons speak English.
Racial integration also appears better there than Britain and certainly dwarves Spain, where ignoramuses still embarrass themselves by making monkey noises at their league's finest and best paid players.
It is not easy to flourish in an alien culture. There is the strange weather and food, different ideas about tackling and skill as well as the abundance of xenophobes.
Trinidad and Tobago has held her own nicely. To date, the "Land of the Hummingbird" can boast of 16 players who play professionally in the UK-excluding the players who kicked their first ball in England.
None has done better than Yorke while Hislop, John, Russell Latapy, Clint Marcelle and Marvin Andrews, to name a few, enjoyed successes or more fulfilling careers than many of their British counterparts.
A word to the future stars, though. There is professional life outside Britain.

4466
What about Track & Field / Kerron Clement: I love my country, but ...
« on: March 17, 2005, 03:56:04 AM »
Kerron Clement: I love my country, but ...  :-\
Kwame Laurence klaurence@trinidadexpress.com.


Kerron Clement is not guilty of treason....
At last weekend's NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, in Arkansas, the Trinidad and Tobago-born American athlete clocked 44.57 seconds to break Michael Johnson's 400 metres world indoor record. That performance has made the 19-year-old University of Florida (UF) student the talk of the town.
"Why has Clement chosen the US over T&T?" is the question on the lips of many, here in Trinidad and Tobago.
Clement has responded. The U.S. citizen says he loves the country of his birth, but had to make the choice that would allow him to maximise his potential, on the track.
"I still love my country. I would never say that I don't, because I do. But the U.S. has great athletes in every event, the hurdles, the 400, the 100 ... and I want to train with the best in the world.
"The trials in the US," he continued, "is like a simulation of the Olympics or the World Championships ... you get a feel of where you stand against world class athletes. The U.S. is where I'm going to be living, I guess, for the rest of my life. But I would like to come back home one day, and run on the track there."
Clement told the Express that reversing his decision to compete for the United States, and not T&T, in not an option.
"I gave up my T&T citizenship."
Clement said he was thrilled when he realised he had broken Johnson's world record.
"My initial thought was 'I've made history'. I was very, very overwhelmed. I was filled with excitement. I knew I could run under 45, but I didn't know I could break the world record. I was hoping to run a 44.90 ... I'm just very, very, very thankful. I want to thank God, my parents Gordian and Claudette Clement and my coach Mike Holloway ... and my high school coach as well, Michael Mosely."
Clement won the World Junior Championship men's 400m hurdles title, in a US uniform, in Grosseto, Italy, last year. In the final, he clocked a personal best 48.51 seconds. This season, Clement plans to dive under 48 seconds.
"Considering I broke the world record in the 400, I would have to say I'll be focusing on both the 400 and the 400 hurdles. But my specialty is the 400 hurdles. I came to the University of Florida to run the 400 hurdles, so I'll be focusing more on that event for the collegiate outdoor season and for the Worlds in Finland this summer. My goal is to run in the 47-range."
Clement said that breaking Kevin Young's 46.78 seconds 400m hurdles world record is not one of his short-term goals.
"A world record in the 400 hurdles? That's kind of pushing it. I'm just going to take one step at a time, and whatever happens happens. I won't say I'm going to break the record. I don't want to put any limitations on myself, nor do I want to disappoint myself."
Sponsorship offers have come Clement's way since his world record run, in Arkansas.
"There have been offers, but I'm waiting until I've finished my outdoor season to make a decision, and to sign with whichever company offers me the most."
But though he intends to sign with one of the sports equipment giants at the end of the collegiate outdoor season, the Petit Valley lad is still planning to complete his Business Administr-ation degree, at UF.

4467
What about Track & Field / Nicome, Carter added to Carifta team.
« on: March 16, 2005, 03:53:23 AM »
Nicome, Carter added to Carifta team....Athletes meet today.
Kwame Laurence klaurence@trinidadexpress.com


Dwayne Nicome and Peter Carter have been added to the Trinidad and Tobago team for the March 26-28 Carifta Games, at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, in Tobago.
A team of 68 was released by the National Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA) last week. But, with the two additions, a squad of 70 will now represent the host nation, at Carifta 2005.
Nicome will compete in the boys under-20 high jump, while Carter has been selected for the boys open heptathlon.
Five foreign-based athletes are among the 70 selected for national duty.
Louisiana State University (LSU) freshman Kelly-Ann Baptiste, who competed in both the women's 60 metres and 200m events at last weekend's NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Arkansas, will lead the charge for T&T in the girls under-20 sprints.
Jamil James, a freshman at University of South Carolina (USC), will also face the starter at Carifta 2005. On the weekend, the World Junior Championship men's 200m bronze medallist ran a leg for USC in the NCAA Indoor Championship men's 4x400m relay.
Marcus Duncan has also been campaigning in the United States. The talented sprinter is expected to challenge for top honours in the boys under-20 age group, at the Carifta meet.
Florida International University (FIU) sprinter Jurlene Francis and University of Florida (UF) quarter-miler Abigail David are the other foreign-based T&T athletes on the Carifta team.
The 70 athletes chosen to wear T&T colours at the Yorke Stadium, on Easter weekend, are asked to attend an important meeting at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, today. Starting time is five p.m. Each athlete is asked to walk with his/her passport, as well as a passport-size picture for accreditation.

Carifta Team:

Girls Under-17:
Marsha Louis, Jurnelle Francis, Sade St Louis, Britney St Louis, Afiya Walker, Naomi Reyes, Shermin Lasaldo, Kelly Ann Romeo, Precious Rogers, Apphia Glasgow, Evana Douglas, Hileen James, Lavonne Charles, Cadajah Spencer, Nyoka Giles.

Boys Under-17:
Jervon John, Jamie Payne, Kervin Morgan, Kieron Anthony, Zwede Hewitt, Javon Toppin, Sherwin Stapleton, Garvin Nero, Denzil Delpesche, Durrell Busby, Ansil Nicholson, Kyron Blaize, Krislon Kent, Mikhail Mathews, Shirlon Scott, Emmanuel Stewart, Jerrel Franklyn, Kwasi King, Jevon Matthew.

Girls Under-20:
Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Monique Cabral, Janelle Clarke, LaTasha Roach, Kerticha John, Pilar McShine, Crystal Skeete, Rhonda Watkins, Caleigh Bacchus, Annie Alexander, Venice Frederick, Natoya Baird, Jurlene Francis, Semoy Hackett, Shelly McLean, Abigail David.

Boys Under-20:
Keston Bledman, Rocky Caruth, Marcus Duncan, Renny Quow, Jamil James, Jamaal James, Sandino Nero, Adonnis Jones, Keal Armstrong, Keston Toney, Kyrie Caton, Dellon Williams, Dwayne Nicome, Kriston Caraballo, Kellon Marshall, Kerron Browne, Peter Carter, Lyndon Modeste, Damon Douglas, Ade Alleyne Forte.

Officials:
Ephraim Serrette (manager), Althea Busby (assistant manager/chaperone), Trevor James (head coach), Clayton Walkes (track coach), Gerard Franklyn (track coach), Sheahan Sutton (track coach), Wade Franklyn (field coach), Joyce Walker Thomas (field coach), Heathcliffe Thorne (field coach), Lucretia Warner Burns (chaperone), Karielle DeBique (physiotherapist).

4468
What about Track & Field / Coach: Brown, Burns fit and ready to run.
« on: March 16, 2005, 03:51:10 AM »
Coach: Brown, Burns fit and ready to run...NAAA face Crawford track dilemma.
By: Kwame Laurence - T&T Express.


Darrel Brown's coach has dismissed speculation that injury has forced his 20-year-old charge to skip the May 7 and 8 Hampton International Games.
Speaking to the Express, yesterday, Henry Rolle declared that Brown is fit, and keen to step onto the track.
"Darrel is fine. He's healthy and training well. Last year's injury problems are now fully behind him."
The Trinidad and Tobago sprint star is likely to be in action on the weekend, at the Florida State Relays. Brown is listed to compete in the men's 4x100 metres relay. He will team up with compatriot Marc Burns and Bahamians Dominic Demeritte and Everette Fraser. Demeritte is the reigning 200 metres world indoor champion.
Brown's father, Winston Brown, told the Express that competing at the Hampton Games was not an option, since the Hasely Crawford Stadium track is not certified.
National Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA) secretary Alan Baboolal confirmed yesterday that the track is not certified by the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), and never was.
In a letter to the NAAA, last month, John Regis expressed his concern.
"It has been brought to my attention that the track which will be used for the Trinidad and Tobago National Championships is not an IAAF certified track. This causes me great concern for the athletes I represent: Darrel Brown, Marc Burns, Nicconnor Alexander and Ato Modibo. Not only will their times not be recognised but competing on such a track could also hinder the athletes' insurance claims should any of them become injured.
"Please can you help to resolve the situation," the former British sprinter continued, "by either contacting an IAAF representative to come and inspect the track, or consider holding the National Championships elsewhere, as these athletes may be advised not to compete at the Championships by their insurers."
If the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs do not put things in place to ensure that the Hasely Crawford Stadium track is certified, ahead of the June 18 and 19 National Championships, the NAAA might well be forced to switch the meet to the Dwight Yorke Stadium, in Tobago. The Yorke Stadium track will be certified for the March 26-28 Carifta Games.
Rolle is hopeful that all the top T&T athletes will participate at the National Championships.
The Bahamian coach told the Express, yesterday, that Burns is fit and raring to go.
"Marc is great. He and Darrel are complementing each other. They're very focused, and taking one meet at a time."
Burns is scheduled to compete in the men's 200m event, at this weekend's Florida State Relays.
Rolle, who is part of the coaching staff at Auburn University, said he is "satisfied and happy" for Auburn senior Fana Ashby, the new NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship women's 60m champion.
"Things didn't go too well for us at the Olympics, and Fana took a lot of criticism. But that's the time kids need someone in their corner. They were criticised and felt deserted. I told them, though, that Judas did it to Christ. While you're on top, everybody loves you, but when you're at the bottom... Fana was very hurt, so I'm very happy for her now.
"In 2003," Rolle continued, "Darrel got Worlds silver and broke the world junior record. But a year later, the kid was hurt, and what he saw was two different sides to individuals. The kid remembers that. Marc, too, didn't get the support after his false start at the Olympics. Jamaica's Asafa Powell got support from the JAAA, after his false start at the 2003 Worlds, and turned it around the following year."
Rolle said that Brown, Burns and Ashby are determined to atone for their Olympic disappointments.
"This should be a big year for each of these athletes."
Rolle is also expecting big things from Modibo and Auburn senior Damion Barry.
"Damion didn't make the Olympic team, so the idea this year is to get the World Championship 400 metres 'A' standard (45.55 seconds) out of the way early. I'm certain he can run 45.2, or faster.
"Modibo," Rolle continued, "gained a little weight in the gym, and his shins are a bit sore, but he'll be okay when he adjusts to the weight."

4469
Football / Who the hell is Kent Welch?
« on: March 16, 2005, 03:42:56 AM »
Who the hell is Kent Welch?
By: Anil Roberts - T&T Guardian.
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The term "error-free soccer" is in itself an oxy-moron.

The beauty of the game is that it is absolutely impossible to play perfectly in a match. The world's greatest players Pele, Maradonna, Eusebio, Zidane, Ronaldhino, Platini, Di Stefano, Cruyff, Baresi, Beckenbauer, Charlton, Banks etc have never played perfectly in a single match.

Football mirrors life and in life not even Jesus Christ himself was perfect.

The term "error-free soccer," is reported to have been coined by a Trinbagonian named Kent Welch.

Who?

In an article dated March 3, Welch is described as a "Trinidad soccer coach based in Florida."

It is obvious that he has been based in Florida for too long, because in T&T we refer to this beautiful game as football. However after reading Mr Brewster's article "Nakhid is A WASTE OF TIME WELCH!" I am fully convinced that he is in fact the author of the ridiculous term, "Error-free soccer." Simply because no clear-thinking individual in possession of all his faculties, would ever conceive and/or perceive that phrase to have meaning.

Let me first deal with the headline, which was simply extracted from the text of the interview. "Nakhid is a waste of time." Dear Mr Welch, David Nakhid, the first-ever Trinbagonian professional footballer to ply his trade in Europe, a professional footballer for more than 18 years and a former T&T national skipper who epitomises discipline, hard-work, perseverance, intelligence, independence and skill, could never in a million years be a waste of time.

On the other hand, sir, we know not who you are. Please furnish me with a complete history of your accomplishments and service to our beloved country. If your resume in any way compares to the sacrifices and effort made by David Nakhid for this country, I will be the first to apologise.

Now, let me dissect the interview: Welch states that, "Error-free soccer is not something a player inherits. He has to be drilled and taught for weeks and then it takes about nine months before it becomes a way of life for him."

Well, if Mr Welch can get 11 people of varying abilities, personalities and mindsets to play error-free football in nine months, then I think he should not be applying for the job of head coach of the El Dorado Senior Comprehensive School's team, he should apply to replace Jesus in the Bible.

Secondly, sir, when/if ever you actually achieve a lot, there will certainly be no need for you to say so yourself, people will be aware. As for now, we have no idea of who you are.

Everyone makes mistakes, mistakes have to be tolerated in some way, or else the coach would run out of players. One basic tenet of coaching is the creation of perceivable, realistic goals. Error-free soccer (football) is an impossibility.

Welch tries to persuade us of his undiscovered genius. He states: "I offered my assistance to Bertille; now it is up to him to call me. I know I can help fix that midfield problem with my system, because it WORKS.

Let me give you another example: Last weekend I loaned two of my players to another club to play in a showcase tournament in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. The players were my youngest son, Bradley (Welch), the midfielder and one of my strikers Michael Marin. And you know what? They helped the team to play my system and they were so successful that the team made it to the finals, only to lose on penalty kicks.

Just imagine that on such short notice they were able to use the system successfully."

No, Spalkspeople the quotation is not a misprint; that is exactly what Mr Welch said.

Firstly, in the space of one interview, Mr Welch contradicts himself without shame. Initially he states, that this novel system necessitates the player being taught and drilled for weeks before he fully comprehends and then it takes about nine months before it becomes a way of life for him.

Then, in the next breath, he says that his son and a friend got unfamiliar players to adopt the system in mere days.

Secondly, would Welch like us to believe that his son and another player invited to appear in someone else's team, simply usurped the authority of the coaches, the captain and the other players to implement their style of play on a foreign team.

Furthermore, Mr Welch, why wasn't your entire team invited to this "showcase" event in Jacksonville and exactly what level of football are we speaking about MLS, A League, Colleges, State Championship, High School, Regional, District or YMCA, age group?

Finally, if we were to take you at your word, the players who missed penalty kicks would not be able to continue to play under your guidance. I sincerely hope that Bradley did not miss his penalty.

I am sure that Zico, Socrates, Beckham, Platini, Baggio, Nakhid, Ronaldinho, Raul and Ronaldo (all of whom missed major penalties in huge games) are quite upset over the fact that they would no longer be able to play under your "Error-Free Soccer System."

In fact, all of these players and every footballer on the planet is disqualified from your system because they all have made, and continue to make, bad passes, mistrapped balls, shirked defensive responsibilities, mis-timed headers, mis-timed runs etc.

Mr Welch claims that he was in the Oval on Ash Wednesday. I will not bother to analyse his comments on the match, as it is impossible to analyse nonsense. However, I will point out some rather unfortunate statements credited to Mr Welch.

1. "The man for the crucial midfield position is not even Dwight Yorke, because he does not have that type of touch suited for a midfielder." Whaat! So what you are saying, sir, is that a midfielder in your system must not have a sublime touch. He must not be able to control the ball and turn, quickly with any part of his body in any direction. For your information, Dwight Yorke is in the top five players of all time in T&T with regard to control and touch.

2. After describing Angus Eve's goal as a fluke, which would only score on Casey Keller one out a thousand times. Welch goes on to say: "After all, if you do not shoot, how would you know if you are going to score?"

If this does not go down in history as one of the most mind-numbing, idiotic statements ever made, I give up on humanity right now. Mr Welch..If you don't shoot, you are 100 per cent certain that you will not score.

3. Mr Welch ends the interview by stating: "Again, I am 100 per cent Trinidadian and I want to help in any capacity."

No thank you, sir, because the rest of us are 100 per cent TRINBAGONIAN.

(PS: Stop begging for a job in the media; send your resume to the T&TFF if you are really so good, I am sure they will hire you.

I must confess that I have saved the best for last. Many of the readers must be thinking, "Boy why did Anil take off in this man skin so, What he do him? Well, here it comes.
Mr Welch begins his interview with the following statement: "I hate saying I told you so, but I certainly did. David Nakhid is not the answer to our midfield problem and it was evident in the T&T vs USA match on Ash Wednesday, which ended in a 2-1 win for the Americans. IT WAS A WASTE OF TIME TO HAVE NAKHID ON THE FIELD!"

People, this man is truly a clown or a liar. Nakhid was not even on the team sheet. He sat on the bench in his coach's uniform all game. Yet this man chooses to call him a waste of TIME. Mr Welch, please do not waste any more precious space in our daily newspapers with your false statements. You have disqualified yourself from ever coaching in T&T because intelligence and good eyesight are two critical characteristics.

4470
Football / Metros top Jabloteh.
« on: March 16, 2005, 03:34:32 AM »
On location: Metros top Jabloteh.
MetroStars Media Relations.


Port of Spain, Trinidad - Forward John Wolyniec scored two goals and midfielder Mark Lisi netted the game winner in the 86' as the MetroStars defeated San Juan Jabloteh, 3-2, in an international club friendly played in front of 1,750 at Port of Spain's Hasely Crawford Stadium. This match marked the first of two games for the MetroStars Preseason Training in Trinidad presented by Continental Airlines, with the second coming on Friday, March 18 versus W. Connection.
Jabloteh jumped on the board first in the 26' after Kerry Baptiste drilled home an Ansil Elcock cross past Metros goalkeeper Zach Wells on the far post. However, Wolyniec answered with the equalizer just three minutes later when he hammered a Gilberto rebound past Jabloteh 'keeper Daurance Williams. The play was set up by Amado Guevara who struck a beautiful through ball that Gilberto chased down and fired on net. Williams deflected Gilberto's attempt, but Wolyniec was there for the putback.
The score remained at 1-1 until the 47' when Jabloteh forward Nicholas Addlery got behind the Metros defense and snuck one past Wells to make it 2-1 in favor of the home team.
Wolyniec again knotted the score, this time on a chip shot that soared just over the head of the outstretched Williams in the 61'. Forward Sergio Galvan Rey was credited with the assist after making a nice feed to the streaking Wolyniec from the left side.
The match turned extremely physical in the second half and a number of cautions were handed out to both squads. A brutal foul committed by Trent Noel in the 78' on Metros defender Ademir Dos Santos earned Noel a red card, and the subsequent dissent over the call by teammate Charles Pollard warranted a yellow, which was Pollard's second of the game.
The Metros capitalized on their two-man advantage minutes later after Lisi teed off from 23 yards away and hooked the ball past the diving Williams. The game winner was Lisi's first of the preseason.
Jabloteh lost another player in the 88' after Celestine was booked for his second yellow card of the contest, giving the Metros an 11-8 advantage for the final minutes of the contest.

Box Score: MetroStars vs. Jabloteh (March 15, 2005)

Team         1st  2nd  Total               
MetroStars   1     2      3
Jabloteh       1     1      2         

Scoring Summary:

JAB- Baptiste (Elcock) 26'
MET- Wolyniec (Gilberto, Guevara) 29'
JAB- Addlery 47'
MET- Wolyniec (Galvan Rey) 61'
MET- Lisi 86'

Discipline Summary:

JAB - Eve (Caution; Professional Foul) 32'
MET - Bradley (Caution; Professional Foul) 42'
JAB- Pollard (Caution; Dissent) 73'
MET- Guevara (Caution; Dissent) 73'
JAB- Celestine (Caution; Professional Foul) 75'
JAB- Noel (Sent Off; Professional Foul) 82'
JAB- Pollard (Second caution, Sent Off; Dissent) 82'
JAB- Celestine (Second caution, Sent Off; Professional Foul) 88'
MET- Lisi (Caution, Dissent) 89'

Attendance:

1,750

Weather:

70 degrees and calm.

San Juan Jabloteh:

Daurance Williams, Charles Pollard, Trent Noel, Keyeno Thomas, Angus Eve (Travis Mulraine 64'), Kerry Baptiste (Michael Celestine 59'), Ansil Elcock, Nicholas Addlery (Josh Johnson 59'), Nigel Daniel (Devon Mitchell 59'), Nigel Pierre, Aurtis Whitley (Nigel Codrington 78' Marcelle Francois 86').

Substitutes Not Used:

Brian James, Vernon Bailey, Dexter Franklyn, Jerol Forbes, Cyd Gray.

MetroStars:

Zach Wells, Tim Ward (Chris Corcoran 59'), Carlos Mendes, Jeff Parke Chris Leitch (Ademir Dos Santos 69'), Amado Guevara capt. (Pierre Bazie 76'), Michael Bradley (Mark Lisi 64'), Gilberto (Tim Regan 45'), Mahktar N'Diaye (Osni Neto 59'), John Wolyniec, Sergio Galvan Rey

Substitutes Not Used:

Jason Hernandez, Seth Stammler, Ramon Bailey, T.J Tomasson, Jeff Agoos.
Up-Close with Touches.

Gents,

Well I cant say this is a report but I will fill you in on some action that took place.

When I left the stadium when they had a small scuffle on the field Jabloteh had 9 men. MetroStars were leading 3-2 and it was non stop action ALL night.

If we are to qualify for Germany all we have to do is let the Jabloteh side put on the national colours and run out.

This team would have won the Copa Caribe with ease and we would have distressed the Americans on Ash Wed.

Talk about Speed, tactical awareness, excellent possession, movement off the ball, fitness and most of all skills and aggression, with a real fighting spirit.

I saw Jabloteh vs Tivoli Gardens when they rough them up and manners them but tonight against the MetroStars, Jabloteh real play ball.

MetroStars took their chances well and the last goal was a real beauty a bullet from 30 yards.

The second item was a man running up the wing and crossing the ball for a player to slot home. I cant remember the first goal.

Jabloteh items were good a deadly cross was swung in and the deender fumbled with led to the Jabloteh striker putting it away.

They second item was some neat passes, a long ball sent tru where Nigel Pierre flicked the ball with a back header unto the fwd who ran away and slotted home.

Jabloteh scored another but it was deemed offside.

This Jabloteh squad was firing bullet at the post and there was a header on goal from a cross which came orf a defender. I dont know how it didn't score.

This is the first team to trap and pass accurately, plenty pretty flick and when they have the ball wich was about 70% of the time it was just wave after wave of attack and they look like scoring and they had a clue.

OVERS Stern John and Dwight Yorke and put in the Jabloteh forwards who have speed and who running.

Nigel Daniel have real speed and is the answer for the wingback position. The man was sending accurate pin point bullet crosses over and over with pressure on him, dribbling when necessary and he tackling good. Why he cant make the squad is anyones guess when the man know what he doing.

Also the most talented midfielder we have right now not on the socawarriors team.......Aurthis Whitley/Otis Seaton is the man. Fellas the man good...he tackling, have a bullet, he moving into space, he have speed and he have beat and skills for days. Bertie and the TTFF have to be real chupid to leave this man orf the side.

Even though Jabloteh lorse its because they had 9 men and even still they were running and playing ball. When you watch team playing good ball like Jabloteh you doe mind that they lorse, because you could say its hard luck, the amount of chances that were created and saved and the level of entertainment make you want to watch football.

As for MetroStars.........they didn't have a clue, they were chasing shadows whole game but when they got the fast break they fwds nippy and slot it home when it mattered.

Please TTFF/Bertie......the slow fwds we have ent cutting it. Trap and screen from Yorke and stern and the boom kick from the inefficient wingbacks ent cutting it.

Call back Shaka Hislop and Marvin Andrews and put in the Jabloteh team. We will make Germany easy.

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