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61

Football / Re: Men's U-20 Football Team Thread.

« on: January 10, 2024, 03:46:18 PM »

Trinidad and Tobago FA to restructure youth programmes in 2024.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

TECHNICAL director of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association Anton Corneal said the local football body will have to do some restructuring as FIFA has announced that from 2025 youth tournaments will be held every year, instead of every other year.

In an interview with TTFA media, Corneal said, "Now we've got to redesign what we are doing when it comes to a high-performance programme. Instead of catering for players every two years now we will be catering for players every year."

He said more human resources and money will be needed to ensure T&T could have teams represented.

"It is going to be difficult to manage because you are asking for a second staff to be hired...If it does not come with additional funding then it is going to become difficult and we will have to make sure we prioritise in a way that it is beneficial to all."

The Under-20 T&T boys team will be the first team in action in 2024.

"We've got a few things (this year). First, we have youth tournaments. The Under-20 boys will be the immediate youth tournament where the preliminary group will be played in T&T in February."

Corneal said the Under-20 players in training have potential.

"We have been in training (locally) for the last two and a half months. I have to say it is a real competitive group of players. They would merge with players out of the US and a few out of the UK."

T&T will host Group D of the Concacaf Men's Under-20 qualifiers, also featuring Canada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica. Group matches will kick off on February 23 at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. Only the winner will advance to the next round of qualification.

Corneal said it would be a challenge to advance past the group and move on to the next round in July. "It is not going to be a given...But we have had relatively decent results against Canada over the last ten years where it has fluctuated. They have won some and we have won some."

Corneal said coaching education will continue including four C license courses, two B license courses and one A license course.

62

Football / Re: Scouting for Talent Thread

« on: January 09, 2024, 04:59:35 PM »

Ronnie Mauge son Jaime is at Ipswich Town Academy

63

Football / Re: TTFA News Thread.

« on: January 09, 2024, 12:34:03 AM »

Brian Williams looks to TTFA future: Show Fifa our competence.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

AS the Fifa-appointed normalisation committee gets set to release its control of the TT Football Association's (TTFA) on March 31, 2024, former Strike Squad player Brian Williams hopes the incoming governing body can handle its own affairs and show competence once a new board is installed.

Appointed in March 2020, the normalisation committee received its second extension in February 2023 as Fifa said its mandate had not been fulfilled. On Thursday, the Robert Hadad-led normalisation committee made arguably one of its biggest calls since being in office, as they extended the contract of men's football team coach Angus Eve well past its own expiry date, with a deal until December 31, 2025.

Williams is in agreement with the extension as he said the team has made improvements with Eve, who "took over under difficult circumstances from Terry Fenwick'' in 2021.

Asked about the normalisation committee's decision to award a two-year contract despite their impending departure from office, Williams said, "This is the business of the normalisation committee and the TTFA. They will have that responsibility to put things in place as best as possible to be able to satisfy the TTFA membership.

"As much as I am an advocate for us running our own business and putting the TTFA in place, we have to be realistic," Williams told Newsday.

Under the normalisation committee, Williams said T&T have been able to compete in "most of our international competitions" and have been able to meet other requirements.

"In order for us to put the football in our own hands, we must be able to do that efficiently. If not, we might want the normalisation committee to continue. If (Fifa) puts the affairs of football back in our hands and we are not competent enough to run our football in the right way, it does not make no sense because we have seen the nosedive of how low our football reached in the past."

Williams said the national senior team is not solely about Eve or the TTFA, and he said the various aspects of administration, facilities management, coaching and player development must be of the highest possible standard for the on-field product to flourish.

"(The national team) cannot be (about) Angus Eve alone. There must be a collective approach within corporate T&T and throughout T&T as a whole.

"We have to be realistic about our work and not let football go in that direction as we have experienced in the past few years. Our football must have some meaning and purpose so people could be willing to put their time into it and take it very seriously. Sport is a serious approach. It can no longer be about recreation or whatever."

The normalisation committee had been mandated to establish a debt repayment plan implementable by the TTFA, review and amend the TTFA statutes (and other regulations where necessary) and to conduct elections of a new TTFA executive committee for a four-year mandate.

In September 2022 Justice Devindra Rampersad approved a debt repayment proposal filed by Maria Daniel, the trustee acting on behalf of the TTFA’s FIFA-appointed normalisation committee.

According to the TTFA, there were 299 creditors listed in the trustee’s repayment proposal with a total unsecured debt of TT$84.5 million.

The normalisation committee has had its share of detractors though with the major complaint being the lack of transparency and communication with stakeholders, including players.

RESULTS ON THE PITCH

Like Williams, veteran T&T defender Radanfah Abu Bakr said Eve deserved his contract extension. Abu Bakr said the team showed grit and determination in the 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League A campaign and he believes the contract was justified based on the Soca Warriors' results in that competition, which led to a maiden journey to the quarter-final and the upcoming Copa America 2024 play-in game versus Canada on March 23.

In August 2023, the TTFA extended Eve's contract with the Soca Warriors to March 2024. With the latest extension, the T&T head coach is currently set to lead the Soca Warriors through their Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The 36-year-old Abu Bakr featured for T&T at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup when Eve initially took charge of the team on an interim basis.

"We got to the quarter-finals of the (Nations League) and we are one game away from the Copa America. The only thing bigger than that is the World Cup. That is huge," Abu Bakr told Newsday.

"This is obviously on the back of an under par – to put it mildly – (2023) Gold Cup campaign. I think (Eve) will admit it was very disappointing. His job was on the line for sure, but to bounce back in the manner he did to get the results the team managed was phenomenal really. You can see an upwards trajectory from the team and that is really heartening."

Abu Bakr said T&T were fortunate to avoid playing eventual group-winners Panama in the Nations League due to an unusual Swiss-style format and he also said T&T played Curacao during a period where they were experiencing internal issues. However, he said the Warriors earned their keep with respective 3-2 wins against El Salvador and Guatemala.

"That resolve to go out there and battle and fight for the flag has been a feature of the team post-Gold Cup," Abu Bakr said.

Abu Bakr said the "football has not been pretty all the time," but he praised the fighting spirit and character of the squad.

"Credit to (Eve), the staff and the players. There is still a lot to improve on obviously, but it is a results-oriented game and we got some really fantastic results in the Nations League."

64

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: January 08, 2024, 01:11:00 PM »

Rangers down Eagles FC with second-half flurry.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Terminix La Horquetta Rangers (12 points) consolidated fifth spot on the 2023/24 Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) table ahead of their clash with defending champions Defence Force, as they got a comfortable 3-0 win over Eagles FC (formerly Cunupia FC) at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation ground on Sunday evening.

Hosting the ninth-placed Eagles, Rangers were held scoreless in the first half before opening the floodgates after the interval. Rangers striker Isaiah Lee got his fourth goal of the young season when he opened the scoring in the 57th minute with a precise header after being left unmarked at the back post. Just five minutes later, Rangers' veteran attacker Tyrone Charles also notched his fourth goal of the campaign when he beat Eagles custodian Nicholas Dick from the penalty spot.

In second-half stoppage-time, Rangers' bombarding fullback Ross Russell Jr sealed the three points and put the icing on the cake, when he dribbled past a few Eagles players before banging a shot off the post and into the net.

Rangers pulled to within five points of TTPFL leaders Police (17 points), with Eagles near to the foot of the table on five points. On Friday, Rangers will put their new-found form to the test when they meet Defence Force (14 points), from 6 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. Also on Friday, Police and last season's runners-up, AC PoS (15 points), will meet in a top-of-the-table clash at the St James Police Barracks.

TTFPL tier one standings:

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

1.Police FC*7*5*2*0*17*5*12*17

2.AC PoS*6*5*0*1*18*5*13*15

3.Defence Force FC*7*4*2*1*16*8*8*14

4.Club Sando*6*4*1*1*10*4*6*13

5.La Horquetta Rangers*6*4*0*2*14*8*6*12

6.Prisons FC*7*3*0*4*11*17*-6*9

7.Point Fortin Civic*6*2*1*3*9*8*1*7

8.Caledonia*6*2*0*4*8*10*-2*6

9.Eagles FC*7*1*2*4*6*11*-5*5

10.1976 FC Phoenix*6*1*0*5*5*16*-11*3

11.Central FC*6*0*0*6*3*25*-22*0

65

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: January 05, 2024, 08:45:23 AM »

Strong 2nd half leads Club Sando to win.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

TIGER Tanks Club Sando won the late matchday six fixture against Prison Service FC 3-0 at Arima Velodrome on Wednesday night.

After a goal-less first half, the floodgates opened up in the second half.

Shervohnez Hamilton broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute, before Jabarri Henry doubled Club Sando's lead in the 61st minute.

The scoring did not end there as Ajani McIntyre was on target in the 88th minute. With the win, Club Sando moved to fourth in the 11-team standings with ten points and Prison dropped down the table to sixth position as they remained on nine points.

Above Club Sando on the standings are AC Port of Spain (15 points), Miscellaneous Police FC (14 points) and defending champions Defence Force (11 points).

66

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: January 04, 2024, 02:19:44 PM »

AC Port of Spain's Jomoul Francois eyes return after fracturing leg.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

After spending just over six months on the sideline after suffering a serious injury during the midst of the inaugural TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) season in June 2023, AC PoS striker Jomoul Francois is targeting a return for the ongoing 2023/24 campaign next month.

Francois, 28, was one of the key figures for AC PoS as they made their charge for the TTPFL title last year – scoring eight league goals to go with exciting direct play up top. On June 20, Francois’ season came to an end during an AC PoS training session in Valsayn, as he fractured his right leg after trying to shoot to goal in a 50/50 duel with defender Kerron St Cyr. The injury occurred just four days before AC PoS’ season-defining game with Defence Force on the final day of the TTPFL season.

Army won the thrilling encounter by a 2-1 margin at the Arima Velodrome to finish the season on 56 points – one more than AC PoS – and clinch the TTPFL title. As he recalled the “unfortunate” incident which he said was a freak accident, Francois said he struggled to hold back the tears as he thought about the ramifications of his injury.

“All the pain came down on me. I was trying to lift my foot off the ground but I could not move. (My teammates) had to lift me off the field. It was a really big letdown for me, knowing it (happened before) the last game of the season,” Francois told Newsday. “It was like a final, if we had won the game, we would have won the league. Unfortunately, I did not even get to play so it was a bit difficult on my side.

“It was heart-breaking. It did not come my way so it was a bit difficult to get over.”

Francois, who made his TT men’s debut under then-coach Dennis Lawrence in 2019, also felt as though his dreams of representing the national team could potentially fade away.

“Yeah, national team selection ran through my mind. All of these things ran through my mind,” he said.

The nippy forward was among a host of locally based players who turned out for the Soca Warriors in friendly action away to Jamaica in March 2023 under coach Angus Eve. Francois started the game in his favoured number nine position and played 62 minutes as TT got a 1-0 win via a Reon Moore goal.

During his rehabilitation period, Francois said TT team manager Richard Piper contacted him to see how the recovery process was going. Francois’ road to recovery included monthly visits to Medical Associates Hospital in St Joseph where was treated by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Emerson Budhoo. His last visit to Dr Budhoo was in November.

Francois then had two weeks of therapy sessions with The Sports Medic TT in St Augustine, before they were paused during the Christmas period. Under AC PoS’ guidance, Francois said he will be resuming physiotherapy this week as he works his way towards his return.

He said, “The support (from AC PoS) was good. It could have been better. They helped with my doctor fees and stuff, so it was good.” When he suffered the injury last season, Francois was approaching the end of a four-month contract that would have covered the inaugural TTPFL season which spanned from March to June 2023. With AC PoS starting the 2023/24 season with four consecutive wins, Francois intends to rejoin the “Capital Boys” as they take another shot at the TTPFL title.

“I have not signed a new contract yet. I have not signed a contract with anyone, but most likely I will be signing a new contract with AC PoS.”

And though he wants to get back to the beautiful game, Francois is not rushing the process.

“So far, I am free to walk. I just have to do gym work on my foot to strengthen it back up and that is it. From there, I will start to run and be in training with the guys.

“For now, I would like to take it day by day. I want to get better and stronger, and then we will take it from there.”

67

Football / Re: T&T U-17 Women's Team Thread

« on: December 21, 2023, 05:10:33 PM »

Trinidad and Tobago 'A' win Jewels of the Caribbean football.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

A BRACE from Orielle Martin was enough to lead T&T to the Jewels of the Caribbean Girls Under-17 Invitational tournament title with a 2-0 victory over St Vincent and the Grenadines at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima on Wednesday.

A penalty midway through the first half and a goal in second-half stoppage time was enough to steer T&T to the crown.

T&T coach Ayanna Russell was elated, saying, "I feel very happy and proud of these girls. They worked hard and tirelessly every game and it was well deserved."

T&T were the stronger team throughout with more possession and looked more menacing in attack.

Martin was the orchestrater in the midfield as many of T&T's attacking plays began through her.

T&T looked more likely to take the lead in the opening minutes, but the St Vincent defence stood firm.

Following a corner kick, T&T won a penalty and Martin converted to give the home team the lead in the 23rd minute. Shortly after, striker J'Eleisha Alexander had a quality chance. She ran onto a through ball but with only St Vincent goal-keeper G-Riesa Joseph to beat, she did not get the power and the save was easily made.

St Vincent had their moments during the match, but led by centre back Kaitlyn Darwent and goalkeeper Mikaela Yearwood, T&T held firm.

The match was a physical one in the first half with both teams committing fouls and battling hard to earn possession.

T&T did not time their runs well as multiple times players were called offside.

Early in the second half, Alexander was put through on goal but fired a tame effort which was easily saved by Joseph.

Mariah Williams for T&T brought some impetus to the team on the left flank when she came on at half-time, using her pace and crosses. Both T&T's wingers troubled the St Vincent defence with their speed as Kimora Mitchell's speed on the right flank was also a handful. Mitchell won her team a free kick when she cut inside, but Martin's effort from 25 yards out went over the crossbar.

St Vincent had a rare chance to get on the score sheet via Meiya Wilson's free kick, from 20 yards out, but it went well wide.

However, the small crowd had another moment to celebrate before the final whistle. Following a short corner, Martin dribbled past a defender and shot past Joseph from a tight angle to make it 2-0.

Martin was awarded the MVP award in a closing ceremony following the final. Before the final at the same venue, Grenada defeated T&T B (president's XI) team 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Abigail Williams.

TT Football Association technical director Anton Corneal thanked all four teams for participating and said the aim is to have more tournaments of a similar kind in the future.

68

Football / Re: 2023 SSFL Thread

« on: December 21, 2023, 05:08:52 PM »

St Benedict's in KFC football invitational final in Guyana.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

St Benedict's College advanced to the final of the fourth annual KFC Goodwill invitational school football tournament being played in Guyana, after getting a tight 1-0 win against Guyana's Chase Educational Academy in their semi-final on Tuesday.

Playing at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, St Benedict's midfielder and former T&T men's under-17 skipper Josiah Ochoa scored the decisive goal to send T&T's 2022 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division champions through to Friday's final. St Benedict's will play Jamaica's Clarendon College in the final, after the 2023 Olivier Shield champions got past Suriname's VWO 4 in the other semifinal.

The Benedict's team includes T&T youth players Lyshawn Morris, Jeremiah Niles and striker Malachi Webb, who finished second in the 2023 premier division scoring race. Webb scored a brace for Benedict's on Sunday in their 3-0 win over Guyana's Carmel Secondary.

The Goodwill invitational started on December 12, with eight schools competing across two groups before proceeding to the knockout phase.

69

Football / Re: MLS DRAFT 2024

« on: December 21, 2023, 05:03:05 PM »

Corneal: MLS Draft top picks Spicer, Frederick II were on TTFA's radar.
By Johnathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

TT Football Association (TTFA) technical director Anton Corneal has said that US-based players Tyrese Spicer and Wayne Frederick II have been on the association’s radar, even before Tuesday’s 2024 MLS Super Draft.

Spicer, 23, who represented St Mary’s College and St Augustine Secondary in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) in his younger years, was selected first overall by Toronto FC.

The striker joins Toronto after a successful season for Lipscomb University in which he scored 14 goals and provided three assists in 16 games.

Additionally, Duke University midfielder Wayne Frederick II, 19, son of T&T's Dr Wayne Frederick, President Emeritus of Howard University, was drafted second overall by Colorado Rapids.

Spicer grew up in T&T while Frederick II’s parents are both T&T nationals.

On the youngsters’ high draft selections, Corneal said he was really excited and proud of them. He believes their progress widens the player pool for possible national selection at the senior level.

“I think they are players that have been on the radar so it’s not to say it’s farfetched (to be selected for T&T). And the coach (Angus Eve) will surely, like before, continue to look at all the players, and of course, them playing there, they will be players that we will look at also,” he said.

Corneal hopes their recognition in the US top flight will inspire T&T’s younger generation of footballers to keep striving for greatness. Their selection should serve as motivation, he said.

“Spicer growing up here, playing here, and then moving to the US, going to school and then moving on to play in the MLS. So that’s sort of a player’s dream and I’m really happy for him. But it also paints the right picture for young players in our country.

“When I look and see two players from T&T, or one with parents from T&T, being one and two in the MLS (draft), it tells a story. The potential is there. I’m sure that has not happened a lot in the past, and it’s something we should all be very proud of.”

Corneal remains optimistic that the duo’s achievements will ignite a spark in young footballers coming up the ranks.

“We know both players and we’re happy for them. We’re hoping more players will have the same opportunities to ply their trade professionally. That’s a start and I wish them a really fruitful pro career.”

Spicer earned First Team All-American, Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year and MAC Hermann Trophy semi-finalist honours. At Lipscomb, he recorded 29 goals and 18 assists across 57 appearances.

Spicer is also Toronto's first addition for 2024 under general manager Jason Hernandez and head coach John Herdman, a new regime that's hoping to improve on a last-place finish that led to coach Bob Bradley's departure midway through the 2023 season. The Reds scored just 26 goals last year, tied for the fewest in MLS. - (with reporting by Jelani Beckles)

70

Football / Re: 2024 Concacaf U-20 Qualifiers Thread

« on: December 20, 2023, 12:57:40 AM »

Coach Brian Haynes – The door is open to new U20 Soca Warriors.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Roughly two months away from Trinidad and Tobago's first match in the 2024 Concacaf men's under-20 qualifiers, T&T's men's under-20 coach Brian Haynes says the door is still open for players to make their way into the training squad ahead of the team's first qualifying match on February 23.

T&T have been drawn in group D of the qualifiers alongside Canada, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). T&T's group matches will be played at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, with the hosts opening their campaign against SVG.

In total, 27 Concacaf member nations will contest the qualifying tournament, with the six group winners advancing to the 12-team Concacaf under-20 championship to be played in the summer of 2024. The six group winners will join Concacaf's highest-ranked men's under-20 teams: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and the US.

Haynes currently has roughly 50 players engaged in daily screening sessions at the Ato Boldon Stadium training field in Balmain, Couva. He hopes to trim the squad down to 30-35 players within the coming weeks.

"The door is always going to be open (for players to get into the squad)," Haynes told TT Football Association (TTFA) media this week.

"Guys can be playing at a high level and once they are interested in being here we will see how we can get them in."

Haynes also expressed a desire to undertake a scouting exercise in Tobago. He pointed to positives such as work ethic, competitiveness and intensity in the sessions. Haynes urged the players to continue fighting for their spots and remain on top of their game during the festive seasons, with Christmas less than a week away and Carnival 2024 scheduled for February 12 and 13.

"I know T&T has something called Carnival but we cannot have that get in the way of what we are doing. We have to make sure we plan around it so we can be consistent going into the tournament.

"I made sure and took the time out to tell them nobody has made the team yet. From the time you lack effort and your intensity, now I am thinking you think you have made it. It is good to see guys are coming into themselves right now and realise what they have to do to be on this team."

Haynes' team is expected to include a number of players who featured for T&T at the 2023 Concacaf under-17 men's championship back in February. To help with a smooth transition from the under-17 to the under-20 age group, Haynes has been joined by men's under-17 coach Shawn Cooper for his screening sessions. Cooper is also the coach of the Presentation College (San Fernando) team which won the boys' national intercol title on December 7.

"Even though these guys are coming off their (SSFL) seasons, they need to be as fit as they can be. I do not care who we are coming up against, we have to be working harder than any team," Haynes said.

"We need to (improve) on our fitness because some of these guys are coming to the end of their seasons and some guys are just coming from the US and different places so their fitness levels are different. We have to make sure they are at the same place and try to win some games."

71

Football / Re: MLS DRAFT 2024

« on: December 20, 2023, 12:55:25 AM »

Trinidad and Tobago's Tyrese Spicer named top MLS draft pick.
T&T Newsday Reports.

FORMER Secondary Schools Football League’s (SSFL) top goal-scorer Tyrese Spicer on Tuesday became the Major League Soccer (MLS) draft’s top pick as he was selected first overall by Toronto FC (TFC) in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. He played for St Mary's College and St Augustine Secondary in the SSFL.

Spicer, 23, joins Toronto after a season in which he scored 14 goals and provided three assists in just 16 games for Lipscomb University.

Spicer earned First Team All-American, Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year and MAC Hermann Trophy semi-finalist honours.

His form at SSFL level continued with him to university as he managed 29 goals and 18 assists through 57 overall appearances for Lipscomb.

Spicer is Toronto's first addition for 2024 under general manager Jason Hernandez and head coach John Herdman, their new regime that's hoping to improve on a bottom-of-the-league table finish that led to Bob Bradley's departure midway through the 2023 season. The Reds scored just 26 goals last year, tied for the fewest in MLS.

According to the MLS, Hernandez said, "Tyrese possesses a unique combination of technical and physical qualities that align with our player profile and tactical blueprint.

"He also has a resilient mindset and a drive to improve, which makes him a great fit for TFC. We look forward to working with Tyrese to accelerate his growth as a player and person while helping us achieve our goals as a club.”

Toronto also had the number one pick before their 2007 expansion season, when they picked former US men's national team midfielder Maurice Edu. Spicer is the first-ever number-one SuperDraft pick from T&T.

Duke University midfielder Wayne Frederick II, 19, the son of T&T's Wayne Frederick, was drafted second overall by Colorado Rapids. The older Frederick is a former St Mary's College student and the former president of Howard University in Washington DC in the US.

72

Football / Re: T&T U-17 Women's Team Thread

« on: December 19, 2023, 03:04:56 PM »

Trinidad and Tobago 'A' romp past SVG into Caribbean U-17 final.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Bishop High School East student Orielle Martin scored two goals for the third straight game, as she led the T&T under-17 girls' football 'A' team to a comfortable 4-0 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines in their Jewels of the Caribbean under-17 invitational match at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Monday.

It was the T&T's 'A' team's third straight victory in the tournament. SVG came into Monday's clash on the back of tight victories over T&T's 'B' team (1-0) and Grenada (2-1) respectively. SVG came unstuck against the hosts though, and they were trailing by a 3-0 margin at halftime as the T&T "A" team continued their fine goal-scoring run in the tournament.

Martin, who debuted for T&T's women's team in a Gold Cup qualifier versus Mexico on December 5, opened the scoring with a ninth-minute penalty and also rounded off the scoring for the hosts in the 66th minute – taking her tournament tally to six goals to lead all scorers.

T&T also got a 15th-minute penalty conversion from Madison Campbell, with Jasmine McNish also getting on the score sheet in first-half stoppage-time.

After a 1-0 loss to SVG and a heavy 6-0 defeat to their T&T "A" counterparts, T&T's 'B' team got their first point in the four-team tournament as they played to a goalless draw with Grenada in the first match of Monday's double-header.

T&T's "A" team will look to repeat the trick at the Malabar venue on Wednesday, when they meet SVG in the final of the invitational tournament from 3 pm.

T&T's "B" team will play Grenada in the third place playoff from 1 pm as they hunt their first goal and win of the tournament.

73

Football / Re: 2023 SSFL Thread

« on: December 16, 2023, 01:15:29 AM »

SSFL players compete at Combine, eye scholarships.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

NEXT Level Performance, in an effort to give youth footballers in TT an opportunity to create a profile for themselves to earn scholarships, held a football combine at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex on Monday and Tuesday.

A combine is not something many TT athletes are familiar with. In the US, a combine is used to help NFL and NBA teams scout university players who have the ability to play professionally.

A combine involves testing the athleticism of players by doing jumping drills and speed drills, including a 40-yard sprint.

On the first day at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex, the players went through drills and on the second day they got the opportunity to play matches against each other. Forty youth players between 16 and 19, both boys and girls, competed at the combine.

Many of them played in the Secondary Schools Football League this season. Some of the schools represented were San Juan North Secondary, Presentation College (San Fernando), Queen's Royal College, Fatima College, Malick Secondary and Holy Name Convent.

Coaches from overseas were the facilitators at the combine, including coaches from the Ribeiro Moojen Pre-University Soccer (RMPUS) programme, a prep school in Montreal, Canada. The combine would give T&T footballers the opportunity to earn scholarships overseas. Depending on their age, the TT players, if offered a scholarship, can finish high school or begin university.

Speaking to Newsday, RMPUS coach Freddy Moojen said, "I was able to see a lot of good talent from Trinidad. We have a list of players that we like that we are going to tell the organisers (Next Level about) and they are going to put us in contact with the players to see if they can come next year."

Moojen said RMPUS will talk to the parents of the players they are interested in, with the help of Next Level.

Explaining some of the drills done during the combine, Moojen said, "I saw them going through speed and agility and a test of power as well. Those tests are good, so the coaches can know where the kids are in the fitness side of things, but for me personally, I think the most important part of the combine is to see the players play, so that you see exactly what you are looking for and what type of players you like."

CEO of Next Level Garvin Warwick said, "From the feedback it was the first time 99 per cent of them have done that level of testing."

Warwick said the players' height and weight were measured.

In TT, he said, players will often know what areas they have to improve on in terms of skill and their understanding of football. However, a combine them realise what other areas need work.

"Skill is just one element; the physical attributes and understanding where you need to strengthen – your core, your upper body...those things players need to understand."

Warwick said creating data and videos of players helps local footballers have a profile to show to foreign coaches.

"Our approach is really to collect data and build more comprehensive profiles. The basis and the genesis of Next Level Performance is really to provide an in-depth digital profile of Caribbean, young athletes who are aspiring for sports and athletic scholarships.

"It is data capturing to allow athletes to build their digital profiles to be able to showcase themselves to the wider world for the opportunity to get scholarships."

74

Football / Re: Khaleem Hyland Thread

« on: December 14, 2023, 10:44:12 AM »

After 15 years abroad, Hyland returns to 'put Police on the map'.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

FORMER Soca Warriors captain Khaleem Hyland made a return to the local football scene after 15 years when he debuted for Police FC in their TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier one match against 1976 FC Phoenix at the St James Police Barracks on Monday.

Hyland, 34, played 45 minutes in a 2-0 victory that propelled Police to fifth in the standings.

It was Hyland's first professional match in two years, with his previous game having come for T&T in a Gold Cup qualifier against French Guiana in July 2021. Injury ruled the then T&T captain out of the subsequent Gold Cup tournament.

The combination of covid19 and a contractual dispute with his former Saudi Arabian club Al-Batin, contributed to Hyland's two-year hiatus from the beautiful game.

"It was a hard time for me in terms of finishing my contract in Saudi Arabia in 2021. It was an unjust cause situation...It is sad I had to part ways in that manner," Hyland told Newsday.

Hyland said the two-year hiatus could have sent into him a "depressing state," as he was also away from his family during the period.

"I made a decision to take some time for myself before I go back to do anything concerning football," the bustling midfielder said. "I was training with the national team sometimes and I was also doing my little personal training. When you do not have a goal in life, it is very easy to call it quits.

"It has been a long time I have been grieving, and a lot of thoughts have been going through my head on whether I should continue or call it quits. I was just happy and fortunate enough that I could share the field with Police FC on Monday night and get my first 45 minutes."

With over 90 senior T&T caps to his name, Hyland is not ruling himself out of national duty, but he is taking his journey to fitness one day at a time.

"I have not officially retired from T&T football. I will always have love, passion and joy, and that is why I played from a young age and I have played so long for the T&T national team.

"I will not say I will never play for T&T again. Right now, I am not playing for T&T. I am now focusing on getting myself back in shape because I have not played since 2021. I am focusing on myself first before I could focus on anyone else."

Hyland, who left San Juan Jabloteh in 2008 to join Portsmouth's youth team in England, has joined seasoned Police campaigners such as Keron Cummings, Adrian Foncette, Joevin Jones, Mekeil Williams and current Soca Warriors standout right back Alvin Jones. Hyland says the Police team are like a "family" to him as he has "rubbed shoulders on the field with coaches and the players" for many years.

Under former coach Richard Hood, Police beat Terminix La Horquetta Rangers in the FCB Cup final in December 2019 to claim their first national title for 25 years. Police won the then-National League crown in 1990 and 1994. Hyland said it is time to "put Police back on the map."

"I have to take it day-by-day because we are not in control of our lives, God is in control of our lives.

"I am trying to give 110 per cent with Police FC every time I touch the pitch. When I am not on the pitch, I also try to help the younger guys with the experience I have gained over my years of playing international and professional football."

Police finished fifth in the inaugural TTPFL season with 39 points following a rough start to their campaign. This season, they have got five points from their first three games after back-to-back draws with Eagles FC (formerly Cunupia FC) and defending champions Defence Force, to go with their win over newcomers Phoenix.

"We have everything to play for. What I wish for Police FC, is that we have a healthy team throughout the season. Let us go out and work hard and enjoy the game and do what we love."

75

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: December 12, 2023, 04:21:34 PM »

Muckette sends AC PoS to TTPFL top with late winner vs Rangers.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

LAST season’s TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) runners-up AC PoS maintained their perfect record in the 2023/24 season, as they got a stoppage-time winner from playmaker Duane Muckette to defeat Terminix La Horquetta Rangers by a 2-1 margin at the St James Police Barracks on Monday night.

In an exciting clash in the second game of a doubleheader, AC PoS and Rangers looked to be heading to a share of the spoils with the scores locked at 1-1 in the dying stages of the game. However, Muckette, a regular starter, had the most telling touch in the game after being introduced off the bench just before the hour mark. In the third minute of second-half stoppage-time, Muckette received a precise pass from the left by fellow substitute Brandon Semper, before beating Rangers goalkeeper Jabari Brice with a low, right-footed drive from about 23 yards out.

The AC PoS bench emptied as players scampered onto the field to celebrate with Muckette. The players also went to the touchline to embrace AC PoS flanker Jameel Neptune, who suffered a broken leg in AC PoS’ 4-1 win against 1976 FC Phoenix on December 1.

The St James crowd got value for money as the two TTPFL powerhouses squared off. Although AC PoS dominated much of the first-half flow, Rangers took the lead in the 29th minute with a scrumptious right-footed volley from midfielder Daniel David.

AC PoS got their just reward in the first half, as Rangers defender Daneil Cyrus turned into his net in the 39th minute when he tried to cut out a left-side cross from opposing winger Sedale McLean.

The “Capital Boys” came out full of vigour in the second half, and they had a strong penalty appeal turned down by referee Kwinsi Williams in the 50th minute when Ross Russell Jr put in a meaty tackle on AC PoS forward Haile Beckles. Just seven minutes later, the Rangers' defence was put under pressure once again when Brice made a brilliant point-blank save to deny McLean at the back post.

The three points were there for the taking, and AC PoS showed their intent by bringing on the pair of Muckette and Kadeem Corbin in the 59th minute.

Rangers had chances of their own, as Tyrese Bailey flashed wide of the mark in the 74th minute, before attacker Isaiah Lee headed straight at goalkeeper Marvin Phillip just seconds later. With their momentum growing in the encounter, Rangers goal-scorer, David, was inches away from beating Phillip again when he banged a shot off the post from a tight angle in the 76th minute.

David’s near miss was Muckette and AC PoS’ gain as the Soca Warriors midfielder settled the game with his clinical injury-time hit.

AC PoS jumped to the top of the 11-team table with nine points from three matches, with defending champions Defence Force (seven points) in second. Prisons FC and Rangers (both six points) are in third and fourth spots respectively.

Police FC (five points) moved to fifth spot with their 2-0 win over the struggling Phoenix team in Monday’s first match.

Police played the majority of the match with ten men, as their goalkeeper and captain, Adrian Foncette, was shown a red card for handling outside the area in the fourth minute. Despite having a numerical disadvantage, Police looked comfortable against the Tobago club and were deserving of their victory.

Before Foncette’s dismissal, Police took the lead in the third minute when Willis Plaza converted from just inside the area after a turnover by Jariel Arthur. Police doubled their lead in the 36th minute, as Gabriel Nanton finished off a left-side move with aplomb after being picked out in the area by Joevin Jones.

The lawmen will go after their second win of the campaign when they meet Prisons in a servicemen's clash in St James on Sunday.

TTFPL tier one standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts
1.AC PoS*3*3*0*0*8*2*6*9
2.Defence Force FC*3*2*1*0*10*3*7*7
3.Prisons FC*3*2*0*1*7*5*2*6
4.La Horquetta Rangers*3*2*0*1*6*4*2*6
5.Police FC*3*1*2*0*5*3*2*5
6.Club Sando*2*1*1*0*2*1*1*4
7.Point Fortin Civic*2*1*0*1*5*2*3*3
8.Eagles FC*3*0*2*1*3*4*-1*2
9.Caledonia*2*0*0*2*1*5*-4*0
10.Central FC*3*0*0*3*1*9*-8*0
11. 1976 FC Phoenix*3*0*0*3*1*11*-10*0

76

Football / Re: Khaleem Hyland Thread

« on: December 12, 2023, 04:20:15 PM »

Hyland plays for Police FC now..

77

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: December 11, 2023, 03:46:38 PM »

Jaikaran hat-trick sets Strikers off to 8-0 win in Tier II.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).

A hat-trick from Moses Jaikaran and a brace from Kareem Baptiste Sunday, set the Harlem Strikers’ campaign off to a perfect start in Tier II of the T&T Premier Football League.

The Strikers made their struggling financial position public before the start of the competition last week but on the field, it was anything but a struggle.

Jaikaran led the way with three goals and Baptiste a double in a cruel demolition of Laventille United at the Frederick Settlement Recreation ground in Caroni, which marked a return to the ground labelled as unsuitable last season.

A large turnout, greeted the team after spending some two years away from the facility. Apart from Jaikaran and Baptiste, the Central lads got other items from Jaheim Ashby, Keithon Carter, and Jerron Francis in their winning effort.

Manager Gregory Mc Sween said the win showed that his team is up for “big things” this season, but they need some help in achieving it. Last season, the Strikers rebounded from a slow start to finish third in the Big Six Play-Offs, which followed a battle with Guaya United for the right to qualify for the six-team Play-Offs.

Their opening match of the season, against Tiger Tanks Club Sando at the El Dorado West Secondary School, was postponed due to a short turnout of officials. However, there was no stopping the victory for the Strikers following a commanding performance.

Mc Sween said his team will next face Bethel United in Tobago, and he wants to up the ante then.

“We are looking for better things in that game. In fact, we wanted a duplicate of that performance, but I think we can do even better. That victory is for the people of Frederick Settlement as well as the wider Central areas where our players have come from,” Mc Sween said.

He noted: “The problem now is that we really need a corporate citizen to come on board and help our cause. Our players are in need of boots, a stipend to travel to and from practice and games, water, and other refreshments for matches. We are trying our best right now but we need that added assistance to get us further.”

Meanwhile, in another match at O’Meara recreation ground in Arima, the home team, the University of T&T (UTT), went down to a heavy 6-1 loss to the Defence Force.

78

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: December 10, 2023, 02:14:54 AM »

Defending TTPFL champs Army defeat Prisons 3-1.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).

DEFENDING Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League champions Defence Force handed Prisons FC their first defeat of the season with a 3-1 victory when matchday three continued at Arima Velodrome on Friday night.

With the win, Defence Force moved to the top of the table with seven points.

Army opened the scoring early courtesy a 13th minute strike from Kathon St Hillaire, a lead they held until half-time.

Prisons levelled the match in the 63rd minute through Kemuel Rivers, but Defence Force responded quickly. Brent Sam, who was a prolific goalscorer last season, gave Defence Force the lead in the 74th minute before Kaihim Thomas rounded off the scoring two minutes into stoppage time.

Defence Force may not remain on top by the end of matchday three as there are still three more matches to be played. Heritage Petroleum Pt Fortin Civic and Central FC will meet at Mahaica Sporting Complex in Pt Fortin on Sunday, 6 pm.

A double-header will be played on Monday at the Police Barracks to close off matchday three. At 5 pm, Police will battle 1976 Phoenix and in a clash between two perfect teams AC Port of Spain will face Terminix La Horquetta Rangers at 7.10 pm.

The match between AC Port of Spain and Rangers is expected to be a close contest as both teams were in contention for the title most of last season.

79

Football / Re: 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League Thread

« on: December 09, 2023, 01:41:10 PM »

Trinidad and Tobago motivated to beat Canada after Copa draw: Dreaming of Argentina.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

A glamour clash with World Cup champions Argentina in the opening game of the 2024 Copa America awaits, if Trinidad and Tobago's men’s footballers can defeat Canada in a qualifier at the Toyota Stadium in Texas on March 23.

This was confirmed on Thursday night at the Copa America draw at the Hyatt Regency in Miami, which saw representatives from the TT Football Association (TTFA) and other federations present.

The tournament kicks off from June 20 to July 14 with reigning Copa America winners and No 1 ranked Argentina looking to defend their title.

If T&T, ranked 96th, can pull off an upset victory against the 48th-ranked Canadians, they will be placed in Group A alongside the Lionel Messi-captained Argentina, Chile and Peru.

T&T football coach Angus Eve, who attended the draw alongside four other TTFA officials, said it was an “honour” to attend the draw, and a great opportunity to have a chance to face the globe’s best-ranked team.

“This is tremendous for T&T football to have an opportunity to play in a tournament as illustrious as this. This is the oldest country tournament and we’re privileged to be here and to face the type of opposition that we may have the opportunity to face. It’s a blessing,” Eve told TTFA media.

He said the possibility of facing Argentina serves as “motivation” for his troops to go all-out against Canada in their final qualifier.

T&T missed out on automatic Copa qualification when they were eliminated in the Concacaf Nations League quarter-final by USA, over two legs, in November. Canada faced a similar fate against Jamaica.

The other two losing quarter-finalists – Costa Rica and Honduras – also play a one-match playoff on March 23, at the same venue, for a spot in Group D with Brazil, Colombia and Paraguay.

Eve said the draw serves as great motivation.

“Just for the guys to know they have the opportunity to play the world and Copa America champions, and the best player in the world (Messi), it’s motivation enough for the boys to come out.

“It’s motivation enough for the country to get behind the team, and every corporate (body) and government to get behind and support the team to prepare for such a massive opportunity.”

Although salivating at the prospects that await, Eve said T&T should not get ahead of themselves, since Canada will be no walk in the park. He, however, welcomed the challenge.

“We were looking at the draw and were hoping that we got Mexico or Argentina to be honest. These are the type of games you want to play. You want to put these players through the rigours and have the opportunity to play some of the best teams in the world.

“But I just want to be mindful that we still have a job to do. We still have to play Canada which a very tough team, and we need to get over that hurdle first. And hopefully we have the excitement of playing in the Copa America.”

For the new year, Eve said he will continue working assiduously with his local crop of players, and will use January/February 2024 to improve their overall competitiveness. He made it clear that Carnival 2024 is not an option for his players.

“We’re trying to expose the locally-based players as much as possible within January and February, with training camps over the Carnival period. (We’ll) take the boys away from the Carnival a little bit.

“Hopefully, come March, we’ll have all the other foreign-based players that would join the group for a two-week camp to prepare for the Canada game.”

Soca Warriors captain Aubrey David also saw the draw as a “blessing” and believes the possibility of facing Argentina will bring out the best in the team.

A chance to play in such a prestigious tournament as Copa, he said, is a great confidence booster.

“Reaching to a Copa is a big plus for us as it will do a lot for us and the country. After seeing the draw, being able to face the World Cup champions and having other chance to play against them, I think it’s a lot of motivation.

“It’s no secret that everyone would like to play against Lionel Messi. Not only playing against them, but playing in that type of tournament – it’s a big boost. They guys are already motivated thinking about the Canada game.”

David rued their missed chances for automatic qualification but said, knowing they’re 90 minutes away from a historic Copa debut, the team is pumped. As captain, David believes the next three months are crucial, and wants to lead by example.

“I need to make sure I take care of myself, continue to play and get rhythm so I can lead from that standpoint. After every international camp, I tell the guys we need to continue to grow so when they go back to their clubs, to continue to put that extra work in because we already know we’re fighting for a bigger goal,” he added.

David admonished his teammates that now is not the time for complacency.

“Continue to take care of yourself and push. Because the more they do that they will continue to progress, grow in confidence and quality. If everyone keeps pushing themselves and we regroup to face Canada, we’ll be in a much better shape and form.

“We already have togetherness so once we continue to grow from there, the message to me is to continue to push themselves so we can achieve the collective goal, which is Copa qualification."

In 2014, T&T faced Argentina, their second-ever meeting, in a friendly in Buenos Aires and lost 3-0. Messi played in that match but did not score.

Copa America Groups:

Group A: Argentina, Peru, Chile, Trinidad and Tobago/Canada.

Group B: México, Ecuador, Venezuela, Jamaica.

Group C: USA, Uruguay, Panamá, Bolivia.

Group D: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Costa Rica/Honduras.

80

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: December 09, 2023, 01:37:53 PM »

Gill hits screamer as Club Sando, Eagles draw 1-1.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

Tiger Tanks Club Sando and FC Eagles played to a 1-1 draw when match day three of the TT Premier Football League kicked off at Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on Friday.

Striker Real Gill scored a scorcher in the sixth minute to put Club Sando ahead, but Eagles’ veteran Kevon "Showtime" Woodley drew level in the 19th minute.

Gill’s stellar strike came after he picked up the ball on the half-line and charged goal-bound. He got past one Eagles player and then cut to the right past another, before rifling home a long-range effort with his right foot, beyond a flying Eagles custodian.

Woodley erased the deficit as both teams shared the spoils.

The result saw Club Sando join title holders Defence Force on four points in the standings, while Eagles got their second point after three matches played.

Up to press time on Friday, action continued with Defence Force up against an undefeated Prisons FC unit at the Arima Velodrome.

81

Football / Re: 2023 SSFL Thread

« on: December 09, 2023, 01:36:17 PM »

Bhagwat brace guides Naps to SSFL U-14 title with 2-0 win over Signal Hill.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

NAPARIMA College striker Avi Bhagwat scored once in each half to trump Signal Hill Secondary 2-0 in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) National U14 final at Lewis Street in San Fernando on Wednesday.

Good communication from the Naparima front line of Bhagwat, Donovan Drayton and Adasa Richardson created both goals as the south team captured their first SSFL title in two years.

Drayton and Richardson showed intent early on as the former placed a neat pass to the latter, who hit low and hard, but had his attempt bounce on the wrong side of the left post, past Signal Hill custodian Tevez Houlder.

Drayton came close two minutes later but his strike just skimmed the crossbar.

The Naparima backline also stood firm as Mikhail Clement and company did well to stave off the few attacks which came from the visitors.

In the 21st minute, a nice turn from Drayton in the Signal Hilll half made room for him to play in a charging Bhagwat, who made no mistake and slotted home a low, right footed shot past a diving Houlder.

Into the second 35-minute period, Signal Hills’ J’Meke Watkins threatened the home team but he could not get in the final shot to level the score.

Naps continued to press for another and were soon rewarded. Richardson burst down the right flank and put in a low cross which beat oncoming striker Aaden Ali. However, as the ball flew past the goal mouth, Bhagwat was there at the far post to rifle home another and seal the school’s first title of the 2023 season.

Winger Gianluca Bailey also impressed on the left and always posed a threat going forward.

Signal Hills’ Jaden Marcelle worked hard in the midfield to create opportunities for a fightback but his attempts went in vain.

82

Football / Re: 2023 SSFL Thread

« on: December 08, 2023, 12:55:06 AM »

Kanye Lazarus rises to hand Pres 'Lions' National Intercol title.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Presentation College (San Fernando) ensured a double-haul for the South zone schools in the Coca-Cola national intercol finals on Thursday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, as they got an exciting 7-6 win from the penalty spot over St Anthony’s College following a goalless stalemate in regular time.

Presentation, who previously tasted national Intercol success in 1975 and 2019, had their experienced skipper and goalkeeper Kanye Lazarus to thank for their shootout win as the custodian made two fine saves to defy the Westmoorings Tigers from the penalty mark. Lazarus, who was on the substitutes' bench when Presentation beat San Juan North Secondary in the 2019 Intercol final, stole the show as he also made a huge penalty save during regular time to keep his school in the hunt.

In the shootout, Presentation led 3-2 after three sets of kicks. However, after consecutive misses by substitute Chaz Forde and Duhrell Young, the scores were level at 3-3 as St Anthony’s were presented with the chance to win the match with their fifth kick. Lazarus rose to the occasion though, as he dived to his left to palm away an effort by St Anthony’s right back Daniel Rose.

In sudden-death kicks, both teams initially held their nerve to stretch the score to 6-6. Presentation defender Tyrel Pemberton scored to make it 7-6. Industrious St Anthony’s midfielder Amari Dunbar then sprayed his right-footed shot wide of the mark on the next kick to spark wild celebrations from Lazarus and the Presentation team.

The Shawn Cooper-coached Presentation team got a tight 1-0 win when the two teams met during the league campaign in October and the final followed suit.

The game was played with good intensity throughout, but neither team had sustained spells of quality in the final third to prise open the other's defence.

In a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, both teams relied on their individual attacking talent to try and bring home the coveted crown. Presentation banked on the pace and guile of their top-scorer Vaughn Clement, with St Anthony’s relying on the skillful Theo Crovador. The latter player was often watched by Presentation defenders Pemberton and Cody Cooper, who gave very little change to the opposition.

The best chance in open play arguably fell to Clement, who was presented with a wonderful opportunity in the 73rd minute following a mixup between St Anthony's central defenders Russell Francois and Jeremy Bobb. With the goal at his mercy, Clement was denied by an excellent point-blank save by Josiah Morris who sped off his line to thwart the Presentation attacker with his legs.

Before that though, in the 67th minute, St Anthony’s had the opportunity to decide the game through a penalty from Andell Fraser. However, the St Anthony’s forward saw his right-footed shot well-stopped by Lazarus who made a dive away to his right.

It would not be the final time Lazarus killed St Anthony’s joy.

The penalty decision itself was contentious, as Presentation defender Micah Brathwaite appeared to get all ball with his sliding tackle on Crovador in the area. Referee Crystal Sobers did not hesitate to point to the spot though. Lazarus' save ensured the game would not be decided in a controversial manner, with the lottery of the penalty shootout instead being the decider between the teams.

In the 82nd minute, a potential Presentation winner by Adah Barclay was ruled offside. Meanwhile, in the second minute of stoppage time, silky St Anthony’s midfielder Aalon Wilson-Wright sent a wicked free kick just wide of Lazarus' goal following a layoff from a teammate.

As it turned out, it took a great deal to beat Lazarus on the night, and his saves on Francois and Rose in the shootout went a long way in deciding the 2023 boys' national Intercol champions.

The "Pres Lions" have once again roared loudest in the Intercol competition and their 19-year-old captain Kanye Lazarus has risen as well.

For St Anthony’s College, their 11-year wait for a national intercol crown will be extended.

83

Football / Re: 2023 SSFL Thread

« on: December 08, 2023, 12:52:43 AM »

Nikita Gosine shines as Pleasantville lift girls' Intercol crown.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Pleasantville Secondary were crowned champions of the 2023 Coca-Cola girls' national Intercol competition on Thursday, after they got an exciting 2-1 victory over Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School in the final at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo.

The South Zone championship division and Intercol winners Pleasantville scored the opening goal of the game through national youth player Nikita Gosine in just the second minute. Although Miracle Ministries quickly drew level through a fine free kick by Jewel Benjamin in the tenth minute, Pleasantville dominated the balance of the game and thoroughly deserved their win.

In an entertaining and sometimes chaotic finale, the Pleasantville team launched attack after attack at Kimberlynn Rampersad's Miracle Ministries goal. For the most part, Rampersad was up to the task as she saved several shots from the Pleasantville players, with Gosine and captain Tayeann Wylie trying their luck from any distance imaginable.

Inside the first 15 minutes, Wylie demonstrated her shooting ability, as she sent a thunderous right-footed shot off the bar and another rasping hit that went agonisingly wide.

Although her Pleasantville team looked dangerous in the attacking third with each foray forward, the South team's goalkeeper also earned her keep between the sticks. In the 17th minute, custodian Janike Ramoutar produced a fine save to deny a firm volley by Miracle Ministries' Shre Dudley.

Rampersad was quickly becoming a thorn in Pleasantville's side, and the pattern of the game was quickly established. Pleasantville would assume control of the ball and look for the gifted pair of Gosine and Wylie in attack, and both girls did their utmost to test Rampersad's reflexes.

A breakneck first half seemed to take its toll on the Miracle Ministries players, and Pleasantville came out in a relentless manner in the second half.

In the 45th minute, Rampersad reacted sharply to stop a pair of point-blank shots by a frustrated Gosine. Seven minutes later, Rampersad flew across her goal to stop a low drive by Wylie.

Miracle Ministries' defence was wilting under the pressure, and Rampersad could not be expected to keep Pleasantville at bay for the entire second half. In the 53rd minute, the defining moment came as Gosine bolted past the entire Miracle Ministries backline with a single push as she showed off her rapid turn of pace. Her finish was even better, as she thumped a right-footed effort into the roof of the net to beat the advancing Rampersad and notch her second goal of the game.

The Miracle Ministries goalkeeper could have no shame in her efforts, and her brilliance between the sticks left the door open for the Central zone champions at the other end.

In the 64th minute, Benjamin lined up a free kick from way out on the left flank, and her booming hit left Ramoutar a spectator as it thumped into the bar.

Miracle Ministries could not muster an equaliser though, and with Gosine almost operating as a last-stopper for Pleasantville in the closing 20 minutes, she ensured Ramoutar was free of danger at the back.

On at least two occasions, the 13-year-old Gosine showed her versatility as she smartly played her way out of trouble. Deep into stoppage time, at least one Miracle Ministries player seemed to have had enough of Gosine's input — with Gabriella Lezama receiving a straight red card for dissent after squaring off with Gosine near the half line.

The Pleasantville attacker-turned-defender received a yellow card from referee Cecile Hinds, but her contributions in front of goal were clearly more meaningful on the day.

Another national intercol crown is in the bag for Pleasantville.

As the Pleasantville supporting posse sang: Who is the boss in charge of we? God is the boss in charge of we!

84

Football / Re: 2023 Women's League A Gold Cup Qualifier Thread

« on: December 07, 2023, 03:47:39 PM »

Trinidad and Tobago women's Gold Cup dream ends, Hood appeals for continuity.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

Trinidad and Tobago's campaign in the 2024 Concacaf women's Gold Cup qualifiers came to an end on Tuesday night, as the host team fell 1-0 to group winners Mexico at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. T&T finished at the bottom of the three-team League A group with a solitary point after losing three of their four matches.

Mexico ended the group with a perfect 12 points and booked their spot in the Gold Cup. Puerto Rico finished second on four points and will advance to the Gold Cup preliminary round.

T&T gave a much-improved effort from the 6-0 loss they suffered away to Mexico in Pachuca in September, but a gem of a long-range effort by defender Cristina Ferral settled the match in the 40th minute and broke the stubborn resistance of the hosts.

Needing an unlikely four-goal win to book a spot in the Gold Cup prelims, T&T showed their intent from the opening whistle as coach Richard Hood sought to get on the front foot with a 4-4-2 formation which saw the pair of Asha James and Tsaianne Leander starting in attack. Hood asked his team to be braver in possession, and they did string passes together in the early stages. However, the Mexicans quickly assumed control of the game as they looked for the opening item.

The centre-back pairing of Shaunalee Govia and Victoria Swift were solid for T&T as the hosts were pushed back into a low block. Zoe Maxwell was composed in possession in the middle of the park and goalkeeper Simone Eligon was again impressive between the uprights with several fine saves.

Overall, Hood was pleased with his team's improved defensive showing.

"I was satisfied with the efforts from the team and satisfied with the organisation. I am not so much satisfied with the offensive part, as I thought we struggled to keep the ball," Hood said in the post-match briefing.

"I am happy with the performance and the effort from the younger girls. I thought the real purpose for me in this game was to keep demonstrating the improvements (we have made), and I think we did that."

With the T&T defence holding firm in the first half, Mexico were reduced to shots from long range. However, they could not quite find their radar early as efforts by Jimena Lopez and attacker Jacqueline Ovalle went over Eligon's goal. Ovalle tried to catch the T&T custodian napping with a cheeky free kick in the 31st minute, but her left-footed attempt drifted just wide of the post.

The 23-year-old Eligon, who was named to the Concacaf League A Best XI for the October window, commanded her area as she plucked a number of dangerous crosses out of the air. However, just before halftime, Ferral beat the T&T goalie with a ferocious long-range drive which whistled into the top corner.

"Simone has been magnificent. She has come up big for us in each of the (three) games she has played. She was a little nervous in her first game against Puerto Rico but that is understandable. International football is a completely different kettle of fish."

In the second half, Eligon made at least two jaw-dropping saves. She made a brilliant stop to deny an effort by Kiana Palacios in the 49th minute, while her personal battle with Ovalle continued in the 63rd minute as the T&T goalie stretched low to her left to push a firm drive wide of the post.

"Our understanding of the tactical requirements of the game — offensively and defensively — was good. I thought we did a really good job of nullifying the Mexicans' attack quite a bit."

In attack, T&T mustered just three shots in the game, two of which came from the boot of the tireless Maria-Frances Serrant. In the 90th minute, Serrant got the T&T supporters hopeful as her miscued shot from outside the area went agonisingly shy of goalkeeper Itzel Gonzalez's bar. It was the closest T&T came to troubling the Mexican goalie.

"We were not great offensively, but it is a work in progress. It is something we have to keep continuously working on with the girls. It is important for us to maintain continuity where the local girls are concerned and we have to monitor those who are abroad as well."

Hood said support is on its way to the Women Warriors, and he was reassured of such by Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, who visited the team in the locker room after the encounter.

"Minister Cudjoe-Lewis indicated the ministry is very much willing to back the women's programme to the same level of monetary (contributions) from Concacaf. She asked us to make proposals and we are going to do that. It is critical for the women's programme."

Hood said it is imperative for the TT Football Association (TTFA) to ensure the programme does not go dormant like it has in the past, as it is the "beginning of the project." He said preparations cannot solely begin two months before a major regional tournament. He said, "We must never get back to the level where we met the programme when we started in July this year."

85

Football / Re: 2023 Women's League A Gold Cup Qualifier Thread

« on: December 06, 2023, 05:05:44 AM »

Women Warriors go under 1-0 to Mexico; fail to qualify for 2024 W Gold Cup.
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express).

MEXICO women were never likely to concede the handful of goals which Trinidad and Tobago’s senior women footballers needed to advance to the playoff round of the 2024 W Gold Cup.

And last night, Mexico completed their CONCACAF Nations League A series with a 1-0 win over a defensively solid T&T, breaking the stalemate courtesy on a superb Cristina Ferral goal at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

The Women Warriors only threatened the Mexican’s goal twice, striker Maria Serrant shooting powerfully, but wide in the 71st minute after using her speed to outpace her marker. And in stoppage time Serrant also made a decent effort at goal, only to see her shot drop on top of the net.

Mexico completed the four-match series as group winners and with a maximum 12 points from a pair of wins over T&T (6-1 & 1-0) and Puerto Rico (2-1 & 3-0). Puerto Rico finished second on four points, their 2-1 win over T&T in Port of Spain providing decisive, with T&T third with a single point, earned last month in a draw away to Puerto Rico.

Earlier last night, St Vincent and the Grenadine defeated Barbados 4-2 in a League B qualifier at the HCS. Meanwhile, T&T did relatively well keeping the Mexicans quiet in the first half, until Ferral smashed the eventual match winner.

With defensive leader Victoria Swift on the sidelines injured, after putting in an earlier desperate tackle, Mexico capitalised, when a corner kick was played to the end of the penalty area, Ferral was there to fire home at the far post, giving Simone Eligon, the England-born T&T goalkeeper no chance to stop the ball.

Eligon had to be at her best at least twice, denying Kiana Palacios from extending the visitors’ lead in the second half. And when Jacqueline Ovalle chested down a corner kick at the edge of the penalty and shot to the far post, Eligon got an important hand to parry and turn it wide.

Mexico head coach Pedro Lopez took the opportunity to bench a few of his starters, but was not reckless enough to leave out his star player Stephanie Mayor, who was largely kept quiet and looked frustrated when turning a shot off in the 75th minute.

86

Football / Re: 2023 SSFL Thread

« on: December 06, 2023, 05:03:03 AM »

St Benedict's edge Fatima 2-1 to win SSFL U-20 title.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

The La Romaine Lions clawed back from a goal down to usurp Fatima College 2-1 en route to the Secondary Schools’ Football League (SSFL) boys' senior Under-20 title at Manny Ramjohn Stadium training field in Marabella on Tuesday.

Two second-half goals from St Benedict’s Daniel Jones (67’) and Malachi Webb (85’) cancelled out Fatima’s brilliant first half, free kick goal from Shaheim O’Brian (35’).

After missing out on successfully defending their 2022 SSFL premiership title three weeks ago, and finishing as Intercol South zone runners-up last week, St Benedict’s U20s put on an improved display in the second period and wrestled away Fatima’s first-half dominance, to lift the crown.

In the opening 45 minutes, both teams pressed hard to score. The South team had the first strike on target from forward Kylon Cayenne but Fatima quickly responded with a cross from down the right by Joziah Shing-Hon to a charging Luke Correia, who missed his chance.

Fatima almost went ahead in the 20th minute as O’Brian’s headed shot outfoxed out of position St Benedict’s goalkeeper Samuel Glasgow, only for his attempt to be cleared off the line by defender Khalel Lawrence.

Soon after, the travelling team broke the ice as O’Brian rifled home a beautiful free kick from the top left corner of the box to send them ahead.

Fatima tried for another but had opportunities from Justin Alcantara, Yohance Atherton and left winger Michael Chaves all saved by Glasgow.

St Benedict’s, though behind, still created chances in front goal but the majority of their shots went wide. Ethan Trotman, Jaden Grant and Daniel Jones all kept the Fatima backline busy, but they stood firm until the half-time break.

The team talk seemed to have worked wonders as the La Romaine Lions emerged as a different team for the remaining half. Right back Lyshaun Morris came up big on a number of occasions and threatened more as the half progressed.

In the 65th minute, Morris executed a nice burst of speed down the flank and crossed in to Webb, who shot wide. Two minutes later, he made a similar sprint and crossed in to Webb once more. This time, however, the ball deflected off Webb, and into Jones’ path, who slotted past Fatima custodian Tristan Edwards.

The goal for St Benedict’s increased their appetite to score another. They dominated thereafter.

Fatima had chances but when the Lions regained control, they charged confidently goal-ward and played a different, better brand of football from the first half.

St Jenedict’s Jeremiah Joseph also showed good footwork on the right and it was his crafty feet who put in a ball to Webb in the 85th, for him to hit past Edwards and sick Fatima’s hopes.

The 2023 SSFL premiership winners tried valiantly to churn out an equalizer but their chances came to no avail.

At the final whistle, St Benedict’s players raised their arms in celebration of this year's SSFL U20 title, which was presented soon after, by SSFL south representative Gerald Elliott.

87

Football / Re: 2023 Women's League A Gold Cup Qualifier Thread

« on: December 05, 2023, 12:40:03 AM »

Hood: One way or the other, we will beat Mexico.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).

"One way or the other, we are going to try and win this game against Mexico," national women's football coach Richard Hood assured, yesterday.

The two teams clash tonight at 7 pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain in the final match in Group 'A' of the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup Qualifiers.

The Mexicans hammered T&T 6-0 in the first meeting between the teams on September 26 and now lead the group with nine points from three wins in as many matches.

Puerto Rico holds on to second on the standings with four points with a win (2-1) and a tie (0-0) against the Women Warriors. The local team is at the bottom of the chart on a point from three matches. However, T&T has a slim chance of overtaking the Puerto Ricans on goal difference if they can beat the Mexicans by five clear goals.

Hood believes they can but highlighted several issues his team has been plagued by during their preparations, including not having access to train at the Stadium, despite it being their home game tonight.

"Well, I really don't know how that becomes an advantage for us. It's an advantage from the point of view that we're not playing 8,000 feet high altitude, but the national stadium is our home base but we don't train there," said Hood, yesterday.

"We have not trained there, so the pitch is not an advantage for us, it might be some sort of advantage if we have support from our fans or whatever, but it's not really an advantage playing at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. We have not had the advantage of training at the stadium. The stadium has been rented out for school football and other things, other activities, but the national team does not have access to it.

"We have not touched that pitch since the Puerto Rico games," Hood explained. Those matches were played in late October (October 27 and October 31).

Besides that, Hood's preparation was also paralysed by the late arrival of most of his foreign-based stars who make up some 90 percent of the starting team tonight.

The top two teams will qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, a position that appeared relatively attainable at the start, but Hood's inability to secure his key players abroad in time during training sessions worked against him.

"I am never really satisfied with our preparation, it's a bit of a difficult situation given that quite a number of players who will be starting the game do not reside in T&T, therefore we only had a short opportunity to work with them. This camp was a five-day camp, that was the best we could have done under the circumstances," said the national coach.

"It's always sort of difficult to get yourself organised the way you would like, which is five days or seven sessions. To add to that, a couple of players only came in yesterday, so basically they would have only done yesterday's session and the half session that we have today (yesterday), so you know we have to work around those challenges."

Hood also explained: "We have done the work, so I think it's really up to the players to go and interpret the work we would have done and see how best they can execute it on the pitch."

From the outlook, today's requested five-goal win for the Women's Warriors will provide a major challenge, however, Hood promised they will take a positive approach against the Mexicans, as they try to counter their attacking power while mounting serious attacks of their own to get the required result.

T&T Team:

Goalkeepers:

Simone Eligon, Malaika Dedier, K'Lil Keshwar

Defenders:

Shauna Lee Giovia, Britney Williams, Crystal Mollineaux, Tamara Johnson, Jonelle Cato, Victoria Swift, Abbigail Moos, Chrissy Mitchell

Midfielders:

Chelcy Ralph, Naomie Guerra, Renee Mike, Zoe Maxwell, Karyn Forbes, Sarah De Gannes

Forwards:

Orielle Martin, Asha James, J'Eleisha Alexander, Tori Paul, Tsaianne Leander, Maria-Frances Serrant

GROUP A

Pos*Team*M*P*W*D*L*Gf*Ga*GD*Pts
1*Mexico*3*3*0*0*11*1*10*9
2*Puerto Rico*4*1*1*2*3*6*-3*4
3*T&T*3*0*1*2*1*8*-7*1

RELATED NEWS

Tough task for Women Warriors in final Gold Cup qualifier vs Mexico.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

As his Trinidad and Tobago women’s football team face an improbable task against Mexico in their final Concacaf women’s Gold Cup qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, on Tuesday, head coach Richard Hood is calling for more support for the locally based players in the programme.

T&T must defeat Mexico by four goals if they are to advance to the preliminary round of the inaugural 2024 Women’s Gold Cup. T&T currently sit at the foot of the three-team League A group with one point. Mexico lead the group with a 100 percent record from their three matches and have rattled in 11 goals in the process. Puerto Rico are in second spot in the group on four points and have a goal difference of -3. The cellar-placed T&T team have a -7 goal difference following two defeats and a draw.

Hood’s team now face the unenviable task of defeating a Mexico team that handed them a 6-0 defeat in their opening group match on September 26 in Pachuca.

“At the best of times, it is a difficult task to beat Mexico, much less to beat them by about four clear goals,” Hood told the media on Monday. “For me, it is not necessarily a realistic possibility, but it is a possibility. “We are going to approach the game positively and we are going to try and get a victory. We are asking the girls to be as brave as possible and execute what we have done in training and hopefully, we will get the result we are looking for.”

Hood described the first Mexico outing as a “baptism of fire.” He has since pointed to “incremental improvements” from the Women Warriors. With T&T scoring just one goal in their first three matches – via the suspended Alexcia Ali – managing a four-goal win against the 36th-ranked Mexico team will take something extraordinary or miraculous. T&T are ranked 75th by Fifa. “We have to follow the game plan. When we have the possibility of attacking, we have to commit. When we are defending as well, the transition moments are going to be critical offensively and defensively.”

Hood expects to see a different women’s team against Mexico this time around, as he says this is the strongest unit he has had for the campaign. “I expect the organisation to be better than our first game against Mexico. I would like to see improvements in the fitness levels as well. “We will not be playing at 8,000 feet altitude this time. That was a factor in the first game. I would like to see more composure and our ability to move the ball offensively and the ability to move and operate collectively as an offensive and defensive unit.”

Hood is looking towards the future with his T&T team, and says the schoolgirl pair of J’Eleisha Alexander and Orielle Martin are likely to see minutes depending on the game situation. Alexander, 16, and Martin, 15, were voted among the Secondary Schools Football League’s (SSFL) top five girls players for the 2022 season. Alexander won the MVP award. As he looks beyond this ongoing campaign, Hood says more exposure needs to be given to the local players.

“For this programme to progress, we have to maintain a local base. We have to train continuously to improve the players we have locally.

“We have to make use of the Fifa windows. We could start small by playing Guyana or Grenada and we go from there. Again, we are seeing tremendous improvements in the local players in a very short time. It is critical for us to continue that development as we go forward.”

The top team in each of the three League A groups will qualify for the group stage of the February-March 2024 Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup tournament. The three runners-up in the League A groups will play the three winners of the respective League B groups for a spot in the Gold Cup group stage.

Kick-off is at 7 pm.

88

Football / Re: 2023 TT Women's League Football Thread.

« on: December 05, 2023, 12:36:36 AM »

AC PoS, Club Sando clash to Trinidad WoLF title Sunday.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).

Regular-season winner Tiger Tanks Club Sando and runner-up AC Port-of-Spain (Pos) will clash in the Trinidad Claire George Conference final of the T&T Women’s League Football (WoLF) at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain on Sunday (December 10) from 6 pm.

Two hours earlier at the same venue, losing semifinalists, Defence Force and Trincity Nationals will play for third place.

Last month in the semifinals, AC Port-of-Spain rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat Trincity Nationals 4-3 in the first semifinal.

Former T&T and West Indies women’s cricketer Lee-Ann Kirby scored a pair of goals, in the 29th and 31st minutes and Jonelle Warrick converted a penalty kick for Trincity Nationals in the 45+3 to hold a shock 3-1 lead at the half, with Naomi Guerra also scoring a penalty for AC Port-of-Spain in the 38th.

However, Trincity Nationals was made to play the second half with ten players after captain Shenelle Warrick picked up two quick yellow cards in the 44th and 45+1 for dissent by referee Trenton Toney.

In the second half, AC PoS made their player advantage count to great effect with three goals without reply to turn around the match and snatch an unlikely victory.

Firstly, Rhea Belgrave scored in the 50th to reduce the margin to 3-2, while Tamara Johnson made it 3-3 in the 72nd, followed by Shakeema Forestine’s winner five minutes later to secure their team a spot in the final against regular-season winners Tiger Tanks Club Sando, who battled past Defence Force 2-1 in the second semifinal at the same venue.

The tension seemed too much for Trincity Nationals coach Joel Warrick as he was also dismissed for a second yellow card soon after AC PoS took the lead for the first time in the contest in the 78th minute after getting his first caution in the 46th.

For Club Sando, T&T women’s team winger Alexcia Ali headed in the opener in the eighth minute from a corner swung in by Dennecia Prince, while it was the latter who doubled her team’s advantage in the 60th minute, capitalising on a misdirected defensive clearance to fire past goalkeeper Nicolette Craig.

With five minutes left in the match, Defence Force was handed a lifeline when referee Nathalya Williams blew for a penalty kick after Jo-Marie Lewis was bundled over in the six-yard box by Club Sando’s Kelly-Ann Williams and the diminutive Aaliyah Prince confidently stepped up and beat goalkeeper Keri Meyers to her left to set up an intriguing final five minutes.

But, despite the seven minutes of injury time, Club Sando was able to withstand the late efforts of Defence Force to come away with the deserved win and a spot in the final.

The lone blemish for the Southerners was the late dismissal of defender Abishai Guy, who was shown a second yellow card by referee Williams for dissent.

In the two quarterfinals played at the Mahaica Sporting Complex, Point Fortin, earlier this month, Trincity Nationals had an emphatic 7-0 win over Play Fit Football Academy led by a beaver-trick from Natasha John while Defence Force was awarded a defaulted victory over St Augustine/Cunupia.

89

Football / Re: 2023/24 TTPFL Thread

« on: December 04, 2023, 03:43:34 PM »

Sam bags double, but Police hold Army in TTPFL..
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

DEFENDING TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier one champions Defence Force were held to an exciting 2-2 draw by Police FC in the "servicemen derby" at the Police Barracks, St James on Sunday evening.

Army looked to be in the ascendancy as they took a 2-1 lead just before halftime, thanks to a pair of headed goals by their giant striker Brent Sam. On both occasions, Sam rose above the Police defence to beat goalkeeper Adrian Foncette following lovely crosses by in-form Soca Warriors attacker Reon Moore.

The electric Moore, playing on the left flank, and his Soca Warriors teammate Alvin Jones, at right back, had an almighty battle, with neither player giving an inch in a physical joust. Jones, who was named to the Concacaf Nations League A Best XI for both the October and November Fifa windows, dealt with Moore's pace astutely in their one-on-one duels.

Moore was voted to the Nations League A Best XI in October, and showed his pedigree in the contest. The Defence Force attacker used the breathing space afforded by Jones to whip accurate crosses into the area, and Sam's goals in the 32nd and 43rd minutes pegged back the Police team which took a 17th-minute lead through Kwesi Allen.

Defence Force had the lion's share of the possession in the second half, but they could not drive home their advantage. Substitute Lashawn Roberts, who scored against Police last season, was slipped through on goal by Kaihim Thomas late in the contest, but Jones and the Police defence recovered brilliantly to close down the angle and deny the Tobago striker a shot at goal.

Police were determined to get a share of the spoils this time around, and defender Elijah Belgrave sent a close-range effort past Army goalkeeper Jabari St Hillaire in the 89th minute after Joevin Jones put in a teasing free kick from the left flank.

In the fourth minute of stoppage-time, St Hillaire, who was deputising for the injured Christopher Biggette, left the Army supporters with their hearts in their mouths when he nervously flapped at a long punt from the back. St Hillaire was just able to fend the ball away from Police substitute Christian Thomas as the derby ended with a share of the points.

Police have started the season with back-to-back draws following their 1-1 stalemate with Eagles FC (formerly Cunupia FC) in the first game of the 2023/24 TTPFL season.

At the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Prisons FC were able to get a second straight win as they defeated Eagles by a 2-1 margin. Striker Ricardo John bagged a double for Prisons, with Eagles forward Ricardo Williams grabbing a consolation goal for his team deep into stoppage-time.

After two match days, last season's runners-up AC Port of Spain are one of three teams leading the pack on six points. AC PoS head the 11-team table due to their +5 goal differential. Prisons (+4 goal difference) and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers (+3 goal difference) are in second and third spots respectively. Defence Force are in fourth spot with four points from two matches. Tiger Tanks Club Sando round off the top five after getting three points in their solitary match to date.

Both Defence Force and Prisons will put their early unbeaten records on the line when they meet at the Arima Velodrome on Friday.

TTFPL tier one standings:

Team*GP*W*D*L*GF*GA*GD*Pts
1.AC PoS*2*2*0*0*6*1*5*6
2.Prisons FC*2*2*0*0*6*2*4*6
3.La Horquetta Rangers*2*2*0*0*5*2*3*6
4.Defence Force FC*2*1*1*0*7*2*5*4
5.Club Sando*1*1*0*0*1*0*1*3
6.Police FC*2*0*2*0*3*3*0*2
7.Eagles FC*2*0*1*1*2*3*-1*1
8.Point Fortin Civic*1*0*0*1*1*2*-1*0
9.Caledonia*2*0*0*2*1*5*-4*0
10.Central FC*2*0*0*2*1*5*-4*0
11. 1976 FC Phoenix*2*0*0*2*1*9*-8*0

90

Football / Re: 2023 SSFL Thread

« on: December 04, 2023, 12:54:29 AM »

St Benedict’s edge Hillview to set up SSFL U-20 final with Fatima.
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday).

LAST season’s Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division winners St Benedict’s College advanced to the final of the 2023 boys’ senior under-20 division final with an exciting 4-2 win over Hillview College in their semi-final at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Friday.

Benedict’s will renew their rivalry with 2023 premier division champions Fatima College in Tuesday’s final, as the latter school hammered Marabella South Secondary 10-0 in Mucurapo on Thursday in the other semi. Benedict’s had a much tougher assignment against the Hillview team though, and they were pushed to the limit against the 2023 East zone under-20 champions. Hillview earned a promotion to next year’s East Zone championship division last month, and they showed Benedict’s they are not pushovers by any means.

Benedict’s, who utilised a handful of players who featured throughout their 2023 premier division and national Intercol campaigns, jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the tenth minute through a free kick by Kylon Cayenne. Hillview responded swiftly enough through a 29th-minute effort by Christian Aaron. The Benedict’s team surged ahead before the break though as former Chaguanas North Secondary flanker Nathan George made it 2-1 in the 35th minute.

Hillview battled on and managed another equalising goal by Nathaniel Spencer in the 68th minute, but goals by Jaden Grant and Jahel Lewis swung the game Benedict’s way as they came away with the precious win.

Fatima, who also used several players from their premier division season in their semi-final, were relentless against Marabella.

Fatima star forward and national youth player Michael Chaves grabbed a double, alongside the pair of Justin Alcantara and Luke Correia. Aidan De Gannes, Shaheim O’Brian, Zeke Prescod and Levi Smith scored a goal apiece for the dominant Fatima outfit as they slapped ten goals past the Marabella team.

In the 2022 SSFL season, Fatima and Benedict’s met in the “Big 4” premier division and national Intercol finals, with the teams splitting the title honours after two absolutely absorbing matchups. This year, the two teams opened the SSFL season with another instant classic as Benedict’s won the NGC Super Cup with a 4-3 victory on September 9, with T&T youth attacker Derrel Garcia notching a hat-trick.

On Tuesday, the two teams will lock horns for bragging rights in the senior division finale as they look to end their respective seasons on a high.