First things first,
Good win.
However, Panama had too much space. The team HAS to be fitter and they have to show more conviction.
Sure, good showing for the first time with this group of players under Lawrence. On the other hand, if we performed like this against Mexico I doubt we would have won or even drew.
The Molino foul should have been a penalty. Plain and simple.
The Panama offside goal definitely wasn't a sure thing, because A. He wasn't certainly onside by the time the ball left the passing player's boot and also he did not immediately score it himself, he touched it back to another player and by that time the whistle had already blown. So they could hush dey cyat about that. Not to mention the Molino foul in the box. Again, f**kin blatant.
Those things aside i'll rate each player by merit;
Jan Michael Williams - 7
A couple decent saves. Good positioning. Overall solid game. I would give him a higher rating but he didn't necessarily have to pull out any really outstanding saves.
Carlos Edwards - 6.5
He's a different Carlos. Ya'll might say is a harsh rating, but on merit, he was lucky to have not been made to pay at times. Decent game, though better opposition would have had a field day I think. That said, perhaps with continued training in the national set up and a couple more games at this level, I can see him being an asset. Still though, I'd prefer to see one of the younger wing backs considering that Carlos isn't exactly a clear cut best option. In former qualifying campaigns this would have been a weak performance for him. Few have followed and supported Carlos as I have. Doh get me wrong, big love for him, but today's performance was not convincing. Against Mexico? I'm a little worried.
Gonzales - 6.5
Similar to Carlos in that he had a decent showing, but I think he was lucky not to have been made to pay. Seeing his interview i'm worried about his mental capacity. It's one thing if you are clearly very strong, or very quick, or really good in the air. Nothing stood out for me though and if you aren't particularly great in any one area then you've gotta be a very smart, balanced player. Towards the end of the game he had plenty time to clear a ball up the field and chose to simply biff it out into a dangerous throwing position for Panama. That's not international level defending and better opposition could have punished us. He just doesn't stand out. Decent marking, however i'll look forward to Bateau's return.
Cyrus - 7.5
I'll give him a 7.5 because I think he bore the brunt of the Panamanian attack. Good passing and ball control too. He made a few too many mistakes that he might have been made to pay for much like Carlos and Curtis, and yet I was impressed by his transition to full back (I know he has played here before, but not to great effect and he has played more often as a wing back). Given more time in this position and especially under Lawrence I think he can blossom. Once he keeps humble. I know Cyrus is a volatile one in terms of his temperament, but I have high hopes for him. I've written him off before and I hope that I was wrong.
Mekeil - 7
Decent, but a little sluggish. Definitely not his best game for us. I typically find his long balls more effective and that his wing play is quicker. I do like him at left back for us though. I look forward to a little improvement, but again, decent game.
George - 7.5
Kevan might not be the quickest or strongest, but he is a solid passer and a tough tackler. He's a tougher Theobald for me. He does a lot of good work off the ball with his positioning and though he might not be as effective moving forward he is very effective in slowing down the oppositions advances. He's a silent work horse and I appreciate the work he did today.
Hyland - 8
Solid game. He had a bit of a soft shot that didn't go either side of the keeper, but he shared defensive midfield responsibility with Kevan very well, held up the ball well, created chances well, and put in that heart and soul. Hyland shows great responsibility and his sensible play is essential to balancing off the flair of other players like Molino and Joevin. The man is heart and soul and I'm grateful that he's in the set up staying strong. Good game.
Cato - 6.5
Plenty of flair and he had a couple moments, but I do feel like Cato has a lot more too offer. Good speed and he gave the opposition a lot of worry, not enough conviction. I think he had a solid game, but for a player of his potential I think it was a bit of a wasted opportunity against opposition like Panama. He could have really punished them. Hopefully better will come against Mexico.
Joevin - 7.5
As per usual he was an absolute handful. I worry about his temperament. Good shot in the first half, but a few too many mistakes in midfield. He's had better games to say the least. That said, solid game. Onward Joevin!
Molino - 8
Great goal. He pulled out a moment of near brilliance, and at a time where I felt a worrying shift could have been at hand. Whenever Trinidad are at home and don't score relatively early, good early possession and momentum switches, complacency settles in and the opposition gets way too many opportunities. He lifted us up when we needed it. It wasn't his best game, he was a little flat at times in comparison to his usual Molino self, but solid enough and he got us the essential goal.
Kenwyne - 7
Decent performance. He should have done better with that second half opportunity. He worked hard to create it and then too much hot air. Square the ball off earlier or get yourself into a better position for the shot. He did work a lot harder than previous games and he showed some of his old pace. Encouraging game. We'll need a little more from him as a captain in the Mexican game, but for now I'm pleased.
Levi - 6.5
I know that he didn't get a whole lot of time, and more often than not he made himself a handful, however he had an opportunity to drive into the box and sting the keeper or square off a decent pass and he did neither. He is always excellent at getting himself between the opposition and the ball and keeping possession or forcing the foul, but he was flat in comparison to previous performances. I look forward to his more typical confidence and flair against Mexico and onward.
Hector - 7
He didn't get enough time I think to really settle, but I enjoyed his work rate. He put in some heart and soul. Hopefully he gets more time out on the pitch and shows his worth.
Boastwain - 7
For the short time that he played he produced a decent shot from well outside the box. I think given more time on the pitch he may have scored. I like him. His work rate is decent and I think he has a good footballing mind.
Those are my two cents fellas.