2017 T&T Pro League Thread

[Trinidad Sports Reality]

This is a very old story yesterday Defence Force beat Central FC 4-0 That National Team Friendly was since May or June when we played W Connection

[Deeks]

Thanks, Breds. So Central getting demoted.

[Tallman]

Stars strikes back, maintains three-point lead on Pro League standings with Morv’t Caledonia win
ttproleague.com

North East Stars rebounded from recent disappointments of First Citizens Cup and FA Trophy exits to maintain a three-point lead at the top of the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017 standings with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Morvant Caledonia United.

The Stars, who were edged out in the quarter-finals of the First Citizens Cup on Oct. 14 at Larry Gomes Stadium against Point Fortin Civic then knocked out of the FA Trophy in the Round-of-16 last Sunday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium main field on penalties by Morvant Caledonia, were in no mood to let up their league lead, though they were made to work their socks off for every point on Tuesday’s return to Port-of-Spain.

Sheldon Holder scored twice in the first half to lift Morvant Caledonia in front before the break after former teammate Jameel “Shooter” Neptune had put the visitors in ahead at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field.

But veteran poacher Kerry Baptiste equalised for the Stars (40 points) early in the second half and Rundell Winchester’s eighth league goal of the season provided the winner well before the end to earn Derek King’s side a fourth consecutive league win and three important points with five PL games left and second-positioned W Connection (27 points) hot on their heels.

Connection, earlier at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, had stretched their unbeaten run to ten games in all competitions with a 2-1 comeback win over Police FC ahead of Friday’s crucial visit against North East Stars at the Arima Velodrome.

Police, third-from-bottom on the ten-team table with only 11 points, went ahead on 12 minutes through defender Jibri Mc David. But Connection hit back in the second half with two goals four minutes with Dimitri Apai and this season’s leading league scorer Neil Benjamin Jr. (10 goals) scoring in the 60th and 64th minutes respectively.

Third-placed Club Sando (22 points), still hopeful of a CONCACAF Champions League qualifying spot -- top two -- finish this season, were also in winners row, defeating cellar-positioned Point Fortin Civic (9 points) 4-2 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium main field.

Akim Armstrong opened the scoring from the penalty spot and Jayson Joseph made it two-nil before the break for the Angus Eve-coached side that had further goals from Keron Cornwall and Josiah Trimmingham before Civic, though unable to avoid a fourth consecutive league loss, reduced the score-line with a late goal each from Stephen Campbell and Shaquille Dublin.

Meanwhile, Central FC, the three-time Pro League holders, suffered a fourth league loss of their last five PL outings, going under 4-0 against 10-men Defence Force FC at Larry Gomes Stadium.

Reon Moore (8th minute), Hashim Arcia (16th minute) and Devorn Jorsling (64th minute) were all on target for Defence Force. The Army/Coast Guard combination also celebrated an own-goal credited to Couva Sharks’ defender Sean Bateau on 51 minutes.

Head coach Marvin Gordon, however, must make do without the services of Justin Garcia for Saturday’s league clash with Morvant Caledonia at the Hasely Crawford Stadium after the full back was ejected with 13 minutes left against Central on a second yellow card.

Defence Force (18 points) and San Juan Jabloteh (17 points), 2-0 winners over bottom-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers in St. Augustine, moved up a spot into fourth and fifth positions respectively, while Morvant Caledonia (16 points), with their loss, slipped two spots into sixth but three points ahead of Central.

Morvant Caledonia fell behind 1-0 on the half-hour mark when Stars winger Neptune pounced on a rebound at the goalmouth after Julius James directed a Densill Theobald free kick onto goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel’s cross bar.

The Eastern Stallions stormed back with a double from Guyana international forward Holder, who first towered in the box on 35 minutes to level the scores at 1-1 after heading a Kareem Joseph corner past fellow countryman and Stars’ goalkeeper Akel Clarke, who had seconds earlier matched a brilliant effort from Kelsy Benjamin but couldn’t save his side on the resulting corner.

Holder then completed his double three minutes from the half, hitting into the back of the net on a second bite following a neat improvised pass over the top by strike partner Benjamin.

But Baptiste, allowed to move free towards the back post, levelled the Stars 2-2 when he stabbed home a perfectly-placed Keston George cross four minutes into the second half.

Samuel, who produced a number of saves on the afternoon, was hung out to dry again on 63 minutes when Winchester, set free behind the Morvant Caledonia defence thanks to wise-thinking from Baptiste and Theobald, curled his shot beyond the reach of shot-stopper and into the back of the net for the 3-2 score.

Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017
Round Two Match Day Four results
(Tuesday 24 October 2017)
W Connection 2 (Dimitri Apai 60’, Neil Benjamin Jr. 64’) vs Police FC 1 (Jibri Mc David 12’), at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;

Club Sando 4 (Akim Armstrong 41’ pen., Jayson Joseph 44’, Keron Cornwall 48’, Josiah Trimmingham 62’) vs Point Fortin Civic 2 (Stephen Campbell 83’, Shaquille Dublin 89’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Central FC 0 vs Defence Force FC 4 (Reon Moore 8’, Hashim Arcia 16’, Own Goal Sean Bateau 51’, Devorn Jorsling 64’), at Larry Gomes Stadium;

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 0 vs San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Jairo Lombardo 52’, Nathan Lewis 85’), at St. Augustine Secondary School Ground;

Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Sheldon Holder 35’, 42’) vs North East Stars 3 (Jameel Neptune 30’, Kerry Baptiste 49’, Rundell Winchester 63’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium training field.

Upcoming Trinidad and Tobago Pro League fixtures
Round Two Match Day Five
(Friday 27 October 2017)
North East Stars vs W Connection, 6pm, Arima Velodrome;
Police FC vs Point Fortin Civic (venue and time TBD).

(Saturday 28 October 2017)
Morvant Caledonia United vs Defence Force FC, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium main field.

(Sunday 29 October 2017)
Club Sando vs San Juan Jabloteh, 3:30pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;

St. Ann’s Rangers vs Central FC, 3:30pm, St. Augustine Senior Secondary Ground.

Teams at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field on Tuesday

Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 5.Joshua Sylvester, 6.Taje Commissiong, 8.Anthony Charles (17.Kerry Daniel 65th minute), 10.Sheldon Holder, 11.Quincy Ballah (23.Lester Joseph 75th minute), 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.), 15.Otev Lawrence, 20.Kareem Freitas, 22.Joshua Alexander, 29.Kelsy Benjamin (28.Renaldo Francois 65th minute).

Unused substitutes: 31.De Journ Charles (GK); 3.Richard Williams, 9.Sedale Mc Lean, 14.Simeon Bailey, 31.De Journ Charles.

Coach: Abdallah Phillips

North East Stars: 30.Akel Clarke (GK); 2.Keston George, 3.Kevon Villaroel, 4.Kerry Baptiste (19.Jalani Felix 75th minute), 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester (17.Kordell Samuel 80th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald, 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune (23.Akeem Garcia 88th minute).

Unused substitutes: 1.Darren Wilson (GK); 10.Duane Muckette, 14.Jomoul Francois, 16.Giovani Abraham.

Coach: Derek King

[maxg]

"who were in Ecuador with the national team,"

Allyuh cold boy, allyuh ent say nutten..Insider gone Outside or wha ?

[Tallman]

Sublime Elton John strike shoots Stars six points clear on Pro League table
ttproleague.com

North East Stars pulled six points clear at the top of the Pro League 2017 standings on Friday night after edging second-positioned W Connection 1-0 to set the stage for new champions this season with three-time holders Central FC seventh and just 13 points from 12 of their 18 league games.

Elton John’s fine chip from the edge of the box to beat an advancing W Connection goalkeeper Julani Archibald after just three minutes eventually snapped the visitors ten-game undefeated run in all competitions and earned the hosts maximum points at the Arima Velodrome to maintain Derek King side's one-hundred percent unbeaten record -- with six wins and one draw -- at the iconic venue.

North East Stars (33 points), chasing a second league crown since winning the title in 2004 under Guyana-born coach James Mc Lean, are against Club Sando, Police FC and San Juan Jabloteh in their last three league games but not before hosting MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers from 4pm in Tuesday’s league fixture at the Arima Velodrome in search of three more points.

Meanwhile Connection (27 points), who have rivals Central, Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia United in their last three league fixtures, must first turn their focus to Tuesday’s league visit to Barataria Oval against San Juan Jabloteh from 5pm then on to the semi-final round of the First Citizens Cup on Nov. 3 against Club Sando.

Sando (22 points), third on the Pro League standings, will host Jabloteh from 3:30pm at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on Sunday with the hopes of improving their mathematical chance of earning a CONCACAF Champions League qualifying spot which goes to the top two PL finishers.

Connection had themselves to blame against North East, a side they allowed to claw back a late 2-2 draw on Jul. 14 in Round One, after team captain and veteran midfielder Hughtun Hector -- in his first game back from injury -- spilled overbar in Arima with the goal at his mercy just over the hour mark following a defensive error by the hosts.

Moments later Hector tried to redeem himself with a neat free-kick delivery but substitute Weslie John headed wide of the target after meeting the cross near the back post. Then, three minutes from the end of regular time, a headed attempt from midfield hard-man Briel Thomas cannoned off the bar as Stuart Charles-Fevrier’s side failed to draw level before the final blow of referee Gordon Maloney’s whistle.

Stars, who survived a couple scares near the break, also had their moments of missed chances with defender Julius James heading overbar five minutes from the half off a corner swung in by Kerry Baptiste, who later failed to capitalise from the edge of the six-yard when he was picked out in the area by an improvised pass from second-half substitute Kordell Samuel.

Archibald was forced into a save from Keston George just before the hour mark and a couple minutes later, Densill Theobald should have had, at least, forced the Connection goalie into another save, but fired inches wide of the top corner from the top of the box.

The Stars, though, would hold on for a fifth consecutive league win thanks to their captain Elton John’s third league goal and fourth in all competitions this season, but first in open play with his previous three scored from the penalty spot.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Point Fortin Civic moved two spots off the bottom, leapfrogging Rangers and Police to go eight after holding off the latter for a 2-1 win at the Barataria Oval in the only other fixture contested on Friday.

Shackiel Henry opened the scoring for his first league goal of the season since returning to Civic from Connection in mid-season and Shaquille Dublin, for his second goal in as many matches, made it two-nil early in the second half before Kareem Perry pulled a goal back for Police on the hour mark.

Police, though having the majority of chances including a Todd Ryan penalty effort which hit the bar midway through the second half, surrendered to a third loss of their last four league outings, while Civic snapped a four-game losing run in the league before hosting Defence Force from 6pm on Tuesday at Mahaica Oval in a dress rehearsal of the of their First Citizens Cup semi-finals clash against the holders on Nov. 3.

Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017
Round Two Match Day Five
Friday’s (27 October 2017) results
Police FC 1 (Kareem Perry 60’) vs Point Fortin Civic 2 (Shackiel Henry 24’, Shaquille Dublin 52’), Barataria Oval;

North East Stars 1 (Elton John 3’) vs W Connection 0, at Arima Velodrome.

Upcoming
Remaining Round Two Match Day Five fixtures
(Saturday 28 October 2017)
Morvant Caledonia United vs Defence Force, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium main field.

(Sunday 29 October 2017)
Club Sando vs San Juan Jabloteh, 3:30pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;

MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers vs Central FC, 3:30pm, St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.

Round Two Match Day Six
(Tuesday 31 October 2017)
Police FC vs Club Sando, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field;

Central FC vs Morvant Caledonia United, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Main Field;

North East Stars vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 4pm, Arima Velodrome;

San Juan Jabloteh vs W Connection, 5pm, Barataria Oval;

Point Fortin Civic vs Defence Force, 6pm, Mahaica Oval.


Teams at the Arima Velodrome on Friday

North East Stars: 30.Akel Clarke (GK); 2.Keston George, 3.Kevon Villaroel, 4.Kerry Baptiste (19.Jalani Felix 78th minute), 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester (17.Kordell Samuel 69th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald (Yellow Card), 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia (10.Duane Muckette 81st minute).

Unused substitutes: 1.Darren Wilson (GK); 7.Kishun Seecharan, 13.Kyle Bartholomew, 14.Jomoul Francois.

Coach: Derek King

W Connection: 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 3.Gerard Williams, 4.Maurice Ford, 5.Triston Hodge, 7.Neil Benjamin Jr, 10.Dimitri Apai, 11.Shirvone Malik St. Prix (14.Euller Eduardo Couto 88th minute), 13.Hughtun Hector, 16.Alvin Jones (Yellow Card), 19.Briel Thomas, 24.Jameel Antoine (23.Weslie John 64th minute).

Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK); 2.Frank Padilla Gil, 20.Daniel Diaz, 21.Ronell Paul, 26.Isaiah Garcia.

Officials
Referee: Gordon Maloney
Assistant Referee 1: Kevin Lewis
Assistant Referee 2: Atiba Phillip
Fourth Official: Gregory Lewis
Match Commissioner: Frank Rodriguez

[Flex]

Morris, Moore, Bertrand steer Defence Force in 3-1 win over Morv’t Caledonia.
ttproleague.com

Defence Force celebrated victory number eight from their last nine matches in all competitions with a 3-1 win over rivals Morvant Caledonia United in their Round Two Match Day Five clash of the 2017 Pro League season on Saturday afternoon at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Akil Morris, Reon Moore and Shaquille Bertrand -- three faces still bidding to solidify their places among a rebuilding Army/Coast Guard combination --  were on target for coach Marvin Gordon’s side while veteran Morvant Caledonia player and captain, Kareem Joseph, snatched the lone item for the hosts from the penalty spot.

But Defence Force, although defeated just once in their last ten outings in all competitions, remain fourth on the standings with 21 points—one less than third-positioned Club Sando.

Sando will host fifth-positioned San Juan Jabloteh (17 points) from 3:30pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium on Sunday while simultaneously at the St. Augustine Secondary School Ground, bottom-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers (9 points) will host last season’s three-peat Champions Central FC (13 points), who currently occupy seventh position, three points behind Morvant Caledonia.

Morvant Caledonia fell behind against Defence Force after just eight minutes when right winger Morris completed a wonderful team move by firing past goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel for his first league goal of the season.

Samuel, who denied Morris a second midway through the first half and was equal to a Devorn Jorsling free kick which was aimed at the keeper’s top left corner early in the second half, was beaten again on 66 minutes.

Defence Force left winger Moore rounded the Morvant Caledonia shot-stopper in the box before hitting into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead with his fifth league goal of the season.

But Joseph, wrong-sided Andre Marchan -- who had earlier denied him on a free kick -- from the spot three minutes later to slice the Morvant Caledonia deficit after referee Nicholai Nyron awarded a penalty for a Curtis Gonzales’ foul on substitute Kelsy Benjamin in the middle of the box.

Morvant Caledonia, however, could not avoid a second consecutive league defeat this week after Tuesday’s 3-2 loss against league North East Stars (33 points), who on Friday night, extended their lead at the summit to six points with a 1-0 win over second-placed W Connection last night in Arima.

Bertrand, who replaced Trinidad and Tobago attacking midfielder with sixteen minutes left, completed the Defence Force scoring in the third and final minute of stoppage-time with his first army goal after rounding Samuel and hitting past two Morvant Caledonia shirts for the 3-1 finish after failing on a similar opening eight minutes earlier.

Defence Force will next travel to Mahaica Oval against home team Point Fortin Civic from 6pm on Tuesday, before facing the southerners again three days later in the semi-final round of the First Citizens Cup on Friday.

Morvant Caledonia, who were led by assistant coach Abdallah Phillips in their last four games in all competitions in absence of regular head coach Jamaal Shabazz, will return to the Hasely Crawford Stadium main field from 3:30pm on Tuesday against Central FC.

Results

Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kareem Joseph 69’ pen.) vs Defence Force 3 (Akil Morris 8’, Reon Moore 66’, Shaquille Bertrand 90’+3), at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Teams

Morvant Caledonia United: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 6.Taje Commissiong, 10.Sheldon Holder, 11.Quincy Ballah (29.Kelsy Benjamin 64th minute), 12.Kareem Joseph (Capt.) (23.Lester Joseph 78th minute), 14.Simeon Bailey, 15.Otev Lawrence, 17.Kerry Daniel, 20.Kareem Baptiste, 22.Joshua Alexander, 28.Renaldo Francois (9.Sedale Mc Lean 82nd minute).

Unused substitutes: 31.De Journ Charles (GK); 5.Joshua Sylvester, 13.Rufuson Pierre Louis, 18.Maestro Mensah.

Coach: Abdallah Phillips

Defence Force FC: 1.Andre Marchan (GK); 3.Jamali Garcia, 5.Jerome Mc Intyre, 9.Devorn Jorsling (32.Jameel Cooper 88th minute), 10.Hashim Arcia (15.Shaquille Bertrand 74th minute), 13.Marvin Jones, 17.Curtis Gonzales, 18.Reon Moore, 37.Cassim Keller (20.Levi Serries 64th minute), 39.Akil Morris, 99.Jerwyn Balthazar.

Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 2.Glynn Franklyn, 12.Jemel Sebro, 16.Kellon Serrette.

Coach: Marvin Gordon

Referee: Nicholai Nyron

Upcoming Games

(Sunday 29 October 2017)

Club Sando vs San Juan Jabloteh, 3:30pm, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;

St. Ann’s Rangers vs Central FC, 3:30pm, St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.

(Tuesday 31 October 2017)

Police FC vs Club Sando, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium (Training Field);

Central FC vs Morvant Caledonia United, 3:30pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium (Main Field);

North East Stars vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 4pm, Arima Velodrome;

San Juan Jabloteh vs W Connection, 5pm, Barataria Oval;

Point Fortin Civic vs Defence Force, 6pm, Mahaica Oval.

[Flex]

Club Sando improve CONCACAF chances with 5-0 win over Jabloteh.
ttproleague.com.

Club Sando produced their biggest Pro League win margin of the season on Sunday, beating San Juan Jabloteh 5-0 to move within two points of second-positioned W Connection with just four games left.

North East Stars leads the ladder with 33 points—six points clear of Connection (27 points), while Sando (25 points), the Angus Eve coached side ambitious of CONCACAF status, are hoping for a top-two PL finish which secures CONCACAF Champions League qualifying spots.

Akim Armstrong and Keron Cornwall celebrated their fifth and fourth league goals of the current campaign to cushion Sando before the break thanks to Michael Basdeo who frolicked with a goal and two assists before late substitutes Akeem Redhead and Adan Noel completed the comprehensive win.

The Oranges join Central FC, 5-0 winners over Point Fortin Civic on Jun. 23, for the second biggest league win margin of the season after North East Stars, who whipped the three-time defending PL champions, Central, 6-0 on Sep. 22.

Central’s miserable run this season continued on Sunday, needing a Sean De Silva equaliser three minutes into stoppage-time to hold bottom-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers to a 2-2 draw at St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.

Defender Aaquil Selby had levelled the hosts in the 55th minute from the penalty for his first league since joining Rangers from Jabloteh in mid-season before teammate and forward Xae-Pierre De Fou made it 2-1 on 82 minutes—all after Jason Marcano had given the seventh-positioned Couva Sharks the lead on 10 minutes.

Central, who, like Jabloteh have pointed to financial struggles for on-field performances this season, have won just two matches in their last 15 games in all competitions.

Jabloteh, who last Tuesday’s defeated Rangers 2-0 for their first win in five league fixtures, fell behind against Sando after just twelve minutes.

Armstrong casually rolled the ball into the back of Javon Sample’s net after meeting a defence-splitting Basdeo pass and rounding the Jabloteh ‘keeper in the box.

Basdeo produced another delightful feed to put Cornwall through on goal behind defender Jevon Morris, and Cornwall, who like Armstrong were still fresh from scoring in a 4-2 league win over Civic last Tuesday, completed the move with a simple finish past Sample for a 2-0 lead.

Sando were close to improving the lead on three separate occasions with Trevin Latapy and Armstrong hitting just wide, and the upright denying Keyon Edwards.

Sample, who had thwarted a Jayson Joseph attempt early in the second period, produced a top drawer save ten minutes into the second half to match a swerving right-footed cracker from Basdeo.

Basdeo attempted a third assist in the 66 minute as Sando continued to look the better of the two sides, but Edwards was a fraction too late on the winger’s low cross from the left and unable to put the ball on target.

Basdeo finally had his name on the scoresheet for his second league goal of the season from point-blank range in the 73rd minute to put the score at 3-0. Basdeo was picked out free by Cornwall’s low cross from the right to score on an exposed Jabloteh net, redeeming himself after hitting overbar on a similar opportunity two minutes after Sando’s opening item on another cross from Cornwall.

Sando, though, were far from finished. Two more goals before the final whistle followed to complete the 5-0 win.

Redhead, who replaced Basdeo with three minutes regular time left, celebrated his first league goal for Sando with a power left-footed strike past Sample in the 90th minute at the end of a counterattack through another substitute, Noel, who had replaced Armstrong in the 74th minute.

Noel then wrapped up the scoring in the third minute of stoppage-time, firing past the Jabloteh goalie from inside the right of the box after hitting wide on a similar opportunity moments earlier.

Sando will next face Police FC from 3:30pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field on Tuesday in search of three more league points and a booster ahead of Friday’s clash against seven-time First Citizens Cup champions W Connection in the 2017 semi-finals.

Connection, meanwhile, must visit Jabloteh on Tuesday from 5pm at Barataria Oval.

Results

Club Sando 5 (Akim Armstrong 12’, Keron Cornwall 20’, Michael Basdeo 73’, Akeem Redhead 90’, Adan Noel 90’+3) vs San Juan Jabloteh 0, at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium;

St. Ann’s Rangers 2 (Aaquil Selby 52’ pen., Xae-Pierre De Fou 82’) vs Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 10’, Sean De Silva 90’+3), at St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.

Teams

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 5.Nical Stephens, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 10.Keron Cornwall, 11.Akim Armstrong (35.Adan Noel 74th minute), 12.Michael Basdeo (9.Akeem Redhead 87th minute), 15.Keyon Edwards (23.Nicholas Thomas 81st minute), 17.Jarod London, 18.Trevin Latapy (Yellow Card), 27.Jay-son Joseph, 38.Josiah Trimmingham.

Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 8.Kevon Piper, 13.Tyrone Charles, 16.Leslie Joel Russell.

Coach: Angus Eve

San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK); 3.DeJon Waldropt, 4.Nkosi David, 7.Elijah Manners (Capt.), 15.Jesus Perez, 16.Jairo Lombardo, 17.Sean Bonval (25.Shakiyl Phillip 46th minute), 18.Jevon Morris, 19.Shawndel Augustus (12.Keron Bethelmy 59th minute), 22.Kadeem Hutchinson, 27.Nathan Lewis (23.Kennedy Hinkson 46th minute).

Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK); 13.Julio Noel, 21.Domique Douglas, 11.Damian Williams.

Coach: Keith Jeffrey

[Flex]

Stars rain goals on Rangers, go nine points clear to put hand on Pro League title.
ttproleague.com.

North East Stars improved their psychological advantage on challengers W Connection with a 6-0 hammering of cellar-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers on Tuesday afternoon to stretch their lead at the top of the Pro League 2017 standings to nine points with just three regular games left.

Rundell Winchester, with his ninth league goal this season, Densill Theobald, Kevon Villaroel, Akeem Garcia and Jomoul Francois each got their names on the scoresheet while an own goal credited to Rangers’ defender Shane Sandy assisted in the hosts impressive result at the Arima Velodrome.

The Stars, now with one hand on the Pro League crown, are 36 points at the summit while Connection (27 points) and Club Sando (25 points) -- both with a game in hand after their fixtures against San Juan Jabloteh (Barataria Oval) and Police FC (Hasely Crawford Stadium training field) respectively on Tuesday were postponed due to waterlogged pitches -- occupy second and third positions, respectively.

“We haven’t won yet,” said Stars head coach Derek King. “(…) but we are in a good position to win the league three more games left. There are a couple make-up games for other teams but we are responsible for our destiny, and the main concentration right now is to keep our guys focused.”

King, who commended his players for the team’s “magnificent” league form, added, “There were the disappointments in the FA Trophy and First Citizens Cup, but our players have maintained good vibes in the league which has always been our main focus this season to go on and represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Caribbean Club Championship then hopefully onto CONCACAF.”

King also said North East Stars were not spared by the current financial crisis faced across the league and by extension the country but praised owner Darryl Mahabir’s commitment and honesty to the team. “We have built more than just a team with good experience and youth this season—we have built a family at North East Stars.”

The Stars, undefeated at the Arima Velodrome with six wins and one draw, will welcome Club Sando at the iconic venue next Tuesday in search of three more points and a seventh straight league win.

But King believes it won’t be a walk in the park.

“We expect a very tough game against Club Sando,” said the Stars’ coach. “They have everything to play for with the available CONCACAF [qualifiers] spot. They are a quality team, with quality players that can produce goals.”

Central FC, the three-time Pro League holders, edged Morvant Caledonia United 3-2 to hurdle the Eastern Stallions and Jabloteh for fifth position on Tuesday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium main field despite torrential downpours affecting the Barataria Oval and Hasely Crawford Stadium training field.

Sheldon Holder scored his second league double in eight days for Morvant Caledonia, but the Guyana international forward’s strikes in the 9th and 75th minutes weren’t enough against the Couva Sharks.

Morvant Caledonia’s early lead was cancelled out by an own goal credited to Ghanaian defender Maestro Mensah on 11 minutes before Kaydion Gabriel handed Central the lead on half hour. Then with eight minutes left Jason Marcano snatched the Central winner after Holder had completed his double to level the hosts.

Later on at Mahaica Oval, fourth-positioned Defence Force (24 points) edged hosts Point Fortin Civic to a 1-0 in a dress rehearsal of Friday’s First Citizens Cup 2017 semi-final clash.

Jerome Mc Intryre’s debut goal for the Army/Coast Guard combination earned coach Marvin Gordon’s side full points and a boost in confidence ahead of their First Citizens Cup semi-final one date with Civic from 6pm on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium  .

Club Sando are against seven-time champions W Connection in semi-final two from 8pm.

Results

Central FC 3 (Own Goal Maestro Mensah 11’, Kaydion Gabriel 30’, Jason Marcano 82’) vs Morvant Caledonia United 2 (Sheldon Holder 9’, 75’’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium (Main Field);

North East Stars 6 (Rundell Winchester 15’, Densill Theobald 33’, Own Goal Shane Sandy 39’, Kevon Villoroel 51’, Akeem Garcia 60’, Jomoul Francois 76’) vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 0, at Arima Velodrome;

Point Fortin Civic 0 vs Defence Force 1 (Jerome Mc Intyre 32’), at Mahaica Oval;

[Trini Madness]

Hey fellas, I'm currently in Trinidad and was hoping to catch a game. I did see a game on Tuesday between central and w connection being played at ato boldon. Can anyone confirm if this game was moved? The website is so messed up. I'll be here until the 11th. Thanks in advance!

[Tallman]

Hey fellas, I'm currently in Trinidad and was hoping to catch a game. I did see a game on Tuesday between central and w connection being played at ato boldon. Can anyone confirm if this game was moved? The website is so messed up. I'll be here until the 11th. Thanks in advance!

FA Trophy (Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field):
Tuesday, November 7th: Club Sando Moruga vs Morvant Caledonia United @4pm
Tuesday, November 7th: Police FC vs Defence Force  @6:15pm
Wednesday, November 8th: Point Fortin Civic vs 1976 FC Phoenix @4pm
Wednesday, November 8th: W-Connection vs Guaya United @6:15pm

[Flex]

Todd Ryan hits Police winner against Jabloteh ahead FA Trophy clash with Defence Force.
ttproleague.com

Evergreen Police FC midfielder Todd Ryan scored at the death to earn the Blues their first Pro League win in almost two months, and first league win over San Juan Jabloteh since 2015 with a 3-2 result on Sunday in a rescheduled Round One Match Day Seven fixture at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Elijah Belgrave scored one and set up another scored by Keion Wilson to cushion Richard Hood’s Lawmen within the first eight minutes before Jabloteh stormed back beyond the halfway mark of the second half with two goals in a space of four minutes scored by Nathan Lewis and substitute Sean Bonval who ended with a goal and assist.

But seconds before the final whistle in the third and final minute of stoppage-time, the 33-year-old Ryan snatched the winner to give Police a confidence booster two days before facing Defence Force in a battle-of-the-armed forces in the quarter-final round of the 2017 FA Trophy.

Police will tackle Defence Force from 6:15pm on Tuesday to complete a quarter-final day one double-header of the FA Trophy at the Hasely Crawford Stadium training field after Club Sando Moruga and Morvant Caledonia United lock horns from 4pm.

Wednesday, the HCS training field will complete the FA Trophy quarter-final round with another double-header when Point Fortin Civic face Tobago’s 1976 FC Phoenix from 4pm, and from 6:15pm Guaya United will tackle W Connection, who like Defence Force, are fresh from securing their place in the 2017 final of the First Citizens Cup.

Sunday’s rescheduled PL result, however, only saw Police (14 points), with a game in hand, hurdle Point Fortin Civic (12 points) for eighth position on the top-flight standings, three points down from Central FC and Jabloteh who are fifth and sixth respectively, and two points behind seventh-positioned Morvant Caledonia United with just three regular league games left.

Belgrave, though occupying a left full-back role, fired Police ahead with his third league goal of the season in the fifth minute when he swooped in to bury the ball into the back of Shemel Louison’s net after the Jabloteh goalie’s failure to foil an initial attempt from Kareem Freitas.

Then three minutes later Belgrave provided a left side cross for striker Keion Wilson to celebrate his first goal of the season with a simple finish past Louison for a 2-0 Police lead.

Belgrave was unlucky not to seal the win near the end when his blast from the left miraculously cannoned off the bar, and Jabloteh were also lucky not to concede when, from the resulting play, midfielder Kaashif Thomas’s strike from the top of the box flashed overbar.

Jabloteh, whose previous league loss to Police came in a 3-1 result in March 2015, had rebounded from an abysmal first half on Sunday thanks to second half changes by Keith Jeffrey, who reinforced his attack with Sean Bonval and Kadeem Hutchinson at the expense of defender De Jon Waldropt and midfielder Elijah Downy.

Lewis sliced the Jabloteh deficit in the 73rd minute with a simple finish to beat his Trinidad and Tobago national teammate, goalkeeper Adrian Foncette, off a right side Bonval cross for his third league goal and ninth in all competitions this season.

Bonval then executed a fine finish past Foncette to level the scores at 2-2 after linking brilliantly with Hutchinson inside the box. Foncette, who early in the second half had denied Lewis and Julio Noel, was unable to preserve his side’s advantage.

But Bonval would later cost his side a superb comeback win after completely missing a low Lewis cross with the goal at his mercy in the 81st minute, then three minutes later from another Lewis feed struck the side netting.

Police then sealed all three points with the 3-2 victory when deep in stoppage-time, Ryan, after latching onto a through-ball from Freitas, unleashed a low drive that beat the legs of Louison for the winner and his third league goal this season.

Results

Police FC 3 (Elijah Belgrave 5’, Keion Wilson 8’, Todd Ryan 90’+3) vs San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Nathan Lewis 73’, Sean Bonval 77’), at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Teams

Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK) (Capt.); 3.Ryan O’Neil, 7.Kareem Perry (23.Shakuile Williams 72nd minute), 10.Kareem Freitas, 13.Dillon Kirton, 20.Elijah Belgrave, 21.Todd Ryan, 25.Kaashif Thomas, 29.Clevon Mc Fee, 32.Keion Wilson (16.Joshua Leach 59th minute), 40.Xavier Wheeler (12.Nequan Caruth 82nd minute).

Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK); 4.Kadeem Boyce, 5.Kenaz Williams, 30.Isaiah Mc Lean.

Coach: Richard Hood

San Juan Jabloteh: 30.Shemel Louison (GK); 3.De Jon Waldropt (22.Kadeem Hutchinson 46th minute), 4.Nkosi David, 5.Shakiyl Phillip, 7.Elijah Manners, 8.Elijah Downy (17.Sean Bonval 46th minute), 11.Damian Williams (Capt.) (Yellow Card), 13.Julio Noel (Yellow Card) (19.Shawndel Augustus 73rd minute), 18.Jevon Morris, 23.Kennedy Hinkson, 27.Nathan Lewis.

Unused substitutes: 1.Javon Sample (GK); 12.Keron Bethelmy, 21.Domique Douglas.

Coach; Keith Jeffrey

Referee: CJ O’Brien

Upcoming FA Trophy 2017 Quarter Final Round

(Tuesday 7 November 2017)

Club Sando Moruga vs Morvant Caledonia United, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field;
Police FC vs Defence Force, 6:15pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field.

(Wednesday 8 November 2017)

Point Fortin Civic vs 1976 FC Phoenix, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field;
Guaya United vs W Connection, 6:15pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field.

[Trini Madness]

Hey fellas, I'm currently in Trinidad and was hoping to catch a game. I did see a game on Tuesday between central and w connection being played at ato boldon. Can anyone confirm if this game was moved? The website is so messed up. I'll be here until the 11th. Thanks in advance!

FA Trophy (Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field):
Tuesday, November 7th: Club Sando Moruga vs Morvant Caledonia United @4pm
Tuesday, November 7th: Police FC vs Defence Force  @6:15pm
Wednesday, November 8th: Point Fortin Civic vs 1976 FC Phoenix @4pm
Wednesday, November 8th: W-Connection vs Guaya United @6:15pm

Thanks alot tallman!! 

[Tallman]

Akim Armstrong scoops second Wendy’s Pro League Player of the Month
ttproleague.com

Club Sando attacking midfielder Akim Armstrong has pipped other top performers to scoop his second Wendy’s Pro League Player of the Month this season, taking the gong for October.

Armstrong, who won the honour for July, rallied the most votes for October, narrowly pipping such players as Defence Force’s Curtis Gonzales and Central FC’s Sean De Silva.

“Again, full credit goes to my teammates, the coach, and the rest of the staff,” said the 29-year-old Armstrong. “I am only a piece of the puzzle and we have worked together as a team.

“This season Club Sando have quality all around the pitch. We have a very competitive team and there is always the possibility to win whosoever takes the field for Club Sando. We have quality players such as Tyrone Charles and Kevon Piper among the senior players and even much younger guys like Nicholas Thomas and Michael Basdeo.”

Armstrong, who moved from Morvant Caledonia United to Sando this season continues to prove an essential member of coach Angus Eve’s team and his performances during October saw the team win three, draw one and loss one in all competitions.

Armstrong, who has done well in the false-nine position this season, scored a double over Morvant Caledonia in a 3-1 quarter-final win of the First Citizens Cup and scored the equalising goal in a 1-1 league draw with W Connection to keep the Oranges in the hunt for a CONCACAF qualifying spot.

His performances during the month of October also included converting an opening goal from the penalty in a 4-2 league win over Point Fortin Civic and opening the scoring in his team’s 5-0 league win over San Juan Jabloteh.

“My [newfound] inspiration comes from my family,” explained the Sando star, who along with girlfriend Danielle James, welcomed their son Giovanni Armstrong into this world last Christmas day.

That Christmas present he said, changed a lot in his life and has made him a lot more focused.

Club Sando (25 points) trail Pro League leaders North East Stars (36 points) by eleven points with three regular league games left, but Eve’s side are two points adrift of second-positioned W Connection and still within a top-two league finish which qualifies teams to the Caribbean Club Championship which serves as the qualifying tournament to CONCACAF tournaments such as the CONCACAF Champions League and recently formed CONCACAF League.

Sando will face Police FC from 3:30pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in one three rescheduled league matches on Sunday but must first take on Point Fortin Civic from 6pm on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium in the third-place match of the First Citizens Cup before holders Defence Force and W Connection battle in the 2017 title match from 8pm.

In Sunday’s other rescheduled league matches, San Juan Jabloteh will host W Connection from 4pm at Barataria Oval and Central FC must visit Point Fortin Civic from 5pm at Mahaica Oval.

“It’s no secret that qualifying for the Caribbean Club Championship – CONCACAF qualifiers – is our (Club Sando) main goal this season,” added Armstrong. “But we would also like to win a Cup for Club Sando because the club have never done anything major since coming into the Pro League.”

Sando’s last hope of lifting a title this season will come in the Pro Bowl which is expected to begin later this month.

Wendy’s Pro League Player of the Month Season 2017
Cleon John (MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers) – June
Akim Armstrong (Club Sando) – July
Glenroy Samuel (Morvant Caledonia United) – September
Akim Armstrong (Club Sando) – October

First Citizens Cup 2017
(Friday 17 November 2017)
Third-place
Point Fortin Civic vs Club Sando, 6pm, at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Final
Defence Force vs W Connection, 8pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.

Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2017
(Sunday 19 November 2017)
Rescheduled Round Two Match Day Six fixtures
Police FC vs Club Sando, 3:30pm, at Hasely Crawford Stadium;
San Juan Jabloteh vs W Connection, 4pm, Barataria Oval.

Rescheduled Round Two Match Day Three fixture
Point Fortin Civic vs Central FC, 5pm, at Mahaica Oval.

[Flex]

Lawrence: Pro League must improve.
T&T Newsday Reports.

Dennis Lawrence, coach of the Trinidad and Tobago football team, is keen to see growth, especially in the TT Pro League, as he looks towards the immediate future.

Lawrence saw the TT team draw their last two international matches at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva — 2-2 against Grenada on Saturday and 1-1 against Guyana on Tuesday.

During Tuesday’s post-match media conference, Lawrence said, “The idea is to continue working and continue to progress as a group. As we go along, we’ll start elevating the level of the competition.

“If you play the wrong opposition, you’ll take 10 steps back. We need to start going forward.”

Lawrence pointed out, “I believe that we need to improve the Pro League, and that will help us in improving the next step. Consistently we’ve been in the Hex (final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying). We need to improve the Pro League, because we need to become better in CONCACAF.”

Lawrence had a 25-member team for the two games at Couva and was pleased to get a look at all his players.

“I was happy to have them,” he said. “Coming out of these two games, I’ve got a clear idea now who are the ones we can go forward with, the ones that need to go back to their clubs and continue to work.”

The TT coach added, “We didn’t get the results that we wanted but I think we learnt a lot about a lot of these players, from the time we worked together, in the build-up to the game and in the camp.

During his time as TT coach since January, Lawrence has used Kenwyne Jones, Jan-Michael Williams, Khaleem Hyland, Kevin Molino and Sheldon Bateau as team captains.

Asked if he has identified a long-term TT skipper, Lawrence replied, “I’ve got a different view on that because I’ve always believed in a game captain and I’ve always believed in a team captain.

There is no guarantee in football these days. You are not guaranteed (that) you’re going to be in the starting XI.

“What I’ve done during the period that I’ve been here (is) I’ve allowed people who have shown the right attitude, who’ve shown the good leadership, to be responsible for the captain’s armband. I think I’ve found a couple that have been very good in it so far.”

Lawrence admitted that he has mixed feelings over his tenure as TT coach thus far.

“I’ve enjoyed leading my country again,” said the 43-year-old. “I haven’t enjoyed the results that went with some of the games. But what I’m enjoying now is the youngsters, taking (them) and mould them towards what I think we need to have in this country.”

The TT coach stated, “We need to have people that would represent this country with pride.

We want to be winners, but there is always a process. We’re still a young group and I don’t think we’re ready yet to say we can take on the world. We’re not at that level yet, but we have to become at that level.”

[Cocorite]

Lawrence: Pro League must improve.
T&T Newsday Reports.

Dennis Lawrence, coach of the Trinidad and Tobago football team, is keen to see growth, especially in the TT Pro League, as he looks towards the immediate future.

Lawrence saw the TT team draw their last two international matches at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva — 2-2 against Grenada on Saturday and 1-1 against Guyana on Tuesday.

During Tuesday’s post-match media conference, Lawrence said, “The idea is to continue working and continue to progress as a group. As we go along, we’ll start elevating the level of the competition.

“If you play the wrong opposition, you’ll take 10 steps back. We need to start going forward.”

Lawrence pointed out, “I believe that we need to improve the Pro League, and that will help us in improving the next step. Consistently we’ve been in the Hex (final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying). We need to improve the Pro League, because we need to become better in CONCACAF.”

Lawrence had a 25-member team for the two games at Couva and was pleased to get a look at all his players.

“I was happy to have them,” he said. “Coming out of these two games, I’ve got a clear idea now who are the ones we can go forward with, the ones that need to go back to their clubs and continue to work.”

The TT coach added, “We didn’t get the results that we wanted but I think we learnt a lot about a lot of these players, from the time we worked together, in the build-up to the game and in the camp.

During his time as TT coach since January, Lawrence has used Kenwyne Jones, Jan-Michael Williams, Khaleem Hyland, Kevin Molino and Sheldon Bateau as team captains.

Asked if he has identified a long-term TT skipper, Lawrence replied, “I’ve got a different view on that because I’ve always believed in a game captain and I’ve always believed in a team captain.

There is no guarantee in football these days. You are not guaranteed (that) you’re going to be in the starting XI.

“What I’ve done during the period that I’ve been here (is) I’ve allowed people who have shown the right attitude, who’ve shown the good leadership, to be responsible for the captain’s armband. I think I’ve found a couple that have been very good in it so far.”

Lawrence admitted that he has mixed feelings over his tenure as TT coach thus far.

“I’ve enjoyed leading my country again,” said the 43-year-old. “I haven’t enjoyed the results that went with some of the games. But what I’m enjoying now is the youngsters, taking (them) and mould them towards what I think we need to have in this country.”

The TT coach stated, “We need to have people that would represent this country with pride.

We want to be winners, but there is always a process. We’re still a young group and I don’t think we’re ready yet to say we can take on the world. We’re not at that level yet, but we have to become at that level.”

Wrong job dude. National Coach don't have the luxury to mold youngsters, but to select the right players, provide strategy, instill confidence, and build a winning record.

[Deeks]

Wrong job dude. National Coach don't have the luxury to mold youngsters, but to select the right players, provide strategy, instill confidence, and build a winning record.

Cocorite, if the clubs were doing their job, then DL would not have to do any nurturing. But seeing that way too many of our players falling short in the internationall games, he is left with no choice but to do just that. SH had the same issues with his tenure as coach.

[Flex]

Connection whip Jabloteh to pull five points clear of Sando for CONCACAF qualifying spot.
ttproleague.com.

Neil Benjamin Jr. contributed with two assists off the bench to return W Connection – fresh from their record-extending eighth First Citizens Cup triumph – to winning ways in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League with a decisive 3-0 win over hosts San Juan Jabloteh in a rescheduled fixture at Barataria Oval on Monday.

Benjamin, who entered play after the interval, set up Dimitri Apai to open the scoring, then his shot later on allowed Jameel Antoine to cushion the Savonetta Boys on the rebound before another substitute, Marcus Joseph, completed the comfortable victory with a superb free kick at the death.

The win pulled the second-positioned Connection (30 points) five points clear of Club Sando (25 points) to strengthen coach Stuart Charles Fevrier’s men’s position for a top-two finish which earn teams CONCACAF qualifying spots in the form of the Caribbean Club Championship.

The multiple-time former Caribbean champions also moved within six points of North East Stars—the Derek King coached-side with a hand on the PL 2017 crown with just three league games left and on a six-game league winning streak.

The Stars, already qualified for next season’s Caribbean Club Championship, will look to restore their nine-point PL lead today (Tuesday) from 4pm at the Arima Velodrome when they host Club Sando – the Angus Eve coached-side coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat against Police FC in one of two rescheduled league fixtures last Sunday.

Connection meanwhile, must resume league play on Wednesday from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium against rivals Central FC, whose miserable season continued last Sunday with a 2-1 loss at Point Fortin Civic.

Apai, double-scorer against Defence Force in the final of the 2017 First Citizens Cup last Friday, broke the deadlock against Jabloteh in the 66th minute after Benjamin controlled a Marcus Joseph cross into the box and fed the Suriname international for a simple finish past goalkeeper Javon Sample who had made two brilliant saves in the first half to deny Malik Shirvone St. Prix and Brazilian Euller Eduardo Couto.

Jabloteh, who had a free kick goal disallowed early on, fell further behind in the 82nd minute when Antoine fired past the hapless Sample who initially blocked out a shot from Benjamin but could not help his side avoid a sixth league loss in their last seven league games.

Joseph then unleashed a left-footed free kick from the top of the box, beating the height of the wall and leaving Sample motionless at the ball entered the back of the Jabloteh net to complete the 3-0 win—the kind of result Fevrier would look to in league outings later this week and into Sunday’s FA Trophy semi-final clash with 1976 FC Phoenix from 4pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium. Police FC will tackle Morvant Caledonia United in semi-final two from 6:15pm.

Results

San Juan Jabloteh 0 vs W Connection 3 (Dimitri Apai 66’, Jameel Antoine, 82’, Marcus Joseph 89’), at Barataria Oval.

Teams

San Juan Jabloteh: 1.Javon Sample (GK); 3.DeJon Waldropt, 5.Shakiyl Phillip, 7.Elijah Manners, 11.Damian Williams (Capt.), 12.Keron Bethelmy, 17.Sean Bonval, 18.Jevon Morris, 21.Domique Douglas (22.Kadeem Hutchinson 6th minute), 23.Kennedy Hinkson (13.Julio Noel 88th minute), 27.Nathan Lewis.

Unused substitutes: 30.Shemel Louison (GK); 4.Nkosi David.

Coach: Keith Jeffrey

W Connection: 33.Jason Belfon (GK); 2.Frank Padilla Gil, 10.Dimitri Apai, 11.Malik Shirvone St. Prix (3.Gerard Williams 74th minute), 14.Euller Eduardo Couto (99.Marcus Joseph 57th minute), 19.Briel Thomas, 20.Daniel Diaz (7.Neil Benjamin Jr. 46th minute), 21.Ronell Paul, 23.Weslie John, 24.Jameel Antoine, 26.Isaiah Garcia.

Unused substitutes: 1.Terrence Lewis (GK); 4.Maurice Ford, 5.Triston Hodge, 37.Cephas St. Rose.

Coach: Stuart Charles Fevrier

Referee: Joel Cox

Upcoming Fixtures

(Tuesday 21 November 2017)

North East Stars vs Club Sando, 4pm, Arima Velodrome;
Morvant Caledonia United vs Point Fortin Civic, 5pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium (training field);

Defence Force vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.

(Wednesday 22 November 2017)

San Juan Jabloteh vs Police FC, 4pm, Barataria Oval;
Central FC vs W Connection, 6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.

[Flex]

Tyrone Charles trips up N/E Stars as Sando snatch late draw.
ttproleague.com.

Leaders North East Stars allowed full points to slip — possibly delaying the Pro League 2017 celebrations till the final match day next week — after being held to a 1-1 draw at the death by visiting Club Sando.

But a loss today for challengers W Connection against Couva rivals Central from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium will crown the Derek King-coached Stars, with an unassailable 37 points, 2017 Pro League champions with two games to spare against Police FC and San Juan Jabloteh.

Leaders North East Stars allowed full points to slip — possibly delaying the Pro League 2017 celebrations till the final match day next week — after being held to a 1-1 draw at the death by visiting Club Sando.

But a loss today for challengers W Connection against Couva rivals Central from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium will crown the Derek King-coached Stars, with an unassailable 37 points, 2017 Pro League champions with two games to spare against Police FC and San Juan Jabloteh.

Akeem Garcia looked to have put the Stars on their way to a seventh consecutive league win with his fourth league goal this term early in the second half on a wet Tuesday afternoon at the Arima Velodrome.

But ex-Stars’ winger Tyrone Charles levelled the visiting Sando from a free kick – and he knows how to hit them – in virtually the final kick of the game to stun the Stars, though unable to snap the hosts’ undefeated record at the iconic Arima venue since calling it home at the start of the current season.

The result, however, slowed the title favourites, North East Stars, with W Connection (30 points) seven points behind ahead of today’s Couva Clásico. But not enough for Sando (26 points) who were hurdled for third position by Defence Force (27 points) who later whipped cellar-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 4-0 to join the second-positioned Savonetta Boys in chase of a top-two finish which earns teams CONCACAF qualifying spots in the form of the Caribbean Club Championship.

Devorn Jorsling opened the scoring for the Army/Coast Guard combination early in the first half at the Ato Boldon Stadium before second half goals by Reon Moore, Christopher Durity and, from the penalty spot, Curtis Gonzales, saw the Marvin Gordon coached outfit rebound from their disappointing First Citizens Cup final loss to Connection last Friday.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Point Fortin Civic came from behind to defeat visitors Morvant Caledonia United 3-1 at Mahaica Oval and suddenly the southerners are in the race for a top-half finish this season, moving four spots up to occupy fifth position.

Jabari Mitchell levelled Civic midway through the first half after Guyana international Sheldon Holder had fired Morvant Caledonia in front moments earlier. Then forwards Akinola Gregory and Shackeil Henry, scorers in a 2-1 win over Central last Sunday, found the back of Morvant Caledonia’s net within the first fifteen minutes of the second half to complete a second league win on the trot for the hosts.

Coach Renold Carrington’s Civic (18 points), though, are only one point ahead of Police FC, Central and Jabloteh who are all in action today.

Earlier at the Arima Velodrome, Garcia broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half from close up, beating goalkeeper Kelvin Henry after a Jameel Neptune free kick crashed off Sando’s defensive wall.

But the Stars, who had a Rundell Winchester attempt cleared off the line by Sando defender Trevin Latapy on quarter of an hour and a wide header from the Tobagonian forward moments later, failed to find a cushion though enjoying the better share of the game, and were made to pay after giving away a free kick on top the box in the dying moments.

Charles then stepped up to beat the Stars wall and rookie goalie Darren Wilson – who had denied the Sando winger two minutes before the break – to level the game.

Results

North East Stars 1 (Akeem Garcia 50’) vs Club Sando 1 (Tyrone Charles 90’+3), at Arima Velodrome;

Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Sheldon Holder 17’) vs Point Fortin Civic 3 (Jabari Mitchell 24’, Akinola Gregory 47’, Shackeil Henry 60’), at Hasely Crawford Stadium (training field);

Defence Force 4 (Devorn Jorsling 7’, Reon Moore 48’, Christopher Durity 87’, Curtis Gonzales 89’ pen.) vs St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Ato Boldon Stadium.

Teams

North East Stars: 1.Darren Wilson (GK); 2.Keston George, 4.Kerry Baptiste (7.Kishun Seecharan 76th minute), 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester (17.Kordell Samuel 74th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald, 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia (8.Adrian Noel 87th minute).

Coach: Derek King

Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry GK); 5.Nical Stephens, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper (17.Jarod London 76 minute), 10.Keron Cornwall (15.Keyon Edwards 76th minute), 11.Akim Armstrong, 12.Michael Basdeo (23.Nicholas Thomas 76th minute), 13.Tyrone Charles, 16.Leslie Joel Russell, 18.Trevin Latapy, 35.Adan Noel, 38.Josiah Trimmingham.

Coach: Angus Eve

Referee: Marlon Peruse

[Tallman]

WATCH: Highlights of W-Connection’s 3-0 win over San Juan Jabloteh

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/-r14xwO-Zjo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/-r14xwO-Zjo</a>

[Flex]

Connection virtually secures CONCACAF return but N/E Stars one win away from Pro League title
ttproleague.com.

Caribbean powerhouse W Connection could join leaders North East Stars at next season’s CONCACAF qualifiers by way of the Caribbean Club Championship having virtually secured a top-two finish in the 2017 Pro League with a 3-1 victory over former champions Central FC last night.

But with Connection (33 points) four points adrift of the Pro League leaders and just two matches left, North East Stars (37 points) can lift the PL crown for the first time since 2004 on the penultimate day (Friday) with a win against Police FC who they must tackle from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

Connection,  two hours later (8pm), will clash against third-positioned Defence Force (27 points) who, not only trail the Savonetta Boys by six points but also by a far lesser goal-difference.

Only if the Stars – a side undefeated in their last nine league outings – lose their remaining matches against Police and San Juan Jabloteh and Connection post wins against Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia, can the Savonetta Boys miraculously hurdle Derek King’s side for the 2017 crown.

Neil Benjamin Jr., the Golden Boot frontrunner, scored his 11th league goal and sixteenth in all competitions this season after Marcus Joseph opened the scoring in the second half, and St. Lucian forward Shirvone Malik St. Prix completed the win in stoppage-time to earn to keep Connection’s narrow mathematical league chance alive and advantage ahead of Defence Force for a top-two finish.

Connection, the multiple-time former Caribbean champions, once secured, will return to CONCACAF qualifying after failing to qualify for the 2017 Caribbean Club Championship while North East Stars are expected to debut on the international stage having forfeited their place at the 2015 Caribbean Club Championship after winning their maiden Pro League crown.

Also yesterday, Jabloteh snapped a four-game losing spell to climb three spots to occupy fifth on the Pro League standings after holding off Police FC in a seven-goal thriller with a 4-3 win at Barataria Oval.

Sean Bonval (19’), Dominic Douglas (39’), Keron Bethelmy (86’) and Kadeem Hutchinson (90’) each put their names on the scoresheet for Jabloteh while defender Ryan O’Neil (52’, 90’+2) scored twice and Elijah Belgrave (88’) once in the Lawmen’s attempt to turn the game around in the second half.

Results

San Juan Jabloteh 4 (Sean Bonval 19’, Dominic Douglas 39’, Keron Bethelmy 86’, Kadeem Hutchinson 90’) vs Police FC 3 (Ryan O’Neil 52’, 90’+2’, Elijah Belgrave 88’), at Barataria Oval;

Central FC 1 (Jiron Francis 85’) vs W Connection 3 (Marcus Joseph 49’, Neil Benjamin Jr. 81’, Shirvone Malick St. Prix 90’+4), at Ato Boldon Stadium.

[Tallman]

WATCH: Highlights of North East Stars’ 1-1 draw with Club Sando and Defence Force’s 4-0 win over St. Ann’s Rangers

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/87wKpKxu2nQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/87wKpKxu2nQ</a>

[Deeks]

Allyuh see that big bald patch in the Velodrome.

[soccerman]

Allyuh see that big bald patch in the Velodrome.

Hard to miss.

[Tallman]

WATCH: W-Connection maintain a firm grip on second place in the T&T Pro League with a 3-1 win over rivals Central FC.

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

[Flex]

North East Stars crowned Pro League champions for the first time since 2004.
ttproleague.com.

North East Stars have reunited with the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League crown – after thirteen years – thanks to a star-studded squad, “togetherness”, backing from owner Darryl Mahabir, and Derek King, who has once more proven his ability as one of the best young coaches of the twin-island republic.

King’s side won the Pro League on the penultimate day (last night) after a second-half Keston George header – for his first ever league goal – secured the 2017 title with a 1-0 win against a stubborn Police FC outfit at the Home of Football, Ato Boldon Stadium.

Afterwards the 24-year-old George, who joined the Stars from then three-time Pro League holders Central FC last August, said, “Words can’t express [the feeling] because before the game I was talking to a friend and he [said] ‘you’re going to score the game winner today’ and I [responded] ‘I hope I do’.

“And to actually do it tonight was amazing—the best feeling in the world. From the time [the] ball hit the back of the net it was just exhilaration.”

The talented midfielder-turned-defender added, “Tonight it was win at all costs. Don’t give up anything; stick as a team don’t matter what happens. And we did that really well and [got the result].”

Adrian Foncette was brilliant throughout, including a double-save early on, but the Police custodian could not rescue his side when George headed substitute Kishun Seecharan’s right side cross back across the six yard area and into the far upper corner for the all-important goal.

The win improved the Stars’ tally to an unassailable 40 points before second-placed W Connection (33 points) – at the same venue – allowed third-position Defence Force (30 points) to rebound for a 2-1 stoppage-time win to force the final CONCACAF qualifiers spot –top-two finish – to be decided on the final day next Tuesday.

Connection, the recently crowned First Citizens Cup champions, must however temporarily shift their focus to Sunday’s FA Trophy semi-finals against 1976 FC Phoenix from 4pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium before Police FC and Morvant Caledonia United, 3-0 league winners over MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers yesterday, lock horns in semi-final two from 6:15pm.

The true celebration, according to King, will, however, happen next Tuesday with a party-like atmosphere when his new Pro League champions host San Juan Jabloteh from 6pm at the Arima Velodrome in their final match of 2017 before switching focus to next season’s CONCACAF qualifiers by way of the Caribbean Club Championship and the new Pro League season.

King, who, in 2009, led Joe Public to the Pro League title and became the youngest coach to win the crown, heaped praise on his North East Stars’ players, club owner Mahabir and staff for the club’s first league success since Guyanese coach James Mc Lean guided them to the title in 2004.

“We have players here for the first time, some younger ones who have never won a title,” said an elated King. “(…) and they stuck together as one and I think the togetherness and the Arima vibes really brought this team together.”

King, 37, a discarded Trinidad and Tobago national coach at various levels, who only returned to top flight club coaching at the start of the season said it has been a tremendous joy in preparing a team daily for the rigors of a season.

Stars owner, Mahabir, credited the players’ effort despite the financial struggles faced across the league. “Tough season,” he said. “(…) but congrats to the guys.”

The Sangre Grande businessman, optimistic over the future of North East Stars with new financial partnerships a possibility, appeared eager to see his side debut at next season’s Caribbean Club Championship.

Meanwhile veteran poacher and now six-time league winner Kerry Baptiste has set big goals for next season.

“We want to win CFU (Club Championship), move on to CONCACAF and win Champions League,” said the 35-year-old ex-Trinidad and Tobago international who stands one of the many current Stars’ players with Caribbean and CONCACAF club competition experience.

Baptiste who, perhaps, created history by becoming the first player to win the Pro League with four different clubs (San Juan Jabloteh, Joe Public, Central FC and North East Stars) said a lot of credit must go to owner Mahabir and coach King.

He said Mahabir and King have put a lot of energy into the players despite financial struggles among other challenges.

“Through all the struggle and now to cop the title, it’s a great feeling for us,” said Baptiste. “All praises go to God. Thank God for it so much.

“It was very difficult but at the end of the day experience beats all. This team has a lot of experience, a lot of senior guys like Yohance Marshall, Densill Theobald and Elton John and so [on]. These guys [brought] a lot of seniority to the table and that is what helped us through the season this year.

“It was tough but we held our own and continued to work hard don’t matter what struggle we had. Most important we stuck together as a team and at the end we reaped the benefit—Pro League champions 2017.”

Results

Morvant Caledonia United 3 (Sheldon Holder 30’, Simeon Bailey 73’, Sedale Mc Lean 90’+2) vs St. Ann’s Rangers 0, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Police FC 0 vs North East Stars 1 (Keston George 75’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Defence Force 2 (Devorn Jorsling 16’, Shaquille Bertrand 90’+3) vs W Connection 1 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 75’), at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Teams

Police FC: 18.Adrian Foncette (GK) (Capt.); 3.Ryan O’Neil, 4.Kadeem Boyce, 12.Nequan Caruth, 13.Dillon Kirton, 17.Dexter Alleyne, 20.Elijah Belgrave (7.Kareem Perry 76th minute), 23.Shakuile Williams (10.Kareem Freitas 46th minute), 25.Kaashif Thomas, 29.Clevon Mc Fee, 32.Keion Wilson (16.Joshua Leach 72nd minute).

Unused substitutes: 22.Theon Browne (GK); 2.Jasimar Ashers, 8.Kurdell Brathwaite, 38.Kevin Lewis.

Coach: Richard Hood

North East Stars: 1.Jesse Peters (GK); 2.Keston George, 4.Kerry Baptiste (6.Anslem Jackson 74th minute), 5.Julius James, 11.Rundell Winchester (17.Kordell Samuel 74th minute), 12.Elton John (Capt.), 18.Densill Theobald, 20.Yohance Marshall, 21.Kevon Goddard, 22.Jameel Neptune, 23.Akeem Garcia (7.Kishun Seecharan 67th minute).

Unused substitutes: 30.Jabari Bryce (GK); 8.Adrian Noel, 13.Kyle Bartholomew, 15.Seon Thomas. 

Referee: Rashby Mc Phie

Video - North East Stars 2017 Pro League crowning reactions

[Flex]

Profitable model exist in football: TTPL CEO.
ttproleague.com.

Having generated over $150 million in invested capital from team owners in over the past 14 years, T&T Pro League (TTPL) CEO Dexter Skeene said, “nothing uplifts the country like football.

“Football at the highest level promotes unity, excitement, pride, creativity, passion for excellence and success, values which many businesses relate to or associate with.”

He said although the various owners remained committed to the TTPL, it was time other players stepped up to the plate. It has to be viewed from an economic standpoint as a means of contributing to the diversification of the economy and positioned to take advantage of sport tourism opportunities.

Skeene said the goal is to transform the Pro League into a viable business model. An overhaul is being undertaken with a series of initiatives to change how people view football and the Pro league.

“It is a time for rationalisation and transition to a new way of thinking, creating a platform for businesses to use football and sports as a vehicle to market their goods and services.”

Expressing his belief that there is money to be made from Professional Football, Skeene said global models had demonstrated the need for investment and patience by relevant parties before profits could be realized drawing parallels to the MLS with pioneers, Lamar Hunt, Phillip Antschutz and Bob Kraft investing over one hundred million ($100 million US $) over ten years before earning television revenues.

“T&T is no different, we need to attract investors and build revenue streams by monetising the assets we own. Football friendly facilities need to be developed in communities where the teams and fans reside with the teams given the opportunity to manage the venues”.

Skeene said it was also about attracting investors and ensuring the infrastructure was in place to help develop athletes. It is about making the Pro League more accessible, working with the players, brands and media to get the message to an increased audience and add value for everyone.

[Tallman]

WATCH: Highlights of Morvant Caledonia United’s 3-0 win over St. Ann’s Rangers

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/gF0KNz_SeRg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/gF0KNz_SeRg</a>

[Flex]

W Connection seals CFU qualification spot.
T&T Guardian Reports.

W Connection will join newly crowned T&T Pro League champions and débutantes North East Stars at next season’s Concacaf Champions League qualifying in the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship despite a 1-0 loss to Morvant Caledonia United at Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on Tuesday.

Playing in the final match of the 2017 season, W Connection entered the match knowing they had already qualified for the CFU Championship, after third placed Defence Force was earlier held to a 0-0 draw by fourth-placed Club Sando, at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

At the Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima, champions North East Stars was hoping to end on winning note, just as they started in front of home fans, but instead ended with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of fifth-placed San Juan Jabloteh.

Stars’ coach Derek King’s idea to field a number of non-starters backfired in the first-half with Julio Noel, Sean Bonval and Kadeem Hutchinson scoring past goalkeeper Jabari Brice to put Jabloteh 3-0 ahead.

But in the second-half, King, responded by replacing Jabari Brathwaite and Seon Thomas after the break with 2006 World Cup midfielder Densill Theobald and talented midfielder-turned-defender Keston George, respectively, and got a positive response.

Forward Rundell Winchester headed in a Theobald in the 69th minute corner for his tenth league to finish two shy of 2017 topscorer winner Neil Benjamin Jr of W Connection while winger Kishun Seecharan scored a brilliant goal three minutes later midway through the second half.

Elton John then tried from distance to level the scores while Seecharan saw another attempt brilliantly matched by goalkeeper Shemel Louison whose outstretched leg kept the ball from entering the back of the net and preserve his team’s slim lead until the end.

At Couva, Kerry Daniel scored in the 67th minute for Morvant Caledonia who finished sixth, an improvement for the former Caribbean champions after ending second from bottom in the previous three Pro League seasons.

Elsewhere, Police was ruthless against last season’s three-peat league champions Central FC and came away with a 7-2 in the first match at Couva, a confidence booster ahead of their T&T Football Federation FA Trophy final versus recent First Citizens Cup winner W Connection on December 17 while Pt Fortin Civic snared the biggest league win of the season with a 7-0 victory over cellar-placed MIC-IT St Ann’s Rangers at Mahaica Oval led by a beaver-trick from Jared Bennet.

When the FA final kicks off, W Connection will be chasing a fifth title having lifted the trophy in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2013-14 while Police FC will be hunting a fourth crown after previous triumphs in 1975, 1990 and 1994.

Results

Defence Force 0 vs Club Sando 0

Jabloteh 3 (Julio Noel 3rd, Sean Bonval 21st, Kadeem Hutchinson 32nd) vs North East Stars 2 (Rundell Winchester 69th, Kishun Seecharan 72nd)

Point Fortin Civic 7 (Jared Bennett 7th, 47th, 54th, 75th, Nathaniel Garcia 27th, 76th, Kevin Moodie 69th) vs St Ann’s Rangers 0

Police FC 7 (Shaquille Williams 20th, 58th, Dexter Alleyne 29th, 35th, Kurdell Brathwaite 5th, Keon Wilson 54th, Tirik John 90+1 Own-Goal) vs Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 12th, Dexter Alleyne 56th Own-Goal)

Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kerry Daniel 67th) vs W Connection 0

RELATED NEWS

Jabloteh tame Stars; Connection lose but cements CONCACAF return, and Civic end with a bang.
ttproleague.xom.

Caribbean powerhouse W Connection will join Pro League champions and debutants North East Stars at next season’s CONCACAF qualifying in the Caribbean Club Championship – expected to begin next March – despite losing in yesterday’s final slate of league matches which brought to a close the 2017 PL season.

Connection, multiple-time former Caribbean champions, were edged 1-0 at the Ato Boldon Stadium by Morvant Caledonia United in the closing game of the PL calendar but had already cemented a top-two finish — which earns Trinidadian teams places at the Caribbean Club Championship — after third-place finishers Defence Force were earlier held to a 0-0 draw by fourth-placed Club Sando at Hasely Crawford Stadium.


Kerry Daniel scored midway through the second half for Morvant Caledonia who finished sixth—an improvement for the former Caribbean champions after ending second from bottom in the previous three PL seasons.

Connection, who missed out on the international stage this year, are far from finished. The 2017 First Citizens Cup champions and PL runners-up led by longstanding coach Stuart Charles Fevrier must face Police FC in the FA Trophy final which has a new proposed date of December 8.

Police were ruthless against last season’s three-peat league champions Central FC, defeating the Couva Sharks 7-2 in the earlier game at Ato Boldon Stadium yesterday but finished eighth. And although steadily on the drop in recent years, the Lawmen can end a two-decade-plus title drought with the FA Trophy.

Coach Richard Hood’s men, for a second game on the trot after defeating Morvant Caledonia 5-1 in last Sunday’s FA Trophy semi-finals, proved their finishing ability with Shaquille Williams and defender Dexter Alleyne both scoring twice against Central following midfielder Kurdell Braithwaite’s opening strike.

Striker Keion Wilson also got on the scoresheet in the second half for the Lawmen before an own goal credited to Central defender Tyrik John in stoppage-time completed the comfortable victory.

Alleyne, though, also had an own goal to his name for Central’s second goal after veteran midfielder Jason Marcano scored his seventh goal in all competitions this season for the Sharks.

But further south, Point Fortin Civic snared the biggest league win of the season with a 7-0 victory over cellar-placed MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers at Mahaica Oval.

Forward Jared Bennet led with his first professional beaver-trick while mid-season midfield signing Nathaniel Garcia grabbed a double in the contest that also saw Kevin Moodie score in front of home fans on their final display of the season.

Civic, though, finished seventh, ahead of, in descending order, Police, Central and Rangers, for their best placing since finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons under current coach Reynold Carrington who returned at the helm this season after the Point Fortin outfit ended bottom last term.

Elsewhere yesterday, new Pro League champions North East Stars were hoping to end on winning note – just as they started in front of home fans – after securing the crown on the penultimate day, but instead conceded their first loss at the iconic Arima Velodrome despite a creditable second-half fight back against fifth-placed San Juan Jabloteh who held on for a 3-2 win.

Stars’ head coach Derek King’s idea to field a number of non-starters backfired in the first half with Julio Noel, Sean Bonval and Kadeem Hutchinson scoring past goalkeeper Jabari Brice to put Jabloteh three nil ahead with just over half hour played.

But the champion coach, King, responded by replacing Jabari Brathwaite and Seon Thomas after the break with 2006 World Cup midfielder Densill Theobald and talented midfielder-turned-defender Keston George, respectively, and got the change in momentum.

Forward Rundell Winchester headed in a Theobald corner for his 10th league – finishing two goals adrift of 2017 Golden Boot winner Neil Benjamin Jr. who scored 12 league goals for Connection – and winger Kishun Seecharan scored a brilliant goal three minutes later midway through the second half.

However it wasn’t enough to complete the Stars’ clawback despite King’s men pulling off the majority of shots including a blast from distance from Elton John that flew just wide and another Seecharan attempt which was brilliantly matched by Jabloteh ‘keeper Shemel Louison whose outstretched leg kept the ball from entering the back of the net.

Results

Defence Force 0 vs Club Sando 0, at Hasely Crawford Stadium Outside Field;

North East Stars 2 (Rundell Winchester 69’, Kishun Seecharan 72’) vs San Juan Jabloteh 3 (Julio Noel 3’, Sean Bonval 20’, Kadeem Hutchinson 32’), at Arima Velodrome;

Point Fortin Civic 7 (Jared Bennet 7’, 47’, 54’, 75’, Nathaniel Garcia 27’, 76’, Kevin Moodie 69’) vs MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 0, at Mahaica Oval;

Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 12’, Dexter Alleyne Own Goal 56’) vs Police FC 7 (Kurdell Braithwaite 5’, Shaquille Williams 20’, 58’, Dexter Alleyne 29’, 35’, Keion Wilson 54’, Tirik John Own Goal 90+1’), at Ato Boldon Stadium;

W Connection 0 vs Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Kerry Daniel 67’), at Ato Boldon Stadium.

[coache]

I cannot say anything negative about the players in the Pro League ..the players are doing their best. The ProLeague as a whole ..as a matter of fact all  Pro football in the W.I  lacks professionalism.

The problem is knowledge of the game at the Pro Level. The Pro League needs coaches who are at the level on Dennis Lawrence and Steve Hart.

The tactics is very much to be desired..because the coaches and trainers are limited in their scope the result is less than the Pro standard.

Long ago players played so much free football as kids the game taught the player so much that the player rose  to a professional standard on his own.

Nowadays these licenced coaches are everywhere limiting the potential of players...

one can see when these same players play under professional coaches how much better they look. In my opinion this is the main reason why the Pro League football is obzuky and unattractive. It is certainly not
entertaining and it is not beautiful.

The solution: Go Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Costa Rica and bring coaches and trainers to work at the various clubs..dem fellas will certainly make a difference.

Imagine Stuart Charles Fevrier Football is the standard of Pro Football in the Caribbean ..something is not right.

[maxg]

Lawwwd...Ah know allyuh mean well, eh..but TT have to much spoil adults, i can't imagine the chirren. Just think it, and reach out and get it..just so.. if we cyah get it now, somebody mus be f-ing up or Dan Blocking we (aging mehself  ) . well, to many to change, so just have to ignore, take cuss for that, and let the ppl who doing the wuk, actually work with the tools they have