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Trinidad and Tobago National Head Team senior coach Stephen Hart has recalled six more overseas-based players for their upcoming friendly engagement away to Jordan on June 16.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
The “Soca Warriors” lost 1-0 away to Curaçao last Friday and have no other international matches scheduled before they kick off their 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament against Guatemala on July 9.
“The game against Jordan allows me to evaluate players that have not seen national duty since the Caribbean Cup Finals last year,” Hart told the TTFA Media. “After this, I will have a better idea of the 22-man squad for the Gold Cup.”
The Warriors have played just two internationals this year and Hart has not had his full squad for either. In contrast, their Group B opponents, Mexico, Guatemala and Cuba would have played nine, seven and five times respectively before their opening Gold Cup matches.
Hart will not be full strength in Jordan either as Under-23 right back Shannon Gomez and attacker Kadeem Corbin were left in Trinidad to prepare for the preliminary Olympic qualifying round, which kicks off on June 19. United States-based attacker Rundell Winchester, who plays with the Portland Timbers reserves, has also been excluded as he must juggle Under-23 and Senior National Team duties over the next three months.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
However, full backs Joevin Jones and Aubrey David will both make their first international appearances of the year in Jordan along with speedy wingers Lester Pelter and Cordell Cato and defender Gavin Hoyte.
Sheldon Bateau, who featured against Panama in March, completes the list of reinforcements who will join the Warriors en route to Jordan.
The Jordan football team has played seven times already this year with one win over Palestine, a goalless draw against Lebanon and five defeats to Bahrain, Japan, Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia.
Coach Ahmad Abdul Qader said he hopes their clash with Warriors is beneficial to their own World Cup campaign.
“Playing a team like Trinidad and Tobago which previously qualified to the World Cup will help our team in the upcoming phase,” said Abdul Qader. “Regardless of the results, facing advanced teams is crucial and always beneficial.”
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/TTFA Media)
At present, Jordan is ranked 103rd in the world by FIFA while the Warriors are 65th. Curaçao, who were recently boosted by new coach Patrick Kluivert and an influx of Europe-based players, are ranked 148th.
Apart from Gomez and Corbin, utility players Dwane James (North East Stars) and Elijah Belgrave (Police FC) were the only exclusions from the team that faced Curaçao.
The Warriors team has been significantly revamped since its quarterfinal appearance at the 2013 Gold Cup with only eight squad members included for the Jordan trip.
Team captain Kenwyne Jones, Khaleem Hyland, Daneil Cyrus, Andre Boucaud, Jan-Michael Williams, Marvin Phillip, David and Jones are the only survivors from that squad.
However, combative Columbus Crew midfielder Kevan George is expected to be recalled for the Gold Cup. And Hart would probably pick either 2013 Gold Cup squad member Cleon John or 2014 Caribbean Cup squad member Adrian Foncette for his third choice goalkeeper.
(Copyright AFP 2014/Rich Schultz)
(Team for Jordan friendly)
Goalkeepers: Jan-Michael Williams (Central FC), Marvin Phillip (Point Fortin Civic);
Defenders: Kaydion Gabriel (Central FC), Gavin Hoyte (Barnet—England), Sheldon Bateau (KV Mechelen—Belgium), Mekeil Williams (W Connection), Daneil Cyrus (W Connection), Aubrey David (Shakhter Karagandy—Kazakhstan), Joevin Jones (Chicago Fire—USA);
Midfielders: Andre Boucaud (Dagenham & Redbridge—UK), Leston Paul (Central FC), Khaleem Hyland (Unattached), Sean De Silva, Ataulla Guerra (both Central FC), Keron Cummings (North East Stars);
Forwards: Shahdon Winchester (W Connection), Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes—USA), Lester Peltier (Slovan Bratislava—Slovakia), Kenwyne Jones (Cardiff City—UK), Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force), Willis Plaza (Central FC).
(Courtesy CONCACAF)
2015 Opponents for Gold Cup Group B teams
Mexico: Ecuador (twice), Paraguay, United States, Guatemala, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile;
Guatemala: Canada, El Salvador, Mexico, Uruguay, Bermuda (twice), United States;
Cuba: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Curaçao (twice);
T&T: Panama, Curaçao, Jordan.
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The preparation of this team is shocking ! We are way way under prepared for any tournament ! Much less the Gold Cup ! We need our best players and must play against quality teams on a regular basis! Having said that, The TTFA appears to be Stagnated and without Vision ! Or more appropriately their Jack got hanged !!
Suddenly I’m not feeling too optimistic.
Waleed Khaled Mahmoud Altous Abuqusay trinidad and tobago will be in Jordan next week good luck you will need it