Ten-man Soca Warriors lose 1-0 to 176th ranked St Vincent, T&T yet to win in 2019

Editor Sunday 11 August 2019 Global Football, National Football, Volley 2 Comments

The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team winless run stretched to nine matches this afternoon as the Soca Warriors fell 1-0 away to St Vincent and the Grenadines in a friendly international contest in Kingstown.

‘Vincey Heat’ captain Chavel Cunningham fired past Warriors goalkeeper Adrian Foncette after just four minutes while coach Dennis Lawrence’s men could not find an answer at the other end.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago head coach Dennis Lawrence gestures to his players from the sidelines during international friendly action against Grenada at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on 11 November 2017.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

The task was made more difficult after a rash tackle by debutant Justin Garcia saw Trinidad and Tobago reduced to 10 men in the first half. Garcia was one of seven players who debuted for the Warriors today as Lawrence ignored the services of more experienced players like Radanfah Abu Bakr, Trevin Caesar and Dwane James to fast track a handful of talented youth.

But the score summary told its own tale as the Warriors, despite going close late on through substitute John-Paul Rochford, were humbled by a team ranked 176th in the world by FIFA.

Lawrence’s record in 2019 thus far reads zero wins, two draws and five defeats from seven games played with one goal scored (by Kevin Molino against Guyana) and 13 conceded.

Trinidad and Tobago have never failed to win a match in a calendar year since 1985. They were coached then by the now deceased Roderick Warner.

The Warriors return home tonight to continue preparing for their Concacaf Nations League outings away to Martinique on 6 September and against the same opponent at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on 9 September.

(Team)

Trinidad and Tobago Starting XI: Adrian Foncette (GK), Isaiah Garcia, Daneil Cyrus (captain), Justin Garcia, Jameel Neptune, Curtis Gonzales, Akeem Humphrey, Judah Garcia, Reon Moore, Isaiah Lee, Jelani Felix.

Substitutes Used: Aaron Lester, John-Paul Rochford, Neil Benjamin Jr, Nathaniel Garcia, Kathon St Hillaire, Nicholas Thomas.

Unused Substitutes: Marvin Phillip (GK), Jabari Mitchell.