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The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team closed off their preparations for the Concacaf Under-20 Qualifying series today with a 3-0 friendly win over TTPFL Tier Two team QPCC at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
The young Soca Warriors struck twice off corner kick routines through forward Tyrell Moore and midfielder Abayomi George while striker Larry Noel got the other item with a sharp finish from open play.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
However, there were some gasps around the venue when star attacker Lindell Sween went over clutching his ankle in the first half and was promptly replaced.
Coach Brian Haynes did not conduct a post-match interview so his thoughts on the exercise were uncertain, while it might be too early for an evaluation of Sween’s condition.
Midfielder Jeremiah Cateau also seemed to roll his ankle during the affair, although he was able to continue playing.
QPCC, captained by two-time World Youth Cup midfielder Sean De Silva, sported a mixture of young and old players, with schoolboys Aidan De Gannes, Jemaul Ashing and Khaleem Prince featuring alongside veterans like Jason Devenish, Devon Modeste and National Under-15 Team coach Yohance Marshall.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
The “Parkites” had their moments on the ball in the first half but, in the offensive third of the field, failed to extend goalkeeper Ailan Panton—although there was a glaring second half miss from Denton Headley off a Jordan Ferdinand cross.
At the other end, Haynes varied his tactical approach with Josiah Ochoa and Jeremiah Cateau starting as a central midfield pairing as they tried to play through their opposition.
For the second half, the giant Presentation College (San Fernando) duo of Levi Jones and Abayomi George were inserted and it was more a case of overpowering the opposing midfield.
The pattern of play might still be under construction but there were signs regarding where Trinidad and Tobago could trouble the likes of Canada, Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
Flanker Derrel “Zoom Zoom” Garcia was a pest with his pace and tricky movement on and off the ball while defender Cody Cooper’s ability to ping passes into his attackers in the air or on the ground looked an asset.
Noel scored with his third touch today and looked a constant threat while Rio Cardines and Michael Chaves were both lively.
Jones and George offer muscle and flanker Malachi Webb’s pace, power and directness could be useful too.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
Sween is the “X” factor, though. Trinidad and Tobago’s chances are far better once he is in good health.
The scrimmage today was officiated by assistant coach Gilbert Bateau with national players and a QPCC staff member asked to fill in as assistant referees.
Notably, Crystal Palace youth player Rio Cardines was used at both left wing and as a right back while Garcia and Chaves alternated between the number 10 role and the flanks and Malick Secondary attacker J’lon Matthews played at left back.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
Haynes would hope that their presumed versatility is a plus when the tournament kicks off at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from Friday 23 February.
(Team)
Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): Ailan Panton (GK); Lyshaun Morris, Cody Cooper, Russel Francois, Duhrell Young; Jeremiah Cateau, Josiah Ochoa; Derrel Garcia, Lindell Sween, Rio Cardines; Tyrell Moore.
Substitutes: Bryan Gafiuk (GK), Jaden Williams, Akil Henry, J’lon Matthews, Levi Jones, Abayomi George, Michael Chaves, Malachi Webb, Larry Noel.
Unused substitute: Makaya Taylor (GK).
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
