“It’s about action and getting results!” Gordon names T&T U-20 squad

Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team head coach Marvin Gordon unveiled his 21-man squad, as the young Soca Warriors begin their campaign for a berth at the 2027 Fifa Under-20 World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.

Trinidad and Tobago are grouped with hosts Costa Rica, Bermuda, Barbados and Sint Maarten, with only the winner advancing to the Concacaf Championship. The qualifying tournament runs from 23 February to 4 March.

From there, the qualifiers for the Fifa and International Olympic Committee (IOC) competitions will emerge.

Gordon, who also coaches San Juan Jabloteh in the TTPFL Tier One competition, believes his national youth team can go all the way.

“I took this job believing we can qualify for the World Cup, with this staff and this group of players—I believe in that,” Gordon told the TTFA Media. “Now it’s about going on the football field, being ready, and getting the right results.

“I want to urge the people of Trinidad and Tobago to support us in everything we are trying to do. It’s about country first and foremost.”

The National Under-20 squad comprises eight North America-based players, one from England, and 12 developed locally.

Derrel “Zoom Zoom” Garcia, also a Jabloteh player, is the team captain and a survivor from the team that competed at the 2024 Concacaf Under-20 Qualifiers, along with defender Lyshaun Morris, midfielder Josiah Ochoa and attacker Malachi Webb.

All four were St Benedict’s College students at the time.

Canada-based goalkeeper Bryan Gafiuk was also a member of the previous National Under-20 team, although he was an unused substitute. Gordon was assistant to then head coach Brian Haynes in 2024.

The current squad also includes 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) standout and Naparima College flanker Jaydon Caprietta, versatile Jabloteh midfielder Caden Trestrail, ball-playing St Benedict’s College defender Adam “Toka” Pierre and St Augustine Secondary front-man Giovanni Hospedales.

Defender Sheridan McNish captained Trinidad and Tobago at Concacaf U-15 level and has been a regular presence at international level over the past three years, while his fellow United States-based player Colin Joseph is tipped to feature as midfield playmaker in his first competitive competition for the two-island republic.

There was no room for former Queen’s Royal College (QRC) midfielder maestro Tau Lamsee, while Presentation College (San Fernando) holding midfielder Nikosi Foncette, Jabloteh utility player Marcel Valentine and AC Port of Spain and Fatima College midfielder Seth Hadeed were among the boys who missed the cut.

“I think to select this final team was difficult for me and my backroom staff,” said Gordon. “Every player worked hard and really tried to get into the final squad. We had to pick the best combination of 21 players who can represent this country and give us a chance to qualify out of this group.

“I’m pleased with the group and the attitude of the players. There is ability, but ability without the right ingredients—attitude, discipline and hard work—means nothing. All 21 players ticked the boxes we were looking for.

“They have the confidence to go out and express themselves.”

Gordon’s troops whipped Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6-0 and drew 1-1 with Grenada in their only international warm-ups last month. He said they are ready to get down to business.

“From here on, it’s not about talking—it’s about action and getting results,” said Gordon. “We are going to approach every game like a final and do everything in our power to qualify.”

(Trinidad and Tobago team)

Goalkeepers: 18.Jadon Paul-Alexander (Arima North Secondary), 1.Bryan Gafiuk (MacEwan University—Canada), 21.Sylvon Theophilus (St Anthony’s College),

Defenders: 5.Jaydon Caprietta (Naparima College), 16.Jaden Chan Tack (Colorado Rapids Academy—USA), 14.Talan McMillan (Talent Projekt—Germany), 3.Sheridan McNish (New England Revolution Academy—USA), 2.Jeremy Meloney (TSF Academy—USA), 13.Lyshaun Morris (Kalonji SA—USA), 4.Adam Pierre (St Benedict’s College), 11.Chaz Williams (Inter Miami CF Academy—USA),

Midfielders: 12.Colin Joseph (Montverde Academy—USA), 17.Dominic Joseph (Vancouver FC—Canada), 15.Jadon McShine, 6.Caden Trestrail (both San Juan Jabloteh), 8.Josiah Ochoa (St Benedict’s College),

Attackers: 10.Derrel Garcia, 7.Malachi Webb (both San Juan Jabloteh), 20.Giovanni Hospedales (St Augustine Secondary), 19.Josiah Kallicharan (Swansea City Academy—England), 9.Phillip Nelson (Fatima College).

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