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Trinidad and Tobago will be without Orlando City speedster Tyrese Spicer for Sunday’s Concacaf Nations League against the Dominican Republic, as the Soca Warriors look to rebound from last night’s heartbreaking 3-2 loss against Haiti at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.
Spicer was hurt late in last night’s contest and, as coach Derek King had already used his quota of five substitutes, the winger was limping around on the pitch when Haiti forward Wilson Isidor grabbed the winner, deep into stoppage time.
(via TTFA Media.)
Wired868 understands that Spicer suffered a fracture on his right foot, which will rule him out for the rest of this international match window. He joins a growing injury list, which includes CF Montreal winger Dante Sealy, Viborg FF forward Roald Mitchell and versatile North Texas SC attacker Nathaniel James.
Sealy and Spicer, along with captain Levi Garcia, comprise King’s first choice front-three.
King was already without vice-captain and central defender Kobi Henry, who withdrew to remain with his employers, Real Salt Lake. Last night, he had to make three injury-enforced substitutions too—as goalkeeper Denzil Smith, defender Josiah Trimmingham and flanker Rio Cardines all unable to complete the 90 minutes.
(via TTFA Media.)
It is uncertain which of that trio will be available to face the Dominican Republic.
King noted that “some key injuries hampered our game plan” against Haiti, although fatigue played a role.
Haiti had 62% possession in the first half against Trinidad and Tobago, but that climbed to 78% after the interval—with the Warriors eventually unable to hold on.
“I think when we went ahead, the line started to drop a bit too deep,” said King, in the post-game press conference. “I think fatigue stepped in… It is tough to lose a game in the last kick of the game.”
King should have the services of Rotherham United defender Kieran Ngwenya and Vanspor FK midfielder Molik Khan on Sunday, along with Club Sando midfielder Daniel David.
(via TTFA Media.)
A narrow defeat on the road against Haiti, a 2026 World Cup team, would not normally be considered disastrous either. However, King is still awaiting his first win as head coach—after six international games and an outing against Louisville City FC—while the Soca Warriors are winless in nine games now.
The Dominican Republic are coming to Port of Spain in a different frame of mind, after a 3-2 win over Nicaragua with a second half stoppage time winner from FC Porto defender Pablo Rosario.
After this weekend, King will take Trinidad and Tobago into back-to-back outings against Curaçao in Willemstad on 1 October and in Port of Spain on 4 October.
(via TTFA Media.)
Trinidad and Tobago football fans would hope they do not have to wait for Curaçao to pick up points. By then, the only target would be trying to avoid relegation.
A win over the Dominican Republic could open up more illustrious possibilities for the Soca Warriors, who were Concacaf Nations League semifinalists in 2023—under then head coach Angus Eve.
(Trinidad and Tobago team)
Goalkeepers: Jabari Brice (Club Sando FC), Denzil Smith (AV Alta—USA), Jahiem Wickham (Charlotte FC—USA);
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
Defenders: Rio Cardines (Bristol City—England), Andrew De Gannes (St Louis City FC—USA), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Déron Payne (FC Volendham—Netherlands), Noah Powder (Westchester SC—USA), Josiah Trimmingham (Phoenix Chapelton Maroons FC—Jamaica), Jaheim Joseph (Club Sando),
Midfielders: Daniel David (Club Sando), Wayne Frederick II (Colorado Rapids—USA), Dantaye Gilbert (FC Banik Ostrava—Czech Republic), Luke Phillip (Club Sando FC), Daniel Phillips (Stevenage FC—England), Andre Rampersad (Halifax Wanderers—Canada),
Attackers: Levi Garcia (Panathinaikos FC—Greece), Real Gill (One Knoxville SC—USA), Reon Moore (Defence Force), Ryan Telfer (Halifax Wanderers—Canada).
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