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“There’s an old saying, if it’s not broken don’t try to fix it.”
This was Soca Warriors skipper Kenwyne Jones’ response when asked about possible changes to certain aspects of the team’s performances after they booked a spot into the CONCACAF hex last night. The Warriors battled to a nervy 2-2 draw with Guatemala at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, and will now travel to Jacksonville to take on an American team which has one foot in the hex themselves, having spanked St Vincent and the Grenadines 6-0 yesterday.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Costa Rica, Panama and Central American powerhouse Mexico have also booked their spots to CONCACAF’s last stage of World Cup qualifying, but for stretches of the game in Port of Spain last night, it appeared that coach Stephen Hart’s “Red Army” would not rise to the occasion.
“It was a bittersweet moment,” said Trinidad and Tobago coach Stephen Hart. “Overall, I thought we played with a lot of nerves (…) I thought we were sloppy, it’s almost like we didn’t want the ball and we didn’t move it effectively.
Although the Warriors seemed to surrender possession for much of the first period, they were out of the blocks like a tracer bullet and should have probably scored inside the first two minutes.
“I thought the way we opened the game was extremely positive, we moved the ball very well,” said Hart. “We got into two very good positions and we sort of failed to take the opportunity.
“After that point the game was fairly evenly balanced and then Guatemala scored a goal on the back post which I was a little bit disappointed in. Because most of what we worked on as a team was the sort of runs they made coming in on the back post and us being aware of it.”
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Right-back Christian Jimenez and Guatemala’s all-time leading goal scorer Carlos Ruiz combined for the visitors’ opening goal, as Mekeil Williams was culpable of being sucked into the penalty area, while Carlyle Mitchell, who was playing his first international game since the Copa America Centenario play-off match against Haiti in January, allowed the wily Ruiz to slip off his left shoulder and tap home.
Hart tried to ensure that the defensive lapse would not occur again.
“We talked about the wide players not doing their defensive duties and the two central midfielders getting stretched,” said Hart, “and because of that, Guatemala was getting space between the lines. We talked about utilising the counter attack knowing they had to come forward.
“The biggest discussion we had was really to address the lack of urgency. We lacked that sort of impetus and urgency at times.”
Seattle Sounders utility player Joevin Jones then provided some impetus with a delicious left-footed just after the hour mark and Hart possibly thought that his team were in the clear.
“I tried to pin back Guatemala by bringing on two attacking players,” said Hart. “Young Levi Garcia, he sort of upset the tone and we should have killed off the game, we had some chances to kill off the game. Of course we failed to do that and it became a game of panic after that.”
Both teams played to a 2-2 draw.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Instead, TT goalkeeper Marvin Phillip had to be wide awake as he pulled off two remarkable reflex saves in the space of a minute. And despite going a man down in the dying moments, Guatemala levelled the game at two apiece as Ruiz scored the perfect poacher’s goal after Phillip parried a shot into his path.
Hart stated that he opted for the centre-back pairing of Bateau and Mitchell due to their quickness and probability of curtailing Guatemala’s combination play, but the 36-year old Ruiz showed that he was sharper than his younger opponents in two critical moments of the game.
Did complacency cause the lack of impetus and urgency shown by the Warriors?
“No I don’t think it was complacency,” Hart said. “I just think we started the game well; we did this before in the US game. No team dominates the entire game so in their period of domination what we needed to do was get the ball and make them run a little bit because I was not worried if Guatemala could get behind us, unless it was some sort of combination or mistake made.”
Jones (K) also pointed to the lack of decisive play from his team, and admitted dissatisfaction with his own performance. But the 2006 World Cup player was ready to see the bigger picture.
The Soca Warriors and Guatemala played to a 2-2 draw.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868
“I didn’t score so I’m not going to be satisfied.” Jones (K) said. “At the end of the day I’m satisfied that we got into the hex. The most important thing about tonight was getting that result and going to the next stage.”
The former Sunderland and Stoke City striker, who is set to link up with Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise Atlanta United in the new year, gave his reasoning for his team’s hot and cold showing.
“It’s a combination of things that I think we need to deal with in-house,” Jones (K) said. “Also, I think the equation, it’s pretty tough. It’s like having a one-nil or a two-nil lead in a game. It’s the most dangerous lead that you could ever have; the most vulnerable point for you.
“I think coming up to the occasion knowing that we needed a point maybe played a part in our minds that we needed to do just enough. It’s not something that we should make a habit of really.”
If the Warriors finish in top spot in Group C they would entertain Mexico on November 7. Hart’s charges drew 4-4 and 3-3 with “El Tri” in respective Gold Cup and friendly matches last year, and the skipper does not see the need to shake things up tactically just yet.
Jones struck twice in a 2-2 draw between the two nations.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
“There’s an old saying, if it’s not broken don’t try to fix it,” Jones said. “The team itself, I don’t want to say we are set up to play a certain way, but we play a certain type of football. And I don’t think that trying to change certain things going forward is going to make a massive difference…
“Being able to be at the top of that focal point to bring my other teammates in is fantastic to me. At the end of the day, every game I’m playing I will be the main focus because of my profile and I have no problem with that because it frees up other people in the team to be able to express themselves and get the job done.”
Jones (K), who is currently on loan with two-time TT Pro League champions Central FC, reiterated his team’s desire for an “advantage” when they play on home soil. On Tuesday, Trinidad and Tobago saw their scrimmage match shifted from the Hasely Crawford Stadium to the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar as the stadium staff tried to keep the playing surface in top condition.
“When we went to Guatemala they stuck us in the back of a field where we had to walk through a trace (…) we went through a town where one morning there was a murder, and they trained somewhere good,” said the Warriors skipper. “Anytime we play here in Trinidad and Tobago, for some reason they always take something away from us. There’s always something that is giving us less of an advantage every time.
“So that’s not for us to sort out that’s for the people behind the scenes to deal with. However they decide to at least help us out a little bit would be really nice.”
Both teams played to a 2-2 draw.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868
The Warriors have qualified for the final round of 2018 World Cup qualifying undefeated, and with a game to spare. Now their towering on-field leader is pleading for that extra competitive edge going into the hex.
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Roneil Walcott is an avid sports fan and freelance reporter with a BA in Mass Communication from COSTAATT. Roneil is a former Harvard and St Mary’s College cricketer who once had lofty aspirations of bringing joy to sport fans with the West Indies team. Now, his mission is to keep them on the edge of their seats with sharp commentary from off the playing field.
Everyone including Kenwyne has to step up their game in the Hex. Not sure Kenwyne can at this stage, but praying that he does. Giving Coach Hart and his charges 100% support!!
The other factor is his vast experience we cannot discount that. He has played in two World Cups. He has been under several coaches we will devalue his worth to our own peril. Having been there and done that is an important factor going into big games in hostile situations
He does not have evostick on his feet but in my view his control is reasonable. But if you compare him with the guys around him he is not that artistic maestro nor do I think he wants to be. He has made a huge living doing what he does
Jamaal does kenwyne have that proper ball control football is not speed is skill and u have to be quick my decision is put where he belong central Defence d corners when we get them to him he is d target I remember buckwald d German defender r forward is not to push is foot anyway he a has to get d ball away and punish d opponent
Also it’s difficult for the eye of the fan to see the details of that slight delay from the wingbacks to play the ball into Kenwyne ….causing the moment to be lost. Added to when it should have been played into space created in the channel or when to his feet. Those combinations with the wingbacks clipping the ball over the top and the movements between striker and shadow striker are as important as the individual skill of our wingers like Joevin, Levi, Cato etc.
When the team and Kenwyne was fitter in the Gold Cup , the timing and quality of the balls going into to Kenwyne was better. Most of the squad just coming off preseason with only 2 or 3 games under their belt. I think Kenwyne and this team will improve as their own season continues and their fitness steps up.
The trust in Kenwyne is not there, a trained Coach’s eye can see it, the players are always looking for other options especially during build up
I thought Cyrus crossed the ball better than I’ve ever seen on Friday. And Mekeil did at least one marvellous first time cross. Even Bateau got up there and carved out a brilliant scoring opportunity for Kenwyne.
I don’t agree with blaming the full backs Jamaal. He got the chances and couldn’t take them on the day. And that’s football too.
Jones brings his own strengths to the team. We were singing his praises not to long ago when he had good form for TT. He has done well for Coach Hart and this incarnation of the national team. While we must always be looking for replacements and to improve the squad one must be careful that we are expecting everyone to be piano players. His aerial strength and ability to dogfight will be needed in the hex. Our teams are developing more confidence to build up the attack but as seen when Guatemala applied pressure higher upfield we had to go over the top and Kenwyne can also run.
Ok Keith u know how English soccer is up in d air few English born players have that skill take away those foreign players from d England soccer and it will turn into nothing also I am watching mr john Williams
..Jones was turned into a forward by his club manager in England..
He always wanted to play forward though. I interviewed him before and he always wanted to emulate his uncle Philbert Jones. Down to his backflip.
In his mind, he was always a forward and only played any other role reluctantly. But it’s true that it was in England that he got to live that dream.
..I hear you Lasana, but one you are not a forward or anything else because you want to be that. Like every little boy, I wanted to be a famous forward too. LOL. Instead, I had to “settle” for being a defender. The secret to football, as to Life, is to discover your strengths and to hide your weaknesses..
time to drop Kenwyne Jones and make him play for his pick. He adding no value to the team and taking the sting out of their attack
Take KJ out and replace him with who? When you name your replacement also provide the tactic and strategy that will coincide with that player selected.
We played once with two false 9s. Ataulla Guerra and Kevin Molino played alongside each other and it was actually a good experiment. Not that I’m saying we should suddenly go that route.
If Kenwyne was unavailable, Hart would have to find another way. But I still think we are stronger with him as an outlet to head on long clearances when we are under pressure or attack the ball in the air from set pieces.
With players like Joevin, Levi, Molino, Hyland, Boucaud,Cummings,eventually Bostock the approach of KJ drawing 2 or 3 defenders and leaving space of those terrors is for me, Plan A. Plan B maybe two false 9s but I do not know the personnel well enough to evaluate. Which game did we do that, maybe I can view on Youtbue?
It was 13 November 2014 against French Guiana in the Caribbean Cup. We won 4-2 which was our biggest win of the tournament. And, for context, that was French Guiana’s only loss as they whipped Curacao and drew Cuba. So it was a decent team.
I don’t know if you will find it online. But here was our starting team and subs from my own records:
Trinidad and Tobago: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 2.Justin Hoyte, 6.Daneil Cyrus, 12.Radanfah Abu Bakr, 26.Aubrey David, 14.Andre Boucaud (15.Jamal Gay 65), 8.Khaleem Hyland (captain) (5.Kevan George 53); 23.Lester Peltier (13.Cordell Cato 84), 11.Ataulla Guerra, 10.Kevin Molino, 7.Hughtun Hector.
Molino scored twice, Guerra scored once and Molino won the penalty for the other goal, which was scored by Peltier.
Jamal Gay came on but played as a defensive midfielder rather than upfront.
So that would have to be a storming experiment in terms of how Guerra and Molino did.
I always wondered why Hart never gave it a go again. Maybe insufficient practice games. Or maybe because of Guerra’s inconsistency.
In theory, a player like Kadeem Corbin would be perfect for that role alongside Molino. Our football will change from the moment that boy makes his senior debut and people who crave the old days with attackers like Jerren Nixon and Arnold Dwarika should swarm to the stadium.
Only Corbin had some setbacks because of his frail size and an alleged disinclination to work hard, which might have cost him a deal in the Netherlands when Levi was picked up.
T&T needs Kadeem Corbin to progress in the future.
http://wired868.com/2016/03/21/hart-feelings-dribblers-wanted-what-the-warriors-miss-and-the-new-bert-neptune/
In school football where was kenwyne jones playing stopper which coach took that gamble and put him up front as r kid did he work on ball control he can head the ball he left and went abroad and the teams he played with d coaches did same thing up front I was listening and watching d game he got and header all u can ask terry fenwick what he said this he was commentator on d header jones got as I see it u will get more out of him playing central defender not taking anything away from him as I see it up front theirs no place for him those guys Garcia jones Cato Mollineau they r to quick for him watching and waiting Tuesday game coming up mr hart make ur decision
In the Hex it’s all about the top 3/4, 3rd we’re granted into Russia 2018. 4th we go into a play off against an Oceana team
Asian 5th vs CONCACAF 4th is the intercontinental play-off this time around
Lasana Liburd Kirwin Weston Roneil K Walcott
Like the time T&T beat Bahrain 2-1 agg
Yeah Colin Benjamin. But those teams aren’t as bad as long time na. But better than the CONMEBOL play-off
Aim for 13 points to get 4th place yes. That’s cutting it close but that’s 4 wins and a draw just like WCQ in 2005. Order of the fixtures going to factor in big-time into this race.
With Mexico, USA and Costa Rica looking to lock the top 3 spots best we knock of Honduras but then again Mexico not so hard to beat
No team is unbeatable. H
We have to aim to win the Hex.
We know the challenges. …. but we still wanna qualify so we really can’t dwell on it tbh ….
We still gotta try and sort out issues other teams are challenged too with the exception of the US who despite unlimited resources are plagued with limited robotic players but we still want to kick their racist …. murderous cops …corrupt politically incorrect asses!!
The Mexico football problem is almost as well funded as the USA. I heard their annual budget is something like US$60 million. Ours is closer to TT$6 million.
Think about that difference for a bit…
Lasana I’ve thought about this since 1989 you think the comparable budgets weren’t the same for 2006? We’re never going to be on equal footing ….we’ve never been on equal footing so we either do it this way or use the excuse to justify why we should fail. If we’re gonna do the latter then we should simply give up our spot to Guatemala and home then. With our severely limited budget we are currently on top our group it speaks to our character and underated talent despite the off and on field challenges.
It isn’t an excuse though. It’s a fact. Nobody is saying not to try.
USA and Mexico don’t spend because they like to waste money. They think it will give them an advantage.
So let us know what is being done so we better understand how to close the gap.
I don’t think it is an excuse. You said it with our underfunding we are at the top of the group. Talent,grit and character and team unity for UA there. Imangine how much morw we could do with more funding. BTW isn’t Beenhaker supposed to be like an advisor to Hart? What’s going on with that.
Hart is obviously doing something/s right.
Beenhakker said he will not work with employees who are not being paid and told the TTFA to contact him when ALL arrears were paid to coaches.
That is still not the case, even if the current president did want to bring him back. But I don’t know that he is wanted now anyway.
Beenhakker is a damn good coach
Not to make excuses. But I can’t help but add to the mix that our players and current staff continue to cry out for some facilities and equipment that would help. I always hear the coach saying they don’t have funds to plan as he would like. Players saying things are being taken away with home advantage. Maybe taking all that into consideration the team is doing the best it can with the resources available. Hart said he would prefer first class seats for his players like under Beenhaker but he is not getting it. Just saying
I think last night the wingers weren’t defending as much so when there wingbacks overlapped it cause a problem especially when we didn’t have a true defensive midfielder to cover. Boucaud, Khaleem and molino can compete against any midfield in terms of ball possession and skill on the ball but not so much defensively. So going forward we have to decide if we sacrifice one of them and play a true defensive midfielder or we sacrifice our counter attack with the high wingers. I think either way would work for us but we can’t do both.
The reason that is so,cause of the type of teams we played against.this side need some serious make over.
U all good give kenwyn a chance he is world class
Kenwyn Jones needs to increase his work rate even if you are having and off day and can’t hit the target at least he can try to help the team by closing down opponents.Take example the Guatemala aged skipper he worked his socks off and he was on target.
I don’t like to get down on players, but kenwyne is a spent force long time ago is only Hart not seeing, something that the world have seen long time
KJ starts regardless… The ttfa needs to make it harder on our opponents
I don’t think anyone is guaranteed of a play in any case. Coach man seems to have his tactics and how he wants each player to work to achieve it. Men aint coming into the side based on reputation. The added competion for squad spots may lift the quality of the entire camp, don’t you think??
Then why is Kenwyn Jones captain? His play hardly consistently inspires leadership.
Because he has other roles beside scoring. Attract markers to free up the other attackers… he is a tower in the box when it comes to set pieces, both attacking and defensive. He didn’t perform when it came to his striking role, but he sure demanded the attention of two defenders in the attacking 3rd… creating extra space for Molino et al
I knw it’s the nature of the business but I’d definitely feel if for the players who helped get us to the hex but now would have to make way for new additions…
We can do it if we try a little harder
Vijai, I bet you we play better in the US. We were poor on Friday. But remember this team hasn’t lost a single game so far in qualifying. So it isn’t all doom and gloom.
Trinidad and Tobago has done well to reach the final round we need to improve thou on keeping the ball for longer periods and kenwyne has to take another role in the team beside centre forward maybe a defensive midfielder like does not have the legs again for it
playing at home and playing for a draw…what ah plan…no fight…playing an old man who cant score in front…
STEUPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you judge the team on one mediocre performance.
with such a school boy performance…long ball from d baack…ohhh please…
u r obviously a Jonnny come lately…have we ever won against the US…???
Is there any where in history where the US have walked over our senior team, please enlighten me.
Thanks Vijai Ramsawak, we plan to lie down and let them…why we people so.
Levi garcia and jovein jones should start on the right and left forward flanks respectively. Molino could play centre forward. Kenwyn jones could assist hart with water and anything else off the feild.
I suspect Levi was held back intentionally to give us a weapon off the bench. Remember Kenwyne is T&T’s top scorer under Hart eh.
The mistakes clear for everyone to see just focus on finishing maybe get a personal trainer do yoga getting old so got to keep up
I think Lasana Liburd or any other sports analyst knows K Jones role in the team is crucial from a technical perspective..i remember questioning the role of Stern John on our team for the 2006 Qualifiers… Interestingly I was made to shut up when he scored In the stadium and ran to those who were booing after scoring an said haul allyuh mudda….t .. A crucial goal it was also the one against Mexico.. So chill and leave K Jones hatters soon gonna turn fanz
Kenwyne thanks for all you have done…. It’s time we move forward…… We have the pace and skill with the younger guys Steven.
Kenwyn will score important away goals for us .mark my words
Ah sat down last night in d stadium watching d game and ah damn vex. Kenwyne Jones is beyond broken and can’t be fix. So y d ass he was on d field so long d man was ah damn eyesore five easy chances and he throw way. Believe u me my decease grandfather wud have put on ah better showing.
Kenwyne too lazy…. It had times in that game where he had the midfield plenty of his work
I’m not impress with what i saw sorry
On to the hex. Who we targeting to join in ? We need more quality
John Bostock, Nick De Leon… Bradley Wright-Phillips would probably be welcomed.
Related to Shaun Wright-Phillips ?
Didn’t realize the Wright-Phillips brothers had trini heritage. Bradley is ah scorer
I’m hoping Richard Roy and Ricardo John have to step up their games.
They could be our next two strikers to replace Kenwyne
Ricardo has a long way to go…..
We know. But those are the only two players possibly on the radar to suit TnT style of ball right now.
I understand… Ricardo has pace and instincts but he’s got to develop his left foot and work more on technical ability.
As I was telling Colin it looks like Hart wants a forward to ruffle defenders and draw defenders into him. We have no one else right now away with that size and physicality. Good thing is we have quality attacking mids who giving us goals. Will see how long we last with it
Reggae boyz was trying to get Wright-Phillips for a bit last year
Bradley is Shaun’s brother and he does qualify. Kirwin, no fix me upper will be ready to take Kenwyne’s spot for this campaign. Maybe after. But not this one.
HIs only feasible challengers are Shahdon Winchester, Willis Plaza, Trevin Caesar, Jonathan Glenn and Cornell Glen… And the only one of those who showed that he is ready for this level is Cornell. And that was Cornell a few years ago. I’m not sure how well he is doing now.
Ricardo for the future maybe. Even Jason Scotland might be a better bit if he is in shape. Cause experience counts.
It can be done. But it is a big gamble. Why would you drop the leading scorer and team captain to take a gamble? The guy who takes his spot has to really earn it.
I didn’t mean replace as in drop Kenwyne, sorry. I meant like alour second striker on the team. Looking for suitable replacement of the like that suits our current brand of ball. I think Richard Roy has similar characteristics of Kenwyne and would give that ruggedness and hold up play Hart requiring right now. Ricardo John given his size could maybe do the same. But those guus need to come up fast to help us in this campaign
Yuh cannot be serious with that Jason Scotland talk Lasana
Lol. Lemme see him in the pro league first. But if I were to pick between Roy, Ricardo and Scotty right now… Once Scotty passes a fitness test, he is in. He can hold up the ball better than even Kenwyne. Of course he can’t give you the aerial game though b
I will hush about Scotty until he debuts in the pro league. But all bets are off if he gets off to a good start. Because he and the skipper in the same league at the moment! ?
Kirwin. What about Nicholas Dillon since Ricardo John is in the conversation?
You jiving me Roneil good try.
But if N. Dillon in the mix, my gym fees paid and boots in an order. I will be training from Monday to contest that spot !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not hearing Corbin name in these conversations d most versatile offensive player trinidad have on offer
Hmmm. Corbin should look to settle at a club first.
Glad to see the interest in name young strikers but honestly I think the John Dillon and Corbin names won’t make any sense at this stage. We need to stay with Caesar plaza and the other lads vying. The gap is way to big to between the young strikers and Jones
Narada Wilson with d other two i agree, but Corbin is a whole different proposition all he needs to do is settle down off d field he is pure magic on it and runs his heart out
Hmmm. Will be interesting to see what happens. I think Richard Roy could have a part to play once he is sharp and improves in Scotland
Corbin is one for the future for sure Gordon. Once he gets serious. Just the thought of Corbin and Molino through the centre… Wow.
But he has to sacrifice and work hard. Don’t make us dream for nothing!
I have heard the views about him before but send him a board for a year with 24 7 football then I’d be convinced. That just my views as he is now a pro so it’s all football time no more time to waste.
I agree with Narada. I think there is some gap between those young strikers and the ones Hart currently has at his disposal.
World Cup qualifying is never pretty. The important thing is once the job is done. We are in the final round one more step to go!
I have to criticise the coaching staff for waiting too long to sub and change the game from attack to defense.It nearly cost us the match..
US gonna walk over T&T…
Hart took too long to sub off Kenwyne [all them chances he tro way]
Lassana you have to ask yourself …. in our recent performances against the aforementioned teams ….where did we struggle. As much as people cry down KJ …the copa qualifier vs haiti brings me back to the fact that when KJ wasnt there we had no focal point of attack. In the gold cup vs Panama our endurance killed us ..badly particularly ..Mekeil and Cyrus ….. Mexico will pressure us until our endurance gives out and then they will benefit from mistakes they will work the wings religiously until we make a mistake in the box. My point is power and athleticism is not enough without focus and discipline. ….if we can’t learn to possess the ball better and manage our game (not necessarily control it) ….. we’ll be on the backfoot defending too much at which point …our suspect fitness endurance will eventually force us into mistakes whereby we will concede. Marvin Phillips is not a goalie I have faith in … Jan Michael is acceptable but not outstanding … I’m concerned 🙁 …. plus I might have wagered $40 on the game vs US Tuesday. …umm oops???
Well, we know our weaknesses. John Bostock should help us keep the ball just a bit as will Kevin Molino who was off last night. Not that Andre Boucaud doesn’t help there. Because he does.
But we know what we have to work on.
I was surprised Kevon George didn’t start …he is our best defensive mid.
I took that as a positive sign that we wanted to hold the ball and dictate terms. Didn’t quite work out as well as it should have. But I didn’t mind.
Think Bostock has a real opportunity to impact this team …we need someone of his ability to possess the ball it seems.
Lasana Liburd Andre Boucaud helps too much. He lost the ball too often in parts of the field where you should not. Most times holding it too long almost daring the opponent to come and take it.
Yeah. He gets a lil cocky sometimes Gerard Johnson. 🙂
Molino is not fully off injury. I’m hoping he gets 100% soon.
KJ had opportunities. He missed them.
I recall the same with Stern.
Then, sometimes he scores them.
That’s the ballad of the striker.
Dennis, true. But when it comes to finishing, there’s no comparison.
I saw Dwight and Stern at shooting practice and I’ve watched other strikers since. Dwight and Stern set a high bar.
I didn’t wanna say it…
But…there yuh went and said it.
However, the reality is that KJ is what we got. Now.
the guys waiting in the wings have not yet seized the moment.
But i think it’s clear to everyone that #9 shirt is not guaranteed to be KJ’s in the Hex
I agree with you on almost everything there. But I actually think KJ has the role for the hex too.
The hex starts in Nov and I still think he is our best forward. If someone takes his spot in that space of time, that person surely wasn’t born in Trinidad.
Aside from match FIT—KJ has to get match FORM. last time he took off that kit he had a muffintop.
That is unacceptable at this level of the game. With the pace of MLS KJ will be forced into fitness cause they really don’t play that lurking mop-up player style over there. He gonna have to run. so fitness will come if he applies himself (i’m watching the Ronaldinho fans shaking their heads and tearing up here…)
but will he get FORM? Them two throw-way was a man putting himself into the right place but then fluffing. I want to see KJ on form, cutting like a white-handle razor…but i wonder if that’s a possibility now or just fanboy hopefulness?
Ok thanks Lasana.
Stephen John, our main asset so far is athleticism and power. But Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama and the United States can pretty much match us with those assets.
And of course Mexico has the advantage of the Azteca at home. So we will be starting from scratch and trying to find a way to beat a few teams that have gotten good results against us in recent years.
We were mostly poor last night and we should have won that game comfortably.
But we are still unbeaten and that counts too. I think with the pressure off, we should get a glimpse of our capabilities against the US on Tuesday.
But Kenwyne is broken and can’t be fix. Threw away 5 perfectly good chances to score and aside from 1 really good pass I didn’t see him contribute in any significant way to the overall game.
pay him in pounds nah… see how fast he get fixed
True, the entire team is performing better than him… Personally, to start with 95 % of his passing the ball skill fail… And yes he is showing little or no contribution to the team as captain…
If the coach does not recognize complacency when he sees it, especially at midfield, we have a problem. At least the skipper sees it.
Something is broke ….else the mood after qualifying wouldn’t be so worrisome. SH we need you to figure it out my dude ….. our mental prep seems suspect …..
Thanks Lasana. I wasn’t here for the game. What are your thoughts? The next stage is going to be more testing definitely.
Our worse game and we got a point I slept well last night. Plenty work but we in the hex.
What happens if we don’t top the group?
We play against CR the first game… no real difference
Home or away?
Exactly pressure from the start.
I believe either game we will be home
Keeper’s ball all day long on the right wing square to make it 1- 0. If it was any closer to him he’d be wearing it.
He slipped. Dunno if he would have been able to hold it or if he might have just gotten a hand to it… But he slipped as he was about to leave his line.
Proper studs. Extra long needed that night. Also. That field was poor.
Considering the rain and flooding yesterday… Our field was surprisingly good.
Which means he should have got to the ball. Because of the heavy ground, it rook an age to reach the back stick. The BACK post. Keeper and centre backs looked like strangers.
He was to square on his line at that crossing angle he should of been angle front foot on the line and back leg off the line.
Hey it was a great pass between the defense and the keeper. Ruiz made a gamble and the pass was perfect. What we need to speak about is our captain’s lack of composure. His size counts for nothing cause his touch is so poor. Also fitness wise, there were sometimes when he could not even get into the box. I don’t doubt his commitment but I think we should have other options. The next game is an ideal opportunity to see what else we have.
Kenwyne is finished. There. I said it. I dont care who in Trini vex. Could barely get off the ground for a free header.
I think he should be thrown on just to shake things up but we must have better options. He is a great motivator and has a lot of experience but he contributes very little on the field.
As long as they are honestly assessing their performance and addressing critical opportunities without hesitation they will improve every game.