Mr Jones stuns USA! America’s W/Cup dreams drown in river of tears at Couva

Forget Paul Caligiuri. There is a new legend in the mostly one-sided feud between tiny Trinidad and Tobago and the mighty United States.

W Connection right-back Alvin Jones spectacularly announced himself on the international stage tonight with a goal that will live long in the memory of the United States’ travelling players and fans.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago right-back Alvin Jones (second from left) celebrates with teammates after his stunning goal against the United States during 2018 World Cup qualifying action in Couva on 10 October 2017.
(Copyright AFP 2017/Luis Acosta)

At the final whistle, Trinidad and Tobago had broken a seven-game losing streak to edge the United States 2-1 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva and the North American team were eliminated from the Russia 2018 World Cup at the final hurdle.

The Soca Warriors’ own chance of advancing ended a month ago but the loud cheers and dancing in the stands suggested that the home crowd enthusiastically embraced what the Germans refer to as ‘schadenfraude’—or what Trinis might call ‘bad mind.’

“America, we know we not going to Russia,” a nuts vendor shouted to nobody in particular, during the first half, “but allyuh not going neither!”

The score was goalless at the time but how prophetic his words turned out to be. A combination of results were necessary to eliminate coach Bruce Arena’s outfit: not only did Warriors coach have to break a nine-match winless streak but Panama needed to defeat Costa Rica and Honduras needed a win against the group leaders, Mexico.

And on a remarkable night of CONCACAF football, all three happened.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago midfielder and captain Khaleem Hyland (left) tries to keep the ball while United States captain Michael Bradley (background) and Christian Pulisic watch on during 2018 World Cup qualifying action at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 10 October 2017.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

“I think the difference tonight was the concentration for 90 minutes plus,” said Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team head coach Dennis Lawrence, in the post-game media conference. “[…] I’m really proud of the boys and I’m proud for Trinidad and Tobago as a nation.”

Although the contest meant everything to the visitors, it had been a low-key affair for local football fans. Or at least it was—until the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and American journalists posted images of the waterlogged Ato Boldon Stadium surface on Monday morning.

It was a light-hearted ribbing really but it touched a raw nerves with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) and Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT)—both already repeatedly criticised for incompetent management—as well as with some supporters who were taken aback at the supposed impudence of their guests.

Suddenly, a football match that was little more than a chore and barely advertised locally had taken on increased significance.

“If you want to see what is really embarrassing,” one commenter remarked, “why not look at your own president!”


Photo: Trinidad and Tobago left back Kevon Villaroel (left) tackles USA midfielder Christian Pulisic during 2018 World Cup qualifying action at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 10 October 2017.
(Copyright AFP 2017/Luis Acosta)

There were barely 3,000 spectators in Couva yesterday at a venue built to hold roughly 10,000; but they came with a specific goal: to see the Warriors ram that perceived insult down the throats of those “Yanks.” And, as always, the ghost of November 19, 1989 was lurking.

The hosts started well enough although things might have turned out quite differently if USA forward Jozy Altidore had taken a presentable chance in the seventh minute. Marauding right-back DeAndre Yedlin, an England Premier League player with Newcastle United, played the ball through the legs of T&T’s Triston Hodge to find Altidore with space in the opposing penalty box. The big frontman  blasted over the bar on the turn.

The Warriors had no intention of merely making up numbers, though, and, in the 10th minute, Jones engineered a chance at the other end with a right-side cross that forward Shahdon Winchester tried to turn towards goal. The effort yielded only a corner kick.

The pair tried to combine again in the 16th minute but American defender Omar Gonzales anticipated Jones’ cross. Unfortunately, facing his own goal, Gonzales only made things worse, as the ball spun off his boot and beat USA goalkeeper Tim Howard. T&T 1, USA 0.

It was an early return on Lawrence’s faith in the 23-year-old Jones, whose World Cup qualifying debut last month went horribly wrong after he was ejected within 10 minutes of coming on as a substitute against Honduras.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago right-back Alvin Jones (centre) beats United States goalkeeper Tim Howard but just misses the far post as well during 2018 World Cup qualifying action in Couva on 10 October 2017.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)

Question marks over Jones’ athleticism and ability to defend in one-on-one situations have followed the Connection player ever since he made his international debut under former coach Stephen Hart, three years ago. But, once Trinidad and Tobago are in possession, there is no doubt that his crossing is an asset.

Oh, and he can shoot too. But the world probably knows that by now.

In the 36th minute, an exchange of passes near the halfway line led to Jones taking possession. He was at least 30 yards out but he had space to look up and set his sights. People in the small crowd who have followed the young man in the Pro League would have sat up straight.

What came next was a right-footed screamer that arrowed into the far corner. It seemed to belong in an entirely different match and it certainly illuminated a contest that had, up to that point, been low-tempo and scrappy.

Howard’s eyes opened as wide as saucers, the Trinidad and Tobago bench was in uproar and, all over CONCACAF, word of Señor Jones spread like wildfire; the United States were in trouble at 0-2 down.

Just before the halftime whistle, Jones—who had an unsuccessful trial with the MLS’ worst team, Minnesota United, earlier this year—took another try from a dead-ball situation, from even further out. Howard spilled it and, if Winchester had been alert, the Warriors might have had a three-goal advantage.

Photo: United States goalkeeper Tim Howard reaches for the ball in the back of his net during 2018 World Cup qualifying action against Trinidad and Tobago at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 10 October 2017.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)

A veteran of three World Cups and once a Manchester United custodian, Howard was rattled and, at the interval, the Americans seemed in greater need of counselling than of water.

The image of muscular players being carried piggy-back over two inches of water on the Ato Boldon Stadium track on Monday came to mind. In the old days, Trinidad and Tobago players would be cowed by the brutish strength and competitiveness of American players like Alexei Lalas, Jeff Agoos and Brian McBride.

But, this week, the bald eagle seemed to have been replaced by pigeons. Or doves.

Tellingly, at the start of the second half, Arena turned to veteran Clint “Deuce” Dempsey, a kid who grew up in a trailer park, raps and, as a teenager, once got into a fist-fight with his New England Revolution teammate and ex-T&T international Avery John, no shrinking violet himself.

The substitution meant tactical adjustments for the Americans and, presumably, as a a result, midfield anchor Kevan George momentarily lost sight of teenaged wonder-boy Christian Pulisic on top of the penalty box.

The little opening was enough. Within seconds, Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Adrian Foncette was picking the ball out of his net.

Surely, it was going to get really interesting now. But rather than settle into a trench, Lawrence’s Warriors stood tall and kept playing.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago winger Levi Garcia (left) runs at United States left back Jorge Villafana during 2018 World Cup qualifying action in Couva on 10 October 2017.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

in the 48th minute but for alert defending by Yedlin, T&T’s own teenaged dynamo Levi Garcia might well have restored the hosts’ two-goal advantage.  Then Altidore headed over. Howard saved from Winchester with his legs. And Foncette tipped a Dempsey effort over the bar.

Two supposedly mismatched opponents were trading punches in the centre of the ring—with the hosts clearly showing no respect for the script.

Make America great again? We’d rather not.

Trinidad and Tobago substitute Kevon Villaroel made a crucial block to deny Dempsey in the 82nd minute while, in the 87th minute, Foncette dived low to make a superb save and keep out a Benny Feilhaber header.

Yet the Warriors might have easily stretched the lead too and the United States were lucky to keep all 10 outfield players on the field a,s in the dying minutes, Gonzales and Matt Beasler took turns in dragging spritely substitute Trevin Caesar to the ground with no defender between them and the goal.

And, at the final whistle, the United States knew that, for the first time since 1986, they had been denied access to the World Cup finals.

Photo: United States captain Michael Bradley (left) and teammate Christian Pulisic react to the final whistle after their 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago in 2018 World Cup qualifying action in Couva on 10 October 2017.
(Copyright AFP 2017/Luis Acosta)

On 19 November 1989, the Americans, thanks to a long-range item from Caligiuri, pick-pocketed the “Strike Squad’s” ticket to the Italia 1990 World Cup; as a result, a certain teenaged rising star, Dwight Yorke, had to wait a further 16 years before he finally got to the showcase tournament.

On that unforgettable November afternoon 28 years ago, Jones’ father, Kelvin Jones, was an unused substitute. For the policeman, who was a composed and versatile left-sided defender, his chance to experience a World Cup never came.

His youngest son, Alvin—the younger brother of more celebrated teammate Joevin Jones—ensured that, for at least the next four years, the USA’s Pulisic will now know how he felt.

(Teams)

Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 22.Adrian Foncette (GK); 17.Alvin Jones, 5.Daneil Cyrus, 13.Curtis Gonzales, 18.Triston Hodge (4.Kevon Villaroel 80); 19.Kevan George, 23.Leston Paul; 7.Nathan Lewis, 8.Khaleem Hyland (captain), 16.Levi Garcia (3.Joevin Jones 71); 9.Shahdon Winchester (20.Trevin Caesar 76)

Unused substitutes: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK), 21.Greg Ranjitsingh (GK), 2.Kareem Moses, 6.Josiah Trimmingham, 10.Duane Muckette, 11.Neil Benjamin Jr, 12.Kathon St Hillaire, 14.Akeem Roach, 15.Jared London.

Coach: Dennis Lawrence

United States (4-3-1-2): 1.Tim Howard (GK); 2.DeAndre Yedlin, 3.Omar Gonzales, 5.Matt Besler, 15.Jorge Villafana (23.Kellyn Acosta 71); 21.Paul Arriola (8.Clint Dempsey 46), 4.Michael Bradley (captain), 6.Darlington Nagbe (16.Benny Feilhaber 83); 10.Christian Pulisic; 9.Bobby Wood, 17.Jozy Altidore.

Unused substitutes: 12.Brad Guzan (GK), 22.Nick Rimando (GK), 7.DaMarcus Beasley, 11.Alejandro Bedoya, 13.Dax McCarty, 14.Tim Ream, 18.Chris Wondolowski, 19.Graham Zusi, 20.Geoff Cameron.

Coach: Bruce Arena

Referee: Marlon Mejia (El Salvador)

Wired868 Man of the Match: Alvin Jones

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago coach Dennis Lawrence (centre) gives instructions to team captain Khaleem Hyland (left) and winger Levi Garcia during 2018 World Cup qualifying action at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 10 October 2017.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

CONCACAF 2018 World Cup qualifying results

(Tuesday 10 October)

Trinidad and Tobago 2 (Omar Gonzales OG 16, Alvin Jones 36), USA 1 (Christian Pulisic 46) at Couva

Honduras 3 (Alberth Ellis 34, Guillermo Ochoa OG 53, Romell Quito 60), Mexico 2 (Oribe Peralta 17, Carlos Vela 37) at San Pedro Sula

Panama 2 (Gabriel Torres 54, Roman Torres 88), Costa Rica 1 (Johan Venegas 37) at Juan Diaz

Photo: United States midfielder Christian Pulisic (centre) prepares to drive home his team’s opening goal while Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Kevan George looks on during 2018 World Cup qualifying action at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 10 October 2017.
(Copyright AFP 2017/Ashley Allen)

CONCACAF Hex Standings

(Tabulated as Played-Won-Drew-Lost-Goals For-Goals Against-Points)

  1. Mexico            10-6-3-1-16-7-21
  2. Costa Rica      10-4-4-2-14-8-16
  3. Panama           10-3-4-3-9-10-13
  4. Honduras        10-3-4-3-13-19-13
  5. United States 10-3-3-4-17-13-12
  6. T&T                 10-2-0-8-719-6

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About Lasana Liburd

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.

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244 comments

  1. WATCH the United States collapse out of World Cup 2018 from a fan’s perspective.


  2. Rather than focus on foolish post Mortem commentary from Shaka or whoever we really need to focus on how to shape the future of TT football. Anybody could sound brilliant when they describing something that has already happened. Had some of the USA shots which missed by inches scored what would he have had to say???

    That said “Bruce Arena is Out!”. USA football is about to undertake a deep review beginning at the board level. What is TTFA doing? Is Dennis Lawrence still the coach? Time for real analysis not vapid commentary and blind support .

    Can we get to World Cup 2022? If that’s the plan ….. how? What’s the strategy ? What’s the structure? Who’s leading? How are we going to market to raise funds? When are we starting the journey?

  3. This isnt revenge. Its football. You either show up or get shown up. The USA is out. Im sure there are already plans afoot to make things better going fwd. I will be looking at what we plan on doing. We need to be better from infrastructure to administration. And coaching. Especially coaching. We building a hotel but have no functioning academy. The Pro League needs to be revamped. If this win is to serve any purpose it has to be as a catalyst for change. We made 2006 and got complacent. Now we looking fwd to 2022 and 26.

  4. What yuh trying to say about we President, Nigel.

  5. Great article especially the last paragraph. Also I love the section which went “the score was goalless”. Since most Americans and our young people in typical follow fashion manner say “a scoreless tie”, your tongue in cheek statement made it so clear that 0-0 is an official score in football.

  6. Congratulations to coach Dennis Lawrence and his staff and players. Well done guys.
    DJW ah think you find Trinbago’s “Azteca Stadium” in a wet heavy ground at the Ato Boldon Stadium. Lets nick name ABS “the panyard” and keep it heavy.
    Alvin Jones, you had a good game and a foot in both goals. That right foot of yours will secure a decent future so you would be another foreign based player. I wish you all the best.

  7. Revenge is best SERVE COOL that’s for 1989 big up TT one love

  8. Wow excellent job T&T do hope Trump don’t say its a fake goal, way to go T&T.

  9. Revenge is best served on a Wet Football Field in Sunny Trinidad A generation of Trinboganians have waited 28 years for this moment!! GO ICELAND GO

  10. Mr. Jones ..Mr. Jonessssss. U got a goood thing going onoooonn.nnn
    …lol

  11. They will be represented in Russia by their president

  12. Respect to our team but thumbs down to the rest of us Trini s who could not be bothered to come and support the boys in the stadium last night but are happy to share in their glory ,only a handfull of diehards came out ,come on we should do better in supporting ALL our athletes when they compete

  13. Something not right u s a don’t want to go Russia like they fraid something lol

  14. Trump will send Trini’s ass back home now

  15. Wow ! Bet you surprised yourselves guys !!!

  16. Everyone happy, revenge sweet. How much of you went to the match? I didn’t.

  17. T&T did not make it then but just how t&t feel let them feel how they feeling but this game make them proud God bless all of them amen

  18. It unfair for America to play two countries at the same time…Trinidad and Tobago

  19. We made the wc?

    Distraction from the corruption, us soccer wasn’t happy about going to Russia initially and their bid …

    People easily forget what has been happening

  20. Russia Tourism will suffer BIG LOSS of US$ no USA qualification…oops..

  21. USA got back the same type of long shot goal they gave us on 1989. Now they know how we felt. The American coaches can,t handle this loss, they are livid.

  22. Alvin Jones cost Fox Sports millions!

  23. No wonder why the rain fell and the stadium had water because someone knew USA as they call it soccer team would be crying

  24. Soca Warriors wash away USA’s W/Cup dreams; Dennis Lawrence says Trinidad and Tobago has a platform to build on, although no date or opponent in place yet for T&T’s next football match
    https://wired868.com/2017/10/11/soca-warriors-wash-away-usas-wcup-dreams-lawrence-says-time-to-move-on-from-1989/

  25. May I ask if anyone has knowledge of anything further on the Stern John fiasco with CFC? What is the update on this. After Derek King came out and condemned this was there any further action, resolution?

  26. With Iceland’s population of 335,000 and qualifying for Russia, we’ve lost our record of being the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup finals. Cha man. But still Congratulations Soca Warriors.

    • I started to say we need to do the same, but I don’t think our issue is lack of accessible spaces to play. If we had anything resembling competent administration we’d study what Panama, Spain, Germany, Iceland et al did to fix their issues. Forget about 2022 and build towards 2026 in earnest. Trust that the US is about to do something very similar to that, and if they get it right, God help the rest of CONCACAF.

    • The bit Shaka didn’t mention is that Panama spent a lot on coach education and ensured that all those young children who were being welcomed into the game had good coaching.
      The SSFL had ‘B’ and ‘C’ license courses for its school coaches this August and that is a good start. But we have to ensure that ALL coaches within the TTFA umbrella are properly trained.
      Of course, even then, you still have to fix our rotten structure and stop officials and administrators from abusing players and stealing from the game.

    • And even then we will need to pour resources into developing players (coaching as you mentioned, will go some ways towards addressing that). Hopefully the talent pool will develop to the point that we find outlets for our players after that. Somehow African nations are churning out talent, presumably in the absence of excellent coaching.

    • I know some Europeans have set up academies in Africa though. Also when your little club has produced a Kolo Toure and Youre Toure, there is going to be some team in Europe that won’t mind giving you some Euros for first option on whatever next you might come up with.
      We don’t have those kind of partnerships here.

    • There is some infrastructure investment from foreign clubs, but seems there are many Naby Keita and Kelechi Iheanachos out there… players who literally develop on their own out of the blue.

    • Check Venezuela’s rise in football..It has had a lot to do with the fraternal programs , including heath and physical education training provided by Cuba..Where do you think gold medallist Kershorn ‘came’ from?

  27. Hmm all this piss taking and happiness. Yet T&T are in the same pit as the US. T&T winning that game was like sticking your dick in a vacuum. Sure you may have jizzed, but you can’t call it sex.

  28. As I tendered in an earlier segment, when we have nothing to lose we loosen up and inhibitions go away. When we have nothing to lose, our mental and skeletal muscles loosen up. When there is small support and low pressure from that small crowd, we loosen up. A very good win, and actually, I predicted this win, along with a win for Panama over CR but a tie from Honduras with Mexico giving the US the 4th place. I felt and expressed too in a very recent contribution also, that T&T played an excellent game against Mexico in our 1-3 loss but the Trojan in Mexico did not allow them to surrender and when the “horse” was called to gallop to the finish line, Chicharito and his men rose out of the doldrums toward the end of the game. What we need do is, learn to play as if there is nothing to lose. After we have learnt this and have entrenched in our system, then we must come out and play as if we have everything to gain. Well done DL and the players in these last two games.

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