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.
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.
“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!”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
CONCACAF Hex Standings
(Tabulated as Played-Won-Drew-Lost-Goals For-Goals Against-Points)
- Mexico 10-6-3-1-16-7-21
- Costa Rica 10-4-4-2-14-8-16
- Panama 10-3-4-3-9-10-13
- Honduras 10-3-4-3-13-19-13
- United States 10-3-3-4-17-13-12
- T&T 10-2-0-8-7–19-6
He work was safe no matter the outcome.
Maurisa Blackman-Nawd Jones goal #1 on ESPN
28 years later..mi was there in 89 in the stadium..i was there tonight in couva…i am ecstatic…warriorstotheworld
28 years after but revench has come we can fanilly put 1989 gost to rest
I watching some videos on YouTube and if yuh hear how some ah dem Americans talking like Trinidad is some walk over boy USA take in yuh waist
I have been trolling them since we scored first on FB.. love to get at ’em..
Shared this already. A beautiful well written piece..
I was prepared to take a loss. I didn’t even know how to act. Couldn’t function in the people place. Had to go outside to think (cry).
USA KNOCKED US OUT IN 89 WE KNOCKED THEM OUT IN2017 ah love it. Now we build for 2022.
Good to see Alvin Jones score such a goal on a big stage
He has scored a few of those goals for connection in pro league & CCL over the years
Just got to perfect that unique skill he clearly has
Great two games for Shahdon Winchester too
Maybe MLS & Liga MX contracts on the cards for both of them now
#RiverToAmerica #TwitterGameStrong
We jamming still.
I am so glad nature called and the field was not up to “USA” standard. All those extra freezing games we played out there. Karma is a biatch..
So true bro
Mark Molino I’m a sis?
Sorry about that Laurainne ,I was caught up in the moment
It good for them ,take that in allyuh rooko tookoog koong
friend after 27 years , T&T beat USA. I’m happy for the boys
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156855174427468&set=a.188094137467.162433.590582467&type=3
Really??? NOW we want to beat somebody?? Steups.
Boi ,just enjoy the win nah boi ,we spoiled there party
Nah bredda, you feel free to enjoy it though, that’s your right.
I’m now reading this and I can’t believe it
Hooray we set the bad-mouthers home!
Great result. All the people who said Alvin Jones is a waste of time quiet now eh. He’s the bestright back in the pro league for years now!
Instant Vindication!!!
Cyrus played with his heart out.. he deserves the Captains armband in the future..
Cha cha always a boss. Full 100 anytime he steps on the field. Playing as a central defender is his natural position so he’ll excell there unlike when Hart was playing him at right back.
Yes they are quiet!!
He did well this game cracking goal. But he’s still lala lol
Thanks Malik..
Scoring a spectacular goal does not somehow magically erase the flaws he has in his game, for example his tendency for reckless tackling. Just to illustrate, in his 11 caps for T&T, he has picked up three yellow cards and one red card. Let’s see if he improves.
Alvin has a relatively young international career, give him 20 more senior caps and a proper evaluation can be made. On the pro league level he’s definitely up there as one of the best in that position.
Alvin has to earn his 20 more senior caps. He made his debut three years ago, and has not been able to maintain regular selection in the national setup. He has to step up his game. As with many other players, the key is performing consistently.
Everson, Hart only played Cyrus at right back after Justin Hoyte started having injury problems.
Umm question who is arguably Spain’s best CB?
And how many red cards does he have in his career?
Point being he can be just as great even with his rash of judgement at times.
Nigel Myers You should run for President of the Federation. You are one of the few I never disagree with
It’s called misdirection …. Let’s use Danny Alves great overlapping defender ….shite actually defending …..not trying to bring down the soldier but let’s not get carried away. His brother is a good little player …we give him props push him up further in the field ….it got to his head and is now playing a bag of balls…..so he cyah let that goal go to his head …..we’re here to remind him
Sebastian, as far as I know, Sergio Ramos has not had any red cards during his international career of 147 caps for Spain. In any event, I’m not saying that rash tackling will prevent Alvin from doing well, I’m just merely pointing out a flaw. The man has not even established himself on the national side as yet, and people talking about vindication and all that. He had a very good game, and that’s that. On to the next one.
Spot on Nigel. You know what this match reminded me of? W Connection – Saprissa 2-1 with elimination of Saprissa from
CCL after trashing W Connection 4-0 at home
Great work guys. Proud of you!!! Make T&T proud!!
congrats to Lawrence and the boys.. He never gave up. What a game to save face. Won when we needed it best.Eat your words USA.
So we beat the USA in track and field and now this!! Well done TnT!!!
No visa lord
Well my second sweetest country will always be who they are with their arrogant selves and always thinking that they are better then the third world countries eh.Alyuh remember back in 2010 I think it was when they was in the group with the Chezs, Italy, and Ghana and their commentators was only talking about the Chezs, and Italy and not Ghana, well guess who put it on them and sent them home with their tails between their legs eh Ghana 2-0 and the same Bruce Arena got fired pronto the same eh, so well done our Soca Worries and really hoping that our sweet country will really get serious with the beautiful game moving forward eh. Them really good yes.
It was 2006
T&T seem to be on a winning street against the US, relays and now football.
Dear Yanks, we are not part of Jamaica BUT we are the country that cut yuh arse. Now yuh know where Trinidad is, ok… Goodnight all
Now next time they play us they have something new to talk bout instead of consistently mentioning 1989.
They can now mention 2017!!
Allyuh laugh at meh when I tell yuh US is ah ordinary team. Run all day on fitness try to wear yuh down and capitalise on mistakes ….not a creative team. I didnt expect us to beat dem …. but I’ll take it….BOOM!!
Malik I missed yuh here. Why yuh take so long to comment
Lol I stayed at work to watch the game and is traffic to get home!! lol
They should have played “Hold on tight…doh leggo Doh Leggo” for them in the dressing room. This was the song that Ronnie Macintosh and his band was singing as we were shuffling out of the HCS in tears back in 1989. Total strangers hugging up in a real Kumbahyah moment. The US could use a shoulder to cry on
Great memory!!
Let’s give it up for badmind.
Nah, Jack not even allowed to watch football on tv
Oh oh.
The faces of the American journalists though… classic.
Or CONFUSED
Mango that is for you only
Lasana they call we team a bunch of journeymen…they get their tail knock out….hahaha
so Earl how your second team lose so ?? them really good yes
Goal scored to win the game was even similar… a cracker way outside the 18yrd
No it was not similar. We goalie said it was sun in his eye
Michael Maurice was on shot..
Till this day I don’t know why he wore a cap…but was a crack of a shot he got
I always tell them that the ball is round yes and anything can happen on any given day, but nobody doh be listening to me nah. Them really good yes.
Ah shut your pie hole.. you Trump lover.. Commie..I hope you wearing your USA team shirt right now.. I have been in the States since 1975.. and I have never supported anybody but Trinidad and Tobago in everything.. we not perfect but we are what we call a work in progress.. ????????????. Go get some rest old dude.. and don’t congratulate Trinidad.. because I have seen your postings day in and out about US..
They are crying and blaming each other.. Long.. Long plane ride back to Miami… .. we have to big up Panama., they assisted us in our Revenge..
BOOOOOOM!! They gone!!
Thts how sports is…sweet revenge…will go down in amercian history for the 2018 world cup needing a win or draw to go to Russia, they came here saying its a walk in the park… but they only walked away with a one way ticket back to the states …..sounds so ironic to 1990…espn should run a story about this…
Will make a good 30 fpr 30 eh!
ESPN
Actually they came here saying “River to Russia”.. well they can take a boat and row back to America.. 😀
Trinidad and USA gonna be big rivals now
Ah wait 28 years for this. Sweet.
It was really a night of circumstance, because if the other results had gone differently, the US would have either qualified automatically or would have had to okay a play off
BIGGEST embarrassment for them… well since Trump
It was so satisfying to an entire nation this result… pay back
Maybe the US didn’t want to be there in Russia? I’m a conspiracy kinda guy
If you know how happy I am yuh swear we made it to the world cup. If we not going YOU not going either.
Dey could watch it in de sports bars jes like we?
Haha. De people want Wata! .
Lol
I ent see nutten.The moon was in meh eye ! – USA Goalie.
Melville, you should have copyrighted that… everyone keeps sending me tags and memes with that quote now!
I think I would do a Rhoda,Lasana.
But Copious thanks,Lasana.
Shot Heard Round the World!!
We lost 2/1 in 89(they knock us out)…28yrs later we won 2/1knocking them out….Karma Baby Karma
We lost 1-0 in 1989 bro
2-1 was the aggregate score in 89
;-D
Yes yes yes…true dat true dat my bad
http://www.espnfc.com/world-cup-qualifying-concacaf/64/video/3226307/watch-twellman-sounds-off-after-us-miss-world-cup
That was for 1989
Soccer by the river….
I know that…this was the USMNT comment…We just pay them back for 1989……