Haynes selects T&T U-20 squad, “Zoom”, Sween, Rio and Chaves head roster

Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team head coach Brian Haynes announced his 21-man squad for Concacaf Under-20 Championship qualifying action today, with 11 players graduating from the previous under-17 team.

Midfielders Lindell Sween, Jeremiah Cateau, and Josiah Ochoa, flankers Derrel “Zoom Zoom” Garcia, Rio Cardines, and Malachi Webb, forwards Michael Chaves and Tyrell Moore, defenders Jaden Williams and Lyshaun Morris, and goalkeeper Ailan Panton retained their places from the 2023 Concacaf Under-17 Championship.

They are joined by 10 newcomers, including the Presentation College (San Fernando) quartet of defenders Cody Cooper and Duhrell Young and midfielders Levi Jones and Abayomi George, along with 15-year-old goalkeeper Makaya Taylor, who recently moved from Speyside High to the “Pres Lions”.

Former San Juan North Secondary forward Larry Noel, now with Salt Lake Community College in the United States, and Arima North Secondary defender Akil Henry are also among the new recruits who are likely to feature.

St Anthony’s College and Trendsetter Hawks flanker Andell Fraser was selected as an alternate.

Haynes’ pool of players was described by technical director Anton Corneal as the most gifted bunch he has seen in over a decade—so, unsurprisingly, there were some talented players who missed the cut.

San Juan North Secondary midfielder Nathan Quashie and the Naparima College pair of playmaker Kanye Francis and winger Jabari Forbes, all of whom have TTPFL Tier One experience with Club Sando, did not make the final team.

Free-scoring Fatima College and QPCC midfielder Aidan De Gannes was also overlooked, along with QRC and Pro Series playmaker Tau Lamsee. There was no room either for Gateway Athletics goalkeeper Tor Fletcher, or the overseas-based trio of midfielder Caleb Borneo and attackers Aidan Ward, Dominic Wilson and Addae Paponette.

Trinidad and Tobago open their Concacaf youth campaign on Friday 23 February when they face Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from 7pm in the second match of a Group D double header at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Canada kick off proceedings against Dominica from 4pm. Admission is $50.

Only one from those four nations advances to the Concacaf Under-20 Championship, which serves as a qualifying tournament for the Chile 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup.

(Trinidad and Tobago National Under-20 Team)

Goalkeepers: Ailan Panton (Darlington Soccer Academy—USA), Makaya Taylor (Presentation College, San F’do/ Brother Ry Academy), Bryan Gafiuk (Victoria Highlanders—Canada);

Defenders: Akil Henry (Arima North Secondary/ Pro Series), Cody Cooper (Presentation College, San F’do/ Dunstan Williams Academy), Russel Francois (St Anthony’s College/ Trendsetter Hawks), Jaden Williams (Fatima College/ QPCC), Lyshaun Morris (St Benedict’s College/ Pt Fortin Civic), Duhrell Young (Presentation College, San F’do/ W Connection);

Midfielders: Levi Jones (Presentation College, San F’do), Abayomi George (Presentation College, San F’do/ San Fernando Giants), Josiah Ochoa (St Benedict’s College/ Point Fortin Youth);

Attackers: Rio Cardines (Crystal Palace—England), Lindell Sween (San Juan North/ Morvant Caledonia), J’lon Matthews (Malick Secondary/ Police FC), Malachi Webb (St Benedict’s College/ Premier SC), Jeremiah Cateau (Southern Soccer Academy—USA), Derrel Garcia (Intercity International Football Academy—Spain);

Forwards: Michael Chaves (Fatima College/ QPCC), Larry Noel (Salt Lake Community College—USA), Tyrell Moore (unattached).

Standby: Andell Fraser (St Anthony’s College).

Technical Staff: Brian Haynes (head coach), Marvin Gordon (assistant coach), Gilbert Bateau (assistant coach), Jefferson George (goalkeeper coach), Natalie Charles (medic), John Jerry (equipment manager).

Concacaf U-20 Championship qualifiers

(Group D)

(Friday 23 February)

Canada vs Dominica, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Trinidad and Tobago vs St Vincent and the Grenadines, 7pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

(Sunday 25 February)

St Vincent and the Grenadines vs Canada, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Dominica vs Trinidad and Tobago, 7pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

(Tuesday 27 February)

Dominica vs St Vincent and the Grenadines, 4pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Trinidad and Tobago vs Canada, 7pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium.

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