Russell makes five changes to T&T Women’s U-17 roster for final W/Cup qualifying round

Trinidad and Tobago Women’s National Under-17 team head coach Ayana Russell has announced her 21-member squad to participate in the final round of Concacaf U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with five changes from the earlier qualifying rounds.

The young Women Soca Warriors play at home again and kick off their final qualifying round against the United States of America from 7pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on Monday 31 March.

Trinidad and Tobago forward Orielle Martin (second from left) is congratulated by teammates after her goal against the USVI during a Concacaf W U17 Qualifiers contest at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 27 January 2025.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired86.

The match is the second game of a double header with El Salvador facing Honduras from 4pm. Admission is TT$40.

Trinidad and Tobago then play El Salvador from 7pm on Wednesday 2 April and end their series against Honduras from 7pm on Saturday 5 April.

Only the group winners qualify automatically to the Morocco 2025 Fifa Women’s U-17 World Cup while there is one more spot which goes to the best runners-up from all three groups.

Russell is expected to rely on the offensive gifts of Orielle Martin, Rasheda Archer and Sanni Wilson, while hoping that the likes of defenders Kanika Rodriguez, Kaitlyn Darwent and Mikaela Yearwood and midfielder Cherina Steele can keep things tight at the other end.

Trinidad and Tobago players pose before kickoff against Honduras in a key Concacaf Women’s U-17 qualifying fixture at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 31 January 2025.
T&T lost 1-0 but qualified for the final round as one of the best runners-up.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.

There are five inclusions to the Women’s National Under-17 Team with the United States-based duo of midfielder Diem Sealey (FC Dallas) and attacker Giuliana Meyer (Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals) both included, along with goalkeeper Alexia Dolland and defenders Cherine Steele and Taya Williams.

Dolland, Williams and Steele all played for the Trinidad and Tobago High Performance teams at the 2024 Jewels of the Caribbean tournament, while Williams also competed at the 2024 Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championship.

Steele’s twin sister, Cherina Steele, was a key member of the Women Warriors team in the earlier round.

The Trinidad and Tobago players from the earlier qualifying stage who are not included are defensive midfielder Aniya Thompson and goalkeeper Zofia Richards.

Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Aniya Thompson (right) tries to beat Belize goalkeeper Angelica Lopez during Concacaf Women’s U-17 qualifying action at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 29 January 2025.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.

Defender Daniella Paul and attacker Jayda Herbert were listed among the reserves, along with midfielder Alyssa Singh.

(Trinidad and Tobago team)

Goalkeepers: Zaira Aimey, Kenisha Taylor, Alexia Dolland.

Defenders: Jessica Nesbitt, Hackeemar Goodridge, Kanika Rodriguez, Kaitlyn Darwent, Mikaela Yearwood, Cherine Steele, Taya Williams.

Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Zaira Aimey.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.

Midfielders: Cherina Steele, Ty’kaiya Dennis, Zyesha Potts, Rori Gittens, Mia Lee Chong, Madison Campbell, Diem Sealy.

Attackers: Rasheda Archer, Orielle Martin, Sanni Wilson, Giuliana Meyer.

Reserves: Daniella Paul, Jayda Herbert, Alyssa Singh.

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