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Trinidad and Tobago will not advance to the knockout stage of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Girls Under-14 Challenge Series, despite home advantage, after successive defeats across two groups.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) inserted two teams in the regional competition, after a spot was made vacant by the withdrawal of Haiti. However, both sides struggled.
Bermuda won 2-0.
Photo: TTFA Media.
The Trinidad and Tobago Girls Under-14 team lost consecutive matches to Aruba (2-1) and Bermuda (2-0) at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain over the weekend.
And the Trinidad and Tobago Girls High Performance (HP) team fared even worse, as they were routed 9-0 by the Dominican Republic and 8-0 by Puerto Rico at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
The High Performance girls complete their campaign at 10am on Tuesday at the Larry Gomes Stadium, when they face Martinique in a bottom of the table clash. And the National Under-14 Girls tackle group leaders, Jamaica, from 4pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium later that afternoon.
Photo: TTFA Media.
As it stands, both Trinidad and Tobago outfits are on course to face each other in a playoff clash between the two fourth placed teams from either group to determine the last placed team in the entire Tier I competition.
Prior to the competition’s kick off, the TTFA noted that: “the CFU Girls U14 Challenge Series serves as a crucial developmental platform”.
“This is a golden opportunity for us to give more of our young girls a taste of international football, especially with so many from Tobago now making their mark,” stated TTFA president Kieron Edwards.
“We are confident this tournament will inspire them to aim higher, while also strengthening the future of women’s football in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The TTFA featured its High Performance team on its Facebook page during its pre-tournament previews. However, the local football body has not posted a single of the outfit’s scores during the CFU competition—as the team, coached by Ray Mitchell, conceded 17 times in 140 minutes without scoring themselves.
With regard to the Girls National Under-14 team’s narrower defeats, the TTFA remarked: “Keep your heads up girls. Two tough results but this is all part of the journey. A developmental stage, a learning curve—and every step makes you stronger.
“We believe you’ll come back better, sharper and hungrier.”
The technical staff of the Girls National Under-14 team is led by Fifa talent development coach Kevin McGreskin.
Photo: TTFA Media.
(Trinidad and Tobago Girls National Under-14 team)
Goalkeepers: Akeila Marryshow (Trendsetter Hawks), Khathony Benjamin (Legion FA);
Defenders: Anya Virgil (South Stars SA), Jaslene Waites (Black Panthers WFC), Nelique Alleyne (Black Panthers WFC), Rubi Roberts (Legion FA), Tae Lynn Calderon (Legion FA),Talya Thompson (Pro Series), Tyara McKenna (Tobago Chicas), Zara Chase (South Stars SA);
Midfielders: Donnica Stewart (Black Panthers WFC), Kaylah O’Neil (Jewels SC), Kyra Yee Loy (Legion FA), Lexi Sankersingh (Pro Series);
Forwards: Anya London (Trendsetter Hawks), Azizi Clarke (Jewels SC), Gloria Henry (Tobago Chicas WFC), Kcey Reid (Jewels SC), Sara Roopchand (Trendsetter Hawks), Shemaiah Toussaint (Pro Series).
Technical staff: Kevin McGreskin (head coach), Afiyah Matthias (assistant coach), Rayshawn Mars (goalkeeper coach), Carel Percy (manager), Afeya Jeffrey-Wilkinson (physiotherapist), Katyann Simmonds (equipment manager).
Photo: TTFA Media.
(Trinidad and Tobago Girls High Performance U14)
Goalkeepers: Michaela Noel (Combined Ballerz), Samara Jeremie (Pro Series);
Defenders: Asia Coutou (Moruga PYC FC), Kierra Murray (Black Panthers WFC), Kimaya Lewis (Jewels SC), Kiyah Beckles (Jewels SC);
Midfielders: Aarya Supersad (Pro Series), Amaris Collins-Joseph (Trendsetter Hawks), Anuska Persad (Pro Series), Christina Harragin (Trendsetter Hawks), Crysta Joseph (Crown Trace), Jahsiya Jackson (Jewels SC), Mya Henry (Jewels SC), Sorcha Cumming (Pro Series), Sydel Mc Lawrence (unattached);
Forwards: Anna Baird (Black Panthers WFC), Shaquana Brown (Black Panthers WFC), Shardinee Charles (Black Panthers WFC), Sharnie Fuentes (Crown Trace FC).
Technical staff: Ray Mitchell (head coach), Tasha St Louis (assistant coach), Tyron Lewis (goalkeeper coach), Ricarda Nelson (team manager), Gorger Jones (physiotherapist), Katyann Simmonds (equipment manager).
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