T&T DEFEAT GUATEMALA 1-0
T&T DEFEAT GUATEMALA 1-0
Trinidad and Tobago defeated Guatemala 1-0 on Sunday in an international friendly at Subaru Park, Philadelphia
An Alvin Jones penalty in the 52nd minute proved the difference after substitute Real Gill was brought down in the box following a left side cross by Ross Russell Jr.
After a goalless first half and a delay owing to a power outage, T&T’s offence was ignited with the introduction of substitutes Real Gill and Kaile Auvray.
Swedish-based pro Kristian Lee-Him made his international debut while Che Benny and Nathaniel James made second half appearances for T&T.
The experienced Jones took the responsibility and sent the goalie the wrong way as he calmly slotted the ball to the keeper’s left to put T&T ahead as Angus Eve’s men started the second half with more purpose in attack.
Guatemala pressed for the equaliser in the closing stages but T&T’s defence held firm, led by an alert Marvin Phillip in goal with defenders Josiah Trimmingham, Sheldon Bateau and Justin Garcia also putting in good shifts.
The Central Americans had one last chance in stoppage time when their skipper Gerardo Cordillo’s cross from the right found Esteban Garcia, but he blazed his shot over the bar.
The game was witnessed by just under 9,000 fans, mostly Guatemalans with about a hundred T&T supporters showing up including former T&T internationals Shawn Boney, Shawn Garcia and Leslie ‘Tiger’ Fitzpatrick.
The T&T contingent will depart for Fort Lauderdale on Monday to continue preparations for the all important Gold Cup preliminary clash with Guadeloupe at the DRV PNK Stadium on June 16th.
