ALL TO PLAY FOR VS BAJANS
ALL TO PLAY FOR VS BAJANS
Trinidad and Tobago’s Men’s U-17 team will have it all to play for when they meet Barbados in their final Group phase match tomorrow against Barbados from 6pm TT at the Estadio Pensativo, Antigua, Guatemala. A draw will secure the third place spot and push T&T through to the Knockout Stage of the CONCACAF Mens U-17 Championship. There will be live broadcast on Fox Soccer Plus.
This is the scenario after T&T suffered a 3-1 defeat to the United States on Monday night. The US dominated the first half and raced to a 3-0 lead with forward Micah Burton, midfielder Paulo Rudisill and midfielder Taha Habroune all finding the net.
T&Tdid well to defend most of the USA’s 12 corner kicks, but the U.S. attack was relentless in winning back clearances and playing it back in. Following an attempted clear in the 11th minute, the U.S. found Habroune driving down the right side and the midfielder hit a hard rolling cross to Burton to tap in the game’s opening goal.
The second came again from close range just three minutes later. This time, it was left back Sawyer Jura tearing towards the end line before playing to Rudisill just inside the six, where he one-timed it home to give the Americans a 2-0 advantage.
Go here for Match Summary and Team Line Ups
T&T custodian Ailan Panton was kept plenty busy on the evening, making six saves, while the U.S. also fired several long-range shots wide. The U-17s were patient in its possession throughout the night, and their methodical build-up created another goal midway through the half. U.S. right back Aiden Harangi and Rudisill created danger all evening on the right side and in the 24th, Harangi found Rudisill driving down the wing, where he sent in a cross for Habroune. The midfielder coolly finished from six yards out for his second international goal in as many appearances.
T&T showed a bit more bite in the second half, forcing goalkeeper Adam Beaudry to make his first save in the 69th minute. T&T would eventually get on the board in the 78th, as Derrel Garcia rocketed a volley from the top of the 18. Beaudry made an impressive save in the 81st to maintain the USA’s two-goal lead, diving to stop another well-hit shot from Garcia.
Head Coach Shawn Cooper admitted his team conceded soft goals during the match.
“The team conceded three soft goal which went down to individual mistakes, lack of concentration and composure in key moments. All of this are learning experiences the boys are getting while playing only there fourth international game and second competitive game.
Second half adjustments brought better showing
“Adjustments were made to the team shape which settled the players nerves and they started to believe in themselves. At half time team shape changes and substitutions were made. The staff brought some clarity to the roles of players in the changed formation which brought us into the game.”Players began to put down the ball and connect passes as we know they can.
All to play for vs the Bajans
“Going into the Barbados game we hope to continue from the second half against the US. We are carrying a couple of injuries to key defenders but we are hoping they recover for the for this match and our medical team will be working with the players to get the best possible situation. Our hopes in moving forward depends on a positive result against a very stubborn Bajan team that will also be looking for a victory to move to the next round.”
