T&T defeats US in Beach Soccer friendly
T&T Men’s Beach Soccer Team Defeats USA 5-3 in Venice Beach
Trinidad and Tobago’s Men’s Beach Soccer Team produced a strong and composed performance to defeat the United States 5-3 in an international friendly at the U.S. Soccer on the Beach Stadium in Venice Beach, California on Sunday June 21.
The match formed part of the U.S. Soccer on the Beach doubleheader and saw T&T deliver a disciplined display against the host nation, with goalkeeper Jabari Gray and forward Omri Baird among the standout performers. In the earlier game, US defeated T&T Women 12-3.
The US opened the scoring through Antonio Chavez, but Trinidad and Tobago responded through Gray, who struck from distance to level the contest at 1-1 in the first period.
T&T then seized control early in the second period with two quick goals. Baird scored just seconds after the restart before Rondell Paul added another moments later to put Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 ahead. Baird later headed home his second of the match to extend the advantage to 4-1.
The US pulled one back in the third period through Gabriel Silveira, but T&T remained composed. Baird completed his hat-trick with another important finish, while the Americans added a late goal through Silveira to close the scoring at 5-3.
Comments from head coach Chad Appoo
“So firstly, we were very happy to get the invite to go play this friendly on Venice Beach in California.
“It’s been over a year since our last competitive match, which ironically was against the U.S. in the World Cup qualifiers. That game drew 2-2 last year and we went on to lose on penalties.
“So it was very nice this time around to be on the favorable side of the results. As you know by now, we won 5-3. We had an Omri Baird hat-trick. We also had the opportunity to invite a couple of new players who’ve been around the camp and been in training.
“One in particular, Rondell Paul, made his debut and scored on his debut. We also gave debuts to two other players.
So we had three new players actually in total with us on this trip and they put in a good shift.
“We’re just looking forward to, you know, the next big thing for us, which is the World Cup qualifier, which will be again next year.
“And so before that we’re just looking at whatever other opportunities we have that present themselves that we can take and grow from, moving from strength to strength.
You know, the USA is a top-ranked team in the region and in the world. They’ve been to numerous World Cups and that’s where we aspire to be and what our ultimate goal is come 2027.”
Match Summary
International Beach Soccer Friendly
Date: June 21, 2026
Venue: U.S. Soccer on the Beach Stadium, Venice Beach, California
Result: Trinidad and Tobago 5 – United States 3
Trinidad and Tobago Scorers
Jabari Gray
Omri Baird
Rondell Paul
Omri Baird
Omri Baird
Period Scores
United States: 1 – 0 – 2 — 3
Trinidad and Tobago: 1 – 3 – 1 — 5
Trinidad and Tobago Lineup
Starting team:
Jabari Gray, Rondell Paul, Jordan Riley, Jesse Bailey, Omri Baird
Substitutes:
Shaquille John, Kevon Williams, Kareem Perry, Shane Hospedales, Justin Dos Santos
Head Coach: Chad Appoo
The TTFA congratulates the players and technical staff on the victory and their continued efforts in representing Trinidad and Tobago on the international beach soccer stage.
