King eager to rebound against Dominican Republic

Eager to rebound after a disappointing 3-2 loss to Haiti in their Concacaf Nations League opener at Sabina Park, Jamaica, national coach Derek King stated that the team has learned from its mistakes and is eager to face the Dominican Republic Sunday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain, at 9 pm.

​It will be T&T’s first home match of the Nations League, and King has called for fan support, emphasising that the team needs that “12th man.” At a press conference yesterday, King acknowledged the team’s errors, including tactical substitutions that he admitted did not align with their game plan.

​The T&T senior men’s team needs a strong finish to advance, but Thursday’s loss not only cost them points but also sidelined key winger Tyrese Spicer, who suffered a hairline fracture. However, the head coach remained resolute, stating that the squad knows what needs to be done.

​“I think tomorrow’s (today’s) game is very important for us,” King said. “Our first game in the Nations League at home, so three points will be important. The guys are eager to go. We analysed the last game, and we saw the mistakes that we made. We saw some very positive things as well in the game, so we’ll continue working on the positives and kind of tighten up on the—the little stuff that we need to tighten up on as well.”

​He further explained: “Defending, especially coming down to the last 15 minutes. We went a little too deep instead of us holding the mid-block. And I think the guys got a little fatigued. Some of the changes that we made didn’t work as well with our game plan. Overall, we saw some good ball movement in the first half. The team really connected well in the attacking third, so we will continue to work on all the positives from the last game into this game.”

“The difference in international football is that, you know, the margin for error is very slim. I mean, when we analyse the goals, it was just some little detailed things, you know, some moments. So it’s something that we continue to work on,” King added.

​The Dominican Republic will enter the match with confidence following a late 3-2 victory over Nicaragua, sealed by a goal from Pablo Rosario. T&T’s last home victory came in a 3-0 win against Bermuda in October during a Concacaf World Cup qualifier. Despite the opposition’s momentum, King expressed confidence in his squad.

“We watched their game, you know. We analysed their game as well. They are a very technical, sound team, you know. Good ball movement, some experienced players as well. So, you know, if you give them room to play, they will play. But it’s a very good team. We respect them as well, but I think once we go out and do our game plan, we will be victorious,” said King.

​With Spicer out, King has called up midfielder Michel Poon-Angeron and Club Sando’s Shervohnez Hamilton. When asked about the new additions, King noted: “The new faces, they did well. Our centre-back came in and played – I think he was really confident. Unfortunately, when one of the goals was scored, he was off the field.”

​Following tonight’s match, T&T will face Curaçao in a home-and-away series on October 1 and 4, where wins in both fixtures will be vital to their qualification hopes.

Squads

T&T

Goalkeepers: Jabari Brice (Club Sando/T&T), Jahiem Wickham (Charlotte FC/USA), Denzil Smith (AV Alta FC/ USA)

Defenders: Deron Payne (FC Volendam/Holland), Kobi Henry (Real Salt Lake/USA), Kieran Ngwenya (Rotherham United FC/England), Josiah Trimmingham (Phoenix Chapelton Maroons FC/Jamaica), Andrew De Gannes (St Louis City FC/USA), Rio Cardines (Bristol City FC/England), Justin Garcia (Defence Force FC/T&T), Noah Powder (Westchester SC/USA), Jajeim Joseph (Club Sando/T&T)

Midfielders/Attackers: Daniel Phillip (Stevenage FC/England), Luke Phillip (Club Sando FC/T&T), Levi Garcia (Panathinaikos FC/Greece), Reon Moore (Defence Force FC/T&T), Tyrese Spicer (Orlando City SC/USA), Wayne Frederick II (Colorado Rapids/USA), Dante Sealy (CF Montréal/Canada), Dantaye Gilbert (FC Baník Ostrava/Czech Republic), Daniel David (Club Sando/T&T), Andre Rampersad (HFX Wanderers FC/Canada), Real Gill (One Knoxville Sporting Club/USA), Molik Khan (Vanspor FK/Turkey), Ryan Telfer (HFX Wanderers FC/Canada)

Coach:Dereck King

Dominican Republic

Goalkeepers: Xavier Valdez (Nashville SC), Edwin Frías (Cibao FC), Pedro Espinal (Delfines del Este).

Defenders: Junior Firpo (Real Betis), Juan Familia-Castillo (RKC Waalwijk), Luiyi de Lucas (Krasava Ypsonas), Noah Dollenmayer (El Paso), Edgar Pujol (Real Madrid U19), Alejandro López (Rayo Vallecano B).

Midfielders: Pablo Rosario (FC Porto), Heinz Mörschel (F.C. Vizela), Jimmy Kaparos (Patro Eisden), Jean Carlos López (Cibao FC), Yordy Álvarez (Real Tomayapo), Daniel Flores (Salcedo), Lucas Bretón (Atlético Malagueño), Jeremy Báez (Atlético Pantoja).

Forwards: Mariano Díaz (Deportivo Alavés), Dorny Romero (Club Bolívar), Edarlyn Reyes (Arsenal Tula), Edison Azcona (Las Vegas Lights), Peter Federico (Górnik Zabrze), Juan Carlos Pineda (FC Sheriff).

Coach: Marcelo Neveleff

Latest League A Group A standings

Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts

Curacao*1*1*0*0*4*3*3

Dom Rep*1*1*0*0*3*2*3

Haiti*1*1*0*0*3*2*3

Costa Rica*1*0*0*1*3*4*0

T&T*1*0*0*1*2*3*0

Nicaragua*1*0*0*1*2*3*0