Things have gone poorly so far for Trinidad & Tobago in World Cup qualifying, with just one point gained out of three World Cup qualifiers.
But the Revolution's Avery John thinks there's a new spirit on the team with the arrival of its new coach, Dutchman Leo Beenhaker. He said that was in evidence last week when he was among a group of players called in for a minicamp leading up to the team's upcoming CONCACAF qualifiers vs. Panama and Mexico.
Trinidad is trying to salvage things in the qualifying phase after three rounds. Mexico leads the group with seven points, followed by the United States with six points.
`It was a good experience working under a new coach,'' John said. `Even though we lost 1-0, we dominated the game against the club champion of Peru. It was a good experience getting everyone back. He wants to see everyone. So he didn't have Stern (John) play. Dwight (Yorke) played just 45 minutes. It was kind of a mixed team, but overall the performance was good. Everybody was sharper as we try to get ready for the Panama game.''
John said he was asked to return to the camp this week, but the Revs decided it was best for him to stay put and prepare for two upcoming home games, including Saturday against Colorado.