Five players from the USL Championship were named in Trinidad and Tobago’s squad to compete at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup on Thursday, with Oakland Roots SC’s Neveal Hackshaw, Hartford Athletic’s Triston Hodge and Miami FC’s Ryan Telfer set to compete at the event for the Soca Warriors for the second consecutive edition of the tournament.
The trio are joined by the Charleston Battery’s Leland Archer and San Antonio FC’s Shannon Gomez in the group selected by Head Coach Angus Eve which will kick off the group stage on June 25 at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
A two-time USL Championship All-League selection, Hackshaw has made 29 appearances for the country during his career, placing him among the more experienced members of the squad. The 27-year-old has made 176 appearances in the Championship across the regular season and playoffs in his career, joining Oakland this season after prior spells with the Charleston Battery and Indy Eleven over the past seven seasons.
Hodge is also set for his second consecutive Gold Cup after appearing in all three games of the group stage two years ago. The 28-year-old has made 22 appearances for the Soca Warriors in his career, while also having made 80 appearances in the Championship having joined the Athletic this offseason from Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
Telfer has recorded seven goals in 19 appearances for T&T at the senior level, including recording one goal and two assists in Concacaf Nations League B in March to help the side qualify for the tournament. The 29-year-old has made 13 appearances since joining Miami prior to this season, having previously played in the league for Toronto FC II earlier in his career before competing in the Canadian Premier League.
Gomez is set for his first Gold Cup after last season helping San Antonio FC claim the 2022 USL Championship title in his sixth season in the league. The 26-year-old made 34 appearances across the regular season and playoffs last season and has made another 13 appearances already this campaign. He has made six appearances previously for the Soca Warriors, with his form in San Antonio making him a regular in the country’s Concacaf Nations League B during its last edition.
Archer will look to add to his two caps for the country as he earns his first Gold Cup call-up. The 27-year-old has made 111 appearances in the Championship’s regular season and playoffs since joining the Battery to start his professional career in 2018 and currently ranks sixth in the Championship this season with 61 clearances.
Trinidad and Tobago will open Group A play against a team from this week’s final qualifying bracket before it faces Jamaica (June 28) and the United States (July 2) with the top two teams set to advance to the knockout stage of the event.
SOURCE: USLChampionship.com