W Connection goalkeeper Marvin Phillip may well be on his way to filling the gloves of former Trinidad and Tobago hero goalie at MLS club FC Dallas when he travels to the United States for trial next week.
Marketing Director Renee John-Williams of W Connection released the information on Thursday saying, “Dallas saw him when they visited Trinidad last year and opened the door for trial. He will travel to the Dallas on Thursday to join the team for one week.”
FC Dallas were part of a Tribute Cup in honor of the retirement of their former goalie and Trinidad and Tobago World Cup goalkeeper Shaka Hislop in December, put on by the TT Pro League. The tournament also featured Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense and two TT Pro League All-Star teams.
Marvin Phillip was in goal for the Local All-Stars against Paranaense in a 1-1 regulation time score against the Brazilians but went on to lose 10-9 on penalties. But his brilliance during the match was enough to pursue the MLS club for a trial window.
Phillip is currently on national duty with T&T preparing for their friendly international against Guadeloupe on February 6—Ash Wednesday at the Queens Park Oval in Port of Spain.
Phillip was named in the final 20-man squad released on Thursday, a list that includes Walsall goalie Clayton Ince, Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones, Stern John (Southampton), Silvio Spann (Wrexham), Densill Theobald (Ujpest FC), Collin Samuel (Toronto FC) and Jason Scotland (Swansea City).
Following the friendly, Phillip will travel to the United States on Thursday. He will join FC Dallas in one of their practice sessions on Friday and on Saturday participate in a practice match.
“During that time he (Marvin Phillip) will have a better chance to impress Dallas and that would decide whether or not he will earn a contract,” added Renee John Williams.
In other W Connection club related news, the ‘Savonnetta Boys’ are expected to return to the field for their 2008 pre-season on February 11, the same time their foreign players are expected to return to Trinidad.
W Connection will also have screening sessions for all age groups including their senior team on February 11 from 9am at the Ato Boldon Stadium.