The National under 21 team that will take on Dominica and Haiti in the upcoming CAC games qualifiers will include eight (8) Pro League youth players.
Kester Alexander, Thorne Holder (Joe Public), Karlon Murray (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Akilie Edwards (Defence Force), Hayden Tinto, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Judah Hernandez (Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA), Shane Calderon (W Connection).
Technical Director Lincoln Phillips feels that the Ron La Forest coached team has gone through sufficient preparations for the tournament which kicks off with the Trinidad and Tobago taking on Dominica at the Larry Gomes Stadium this Friday.
La Forest’s final squad also includes 9 overseas based players, including former national Under 20 skipper Makan Hislop, Yohance Marshall, Jason Devenish, Marcelle Francois Ancil Farria, Abiola Sandy and Clevon George are all in the mix.
The T&T U21s suffered a 5-1 loss to local Pro League giants CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh at the Ato Boldon Stadium last Thursday but bounced back with a 4-2 whipping of Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA through goals by Hayden Tinto, Judah Hernandez, Shane Calderon and Keston Alexander. But La Forest will be working around the clock this week to iron out some of the problems, particularly the inconsistency of the team thus far after a 1-0 loss to Defence Force on Sunday at UWI grounds, St Augustine.
La Forest and assistant Michael McComie will continue sessions each day this week before Friday’s opener which kicks off at 4pm. Haiti and Dominica will then meet at the same venue on Sunday from 4pm with T&T coming up against the Haitians on the Tuesday after from 4pm. The team will train daily at 4pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Tuesday and Wednesday
The full squad:
Goalkeepers – Thorne Holder (Joe Public), Kerwyn Beckles
Defenders – Akile Edwards (Defence Force), Carlon Murray (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Ancil Farrier (Southern Connecticut University), Marcelle Francois (Young Harris), Makan Hislop (University of South Carolina), Yohance Marshall (University of South Florida)
Midfielder – Hayden Tinto (Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA), Josimar Belgrave (Superstar Rangers), Kevon Neaves (University of South Florida), Clevon George (Young Harris College), Jason Devenish (University of South Florida)
Forwards – Kendall Jagdeosingh (Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA Fire), Shane Calderon (W Connection), Abiola Sandy (Bowling Green University), Judah Hernandez (Caledonia AIA), Keston Alexander(Joe Public)