The number of MLS players headed to Germany next summer for the FIFA World Cup could increase in three weeks time when Trinidad & Tobago take on Asian side Bahrain in a two-match playoff on Nov. 12 and 16 for one of the last spots on soccer's grandest stage.
Kansas City Wizards forward Scott Sealy, as well as Cornell Glen of the Columbus Crew and Avery John of the New England Revolution, are in the preliminary pool for the Caribbean's island team that came from behind on the power of two goals by former Columbus Crew marksman Stern John to defeat Mexico in Port-of-Spain and claim fourth place in the CONCACAF region, winning the right to take on Asia's playoff qualifier.
The quick and agile Sealy's coolness in finishing and penchant for being in the right spot helped him hit the net seven times for the Wizards from July 16 to Aug. 19, a streak that resulted in T&T coach Leo Beenhakker calling in the rookie out of Wake Forest University to reinforce his front line.
Sealy had appeared in three qualifiers in a row for the Soca Warriors before their clash with Panama Oct. 8 and the Mexico clash Oct. 12, including playing the entire second half against the USA on Aug. 17, a 1-0 loss for T&T. But he failed to make the 18-man matchday roster for the last two crucial qualifiers.
"I think it's the toughest position right now on the team because we're playing with one forward, basically, and then it's however the other guy is going to complement the other forward. So it was kind of up in the air who was going to be his backup," Sealy said. "I didn't get a specific reason, but I did well in training. It was a coach's decision."
Nevertheless, Sealy took in the drama and excitement as his countrymen battled to keep the dream alive of a first-ever World Cup finals appearance against a watered-down Mexico side at Hasely Crawford Stadium in the capital of the twin-island republic.
"[It was] definitely one of the more exciting games ever played in Trinidad, a big step in the right direction of where we want to go," said Sealy. "For the last two qualifiers we sold out. The fans are really getting behind us because they believe we have a realistic chance of qualifying for the World Cup which will be the first time ever for [the] senior [team]."
Drafted 11th overall in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft, Sealy's first season with Kansas City was a qualified success.
"It wasn't bad. Coming into the first year, I thought it was going to be a learning experience, definitely. I didn't have big expectations, winning scoring titles or anything like that," he said. "I thought I would be able to contribute, and hopefully the team would do well enough to go into the playoffs and be a contender. Obviously, that didn't happen. But individually I thought I grew a lot from the beginning of the season right until the end."
As the season went on, the 24-year-old grew more comfortable and savvy on the ball, and perhaps most revealing, more insightful off the ball. His final totals included appearing in 28 of 32 matches, making 20 starts, and scoring nine goals with two assists.
"It was a bit inconsistent because in the beginning I wasn't playing much, and then the middle part I played a lot, then coming on to the end, I probably didn't play as much as I thought I should of," the rookie of the year candidate said. "All in all it was definitely a good experience. And I think next year, for sure I'm going to be a stronger and better player in this league."
Despite the late season swoon, Wizards head man Bob Gansler thinks Sealy is ready to up his game to aid Trinidad if his play in training is any indication.
"He's an intelligent soccer player, very introspective, and motivates himself. There's a confidence about his game," said Gansler. "He is gaining in sharpness again, and I'm sure he'll be an asset to them."
The other two candidates for Gatorade Rookie of the Year honors -- Michael Parkhurst of the New England Revolution and Chris Rolfe of the Chicago Fire -- will face each other in the Eastern Conference Championship match next weekend with the winner heading to MLS Cup 2005. Sealy will preparing for the showdown with Bahrain, where he believes playing the first leg in Trinidad will be beneficial.
"I think us playing at home first will be an advantage because they have to fly all the way to the Caribbean to play. And then it will be up for grabs going back to their place," he said.
"I think [the Mexico win] is serving us right now with everybody expecting us to get the job done, but I don't think [Bahrain] is any walkover team. They definitely did well enough to get to this point, so they're going to be a good team. But our chances are just as good as theirs."