Trinidad and Tobago’s Joevin Jones has described this country’s 1-0 defeat to Mexico as “Unlucky” as he reflected on Tuesday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier in which his disallowed first half strike was a focal point.
Jones started both matches including the 1-0 victory over Panama and now while his focus returns to Seattle Sounders in American Major League Soccer, Jones is keeping a keen eye on T&T’s two qualifying matches on the road to United Stated and Costa Rica on June 8th and June 13th respectively.
“I think we just barely missed out on our mission to get six points or at least four from the two games,” Jones told TTFA Media on Saturday.
“Going into the games, I think we were under a bit of pressure because we know how badly we needed a result against Panama but the boys came up big and we got the win thanks to a goal by Kevin (Molino). I think the coach laid out his plans and the boys delivered. But the game was not easy because Panama were strong and they made us work hard for the win,” Jones said.
“Mexico was alway going to be tough because they are a powerhouse but we also knew that once we kept our focus and stuck to a game plan the new could match them. Looking back now I think we showed up well and we had them on the backfoot for some time. Unluckily for us, things didn’t go our way and I am disappointed because I feel we had a very good chance of coming away with points from the second game,” said the former W Connection man.
About the disallowed goal, Jones added: “What can I say, the referee made the call when the assistant raised his flag. At the time It felt onside but I also thought it was close but then after the match when I saw the video replays, I thought it was an unlucky call against us. Who knows how the game would have gone.
“But we have six games to go and everything to play for. Playing on the road in the next two games is going to be a challenge but I believe in the squad and the coaching staff and I think once we can keep our heads together and continue working hard then we can get some points on the road and set things up for our next set of games in Trinidad,” Jones said.
Jones (J) started for Seattle in Friday’s 0-0 draw with Atlanta United with Kenwyne Jones coming off the bench in the second half and almost stealing a late winner only for his attempt from inside the box to be blocked by a Seattle player.
Video - Extras - T&T vs Mexico