Trinidad and Tobago beat Guatemala 1-0 on Sunday in a friendly football encounter at Subaru Park, Philadelphia, USA.
An Alvin Jones penalty, in the 52nd minute, proved the difference and leaves national men's coach Angus Eve with much to ponder before he announces his Concacaf Gold Cup squad in a few days. T&T face Guadeloupe on June 16 in the Concacaf Gold Cup qualifying tournament, at DRV PNK Stadium, Ft Lauderdale.
After a goalless first half and a delay owing to a power outage, T&T's offence was ignited with the introduction of substitutes Real Gill and Kaile Auvray.
After some good passing, T&T were awarded a penalty when Gill was fouled in the area as he tried to get on the end of a left-sided cross.
The experienced Jones took the responsibility and sent the goalie the wrong way as he calmly slotted the ball to the keeper's left.
Guatemala pressed for the equaliser but TT's defence held firm, led by an alert Marvin Phillip in goal.
The Central Americans had one last chance in stoppage time when their skipper Gerardo Cordillo's cross from the right found Esteban Garcia, but he blazed his shot over the bar.
(Teams)
Trinidad and Tobago (3-4-2-1): 1.Marvin Phillip (GK) (captain); 4.Sheldon Bateau, 13.Josiah Trimmingham, 17.Justin Garcia; 16.Alvin Jones, 23.Kristian Lee-Him (8.Daniel Phillips 58), 6.Michel Poon-Angeron (11.Real Gill 46 [7.Stephon Marcano 78]), 18.Ross Russell Jr; 10.Duane Muckette (20.Che Benny 69), 3.Jameel Neptune (15. Kaïlé Auvray 46), 9.Kadeeem Corbin (19.Nathaniel James 69).
Unused substitutes: 22.Denzil Smith (GK), 2.Samory Powder, 5.Andre Raymond, 12.Justin Sadoo, 14.Kaihim Thomas.
Coach: Angus Eve
Guatemala: 21.Fredy Perez (GK); 22.Stehvem Robles, 3.Nicolas Samayoa, 20.Gerardo Gordillo (captain), 2.Jose Ardon; 15.Marlon Sequen, 19.Esteban Garcia Velazquez, 23.Jorge Aparicio,10.Antonio Lopez, 6.Carlos Mejia, 14.Dewinder Bradley.
Substitutes: 1.Nicholas Hagan (GK), 12.Ricardo Jerez (GK), 4.Jose Pinto, 5.Pedro Altan, 8.Rodrigo Saravia, 11.Cesar Archila, 13.Alejandro Galindo, 16.Jose Morales, 17.Oscar Castellanos, 24.Jose Franco.
Coach: Luis Tena
WATCH Alvin Jones' Post-Game comments following 1-0 win over Guatemala in June Friendly