T&T strolled to a 9-0 victory over the Dominican Republic in its International warm-up match at the Hasley Crawford Stadium yesterday.
This match was part of T&T’s preparation for its crucial World Cup qualifying away game against Guatemala on Saturday. It was to be used as a chance to work on team cohesion and get match practice. But the visitors offered very little resistance, backing off the attackers and chasing around the midfielders.
T&T ended up with shooting practice. Jason Scotland, with a rare start in national colours, seized the opportunity to do just that. After a tentative start, the burly striker chested down a pass from Keon Daniel inside the 18 yard box, turned left with a defender on his back and shot under the diving goalkeeper to open the scoring in the 28th minute.
Four minutes later the Swansea striker lobbed the ‘keeper from 30 meters out on the left flank to double his tally. Goalkeeper Miguel Lloyd was woefully out of position, and in running back, he actually pushed the ball into the net as he tried in vain to save.
Russell Latapy, playing his first game for T&T in two years, slipped the perfect pass to Scotland inside the 18 yard box for the third goal in the 35th minute.
Shell-shocked Lloyd was injured and substituted in the 40th minute. Scotland’s presence lead to the fourth item in the 44th minute. Edwards’ crossed ball searching for Scotland was knocked past the goalie by defender Federico Peralto. The defender had Scotland breathing down his neck, and lost sight of the goal. T&T went into the interval leading 4-0.
In the second period, Scotland was replaced by Cornell Glen, who also helped himself to a hattrick. Fellow substitutes, Daryl Roberts and Anthony Wolfe also got on the score sheet to make it 9-0 for the home team.
The Soca Warriors’ relaxed approach to the match raised concerns with several observers. More chances were wasted than were converted. There was not enough dominance over a much inferior opponent and the Warriors did not really stamp their authority on the match.
Jonathan Frias, of W Connection fame, looked very dangerous attacking the T&T defence. The score-line, however, will boost the morale of the squad ahead of their must win match in Guatemala.