Sixteen years ago, it was the United States dream just to make a FIFA World Cup, and they did that, thanks to their 1-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago in 1989. The coach of that US team was Bob Gansler, and an eight-year-old Scott Sealy has memories of the game.
Fast forward to 2005 and the United States now dreams of winning a World Cup while Trinidad is still anxious for their first trip to the worlds biggest dance. Sealy is now a rookie with the Kansas City Wizards and will be coached ironically by the man who helped to knock his country out of the World Cup.
Now, if you dont think making the World Cup is a big deal to the islands million inhabitants, just ask one of the people who could be responsible for taking the team to Germany 2006.
That could change the entire country, said Sealy who was taken 11th overall by the Kansas City Wizards in the MLS SuperDraft. Right now, Trinidad is probably not the nicest place in the world because of the crime. I think going to the World Cup could help Trinidad become a better place.
No pressure, Scott.
Trinidad took their first step to next summers tournament by advancing to the final six in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying which begins on February 9 when the Soca Warriors host the United States at Queens Park Oval in Port of Spain (2:30 PM ET-ESPN2).
While there are still ten months to go until CONCACAF sends their three (or possibly four) teams to the finals, Sealy will be able to achieve one of his dreams this week. Growing up in Chaguanas, a 30-minute drive south of Port of Spain, Sealy admired Dwight Yorke, the greatest soccer talent to ever come out of the double archipelago off the coast of Venezuela. Yorke, aside from cricket player Brian Lara, is one of the most well-known players in Trinidads history based on his exploits with Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Blackburn Rovers. He was recently recalled to the team after a four year absence and Sealy is looking forward to getting some tips from his hero.
He was an idol for me, the 23-year-old Wake Forest product said. The things he has done, some players will never achieve in their lifetime. For him to do that and set the bar for Trinidad & Tobago is a great accomplishment.
With Coventry Citys Stern John, FC Dallass Cornell Glen and Yorke in the forward corps, it may not bode well for Sealys playing time, especially since he has been sidelined recently with the flu. Still, in advance of his first professional season with the Wizards, he is taking notes from his more famous countrymen.
Playing with Stern John, he shows me a lot of stuff that helps me out. I think it is beneficial to me to play with guys like that.
Sealy closed his Wake Forest career as one of the most prolific scorers in Demon Deacon history. He finished second on the career chart for goals (43) and points (108). He has taken that form into the national team as well. Since debuting for the senior team in June 2004, he has figured in the majority of Trinidads matches and he scored the winning goal for T&T against Azerbaijan on January 21.
Its that kind of performance and international experience which got the Wizards to notice him along with English and Norwegian sides who were also after his signature. Sealy continues a flow of Deamon Deacons in recent years to MLS like Kansas Citys Will Hesmer, DC Uniteds Brian Carroll, and fellow 2005 first round pick, Michael Parkhurst.
"I am just excited for the opportunity to not only play in the MLS, but with the Kansas City Wizards. This is a definitely a new start to my career. I looked at my career at Wake Forest as a tremendous foundation toward my professional career."
Sealy will also be learning from veterans when he gets to Kansas City, one of whom, Josh Wolff, may be lining up against him on Wednesday for the United States.
"We wanted to get some offensive help and with Scott Sealy we got someone who was one of the ACC's best players and also showed well at the Combine against the top players in the country, added Wizards General Manager Curt Johnson.
Sealy has another week to concentrate on World Cup Qualifying before returning to the United States for training with the Wizards. The Soca Warriors could use a strong start against a team they have beaten once in the last 23 years. After they face the U.S., they travel to upstart Guatemala before a home match four days later against 2002 group winner Costa Rica.
In order to do that, team is huddling up in Tobago away from the Carnival festivities that stop the entire country down for weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, the day of the US-Trinidad tilt.
We are focusing on what we have to do to get three points at home, said Sealy. I think it is a great environment. The stadium is going to be packed, especially against a team like the United States.