Match Report
| Trinidad & Tobago | El Salvador | |
|---|---|---|
 |
   |
 |
| Keon Daniel (57') | ||
International Friendly
| Date | Venue | Location | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-03-19 | Marvin Lee Stadium | Tunapuna, Trinidad and Tobago | 0 |
T&T gets first win under Maturana
Trinidad and Tobago recorded their first victory under Francisco Maturana with a well played 1-0 victory over El Salvador in Wednesday’s friendly international at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya. A 57th minute free kick strike by United Petrotrin midfielder Keon Daniel proved to be the winning item as a near to packed Stadium witnessed a relatively inexperienced outfit players put on a brave and promising showing against the Central Americans who are preparing for a World Cup qualifier against Anguilla later this month.Maturana had three debutants in his starting team, 16-year-old left side defender Akeem Adams, 22-year-old forward Randi Patterson and 18-year-old forward Jamaal Gay. Both forwards proved that they possess what it takes to play at the senior international level and will grow into better players while Adams, though caught out a few times on the left, showed good composure on the ball and was willing to give the extra bit when needed and was a definite good debutant as well. Silas Spann also came on in the 77th minute for his first senior international appearance. El Salvador got closest to goal first and goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, sound between the uprights all game, had to make his first pick out when he intercepted a dangerous looking ball from William Castillo on the right. That particular player created more than one opportunity from the right side of the park but a stable defensive line up dealt properly with all of his threats. Makan Hislop, Keston Williams, Cupid, Adams and Daniel were ensuring all was safe. Midfielder Khaleem Hyland also kept movement in the middle as T&T tried to do the right things at the right times all evening. The Whitley-led team brought the crowd to life in the 9th minute when a quick bit of exchanges around the left of the box after Adams played one low and deep saw Patterson, with Gay and Whitley also getting involved, the ball was eventually laid on at the top of the box for Daniel, but on his weaker right side, his low effort was kept out by goalie Juan Gomez. T&T had settled into a smooth rhythm by then, stringing their passes around and trying to build in confidence. There were also signs that the defense was instructed to try and remain disciplined and they were making every effort to ensure that as neither wing backs Adams nor the hardworking Cupid hardly tried to make overlapping runs. Cupid, just back from a trial with Charleston Battery which he hopes will work out favourably, would have given that club’s head coach Mike Anhaeuser a lot more to think about with his near flawless performance on the evening. On 26 minutes, Gay, built tall and strong with pace, used all his assets and took one down well before playing on for Kerry Baptiste to hit his snap attempt over bar. Whitley then turned it on with a surging run on the edge of the box before laying off wide for Baptiste but his searching ball was a bit too much for Patterson. El Salvador were still enjoying spurts of good possession and were constantly searching for the opening runs to goal but never really created anything that would cause major panic at the back for the hosts. Ramon Aguirre almost created a good opening with his serve from the right but neither Salvador Perez nor Carlos Alfaro could connect. The half ended slowly with both teams seeming contented with having not conceded and the second half didn’t offer much more pace until Daniel broke the deadlock. The Tobago-born player, already evidently liked by Maturana, calmly stepped up and whipped a left footer past Gomez low on his left near post to bring the crowd to life and set up the win for T&T. T&T pushed on and were looking to extend their lead with the hard running Patterson in particular looking to get on the scoresheet on his debut. Jose Mendoza had one close try for the visitors in the 89th minute when he collected on the left of the box but could only direct his try over bar. Overall, the result proved a suitable one and a much needed boost for the slate of upcoming internationals for Maturana’s men. Next up – T&T vs Jamaica in Kingston on Wednesday. Meanwhile, second-half doubles by veteran Tashia St Louis and Kennya Cordner cancelled out a first-half strike by Karyn Forbes, as the national senior women’s squad defeated their Under-17 counterparts 4-1 in the supporting match. T&T: – 21.Marvin Phillip, 2.Kern Cupid, 4.Keston Williams, 19.Keon Daniel, 9.Aurtis Whitley (capt), 15.Akeem Adams, 6.Khaleem Hyland, 5.Makan Hislop, 8.Kerry Baptiste (17.Silas Spann 77th), 7.Jamaal Gay, 11.Randi Patterson. Subs that did not play: – 1.Glenroy Samuel, 3.Akile Edwards, 13.Kevon Neaves, 12.Justin Fojo, 16.Daneil Cyrus. Head Coach: – Francisco Maturana El Salvador: – 1.Juan Gomez (capt), 8.William Castillo (17.William Alegria 67th), 19.Carlos Alfaro, 5.Ramon Aguirre, 16.Oscar Campos, 13.Emerson Corleto (20.Andres Mejia 59th), 9.Salvador Perez (14.Rudis Rivera 82nd), 3.Marvin Leiva, 4.Jose Mendoza (12.Alfredo Manuel 70th), 7.Ramon Peredez, 2.Luis Campos. Subs that did not play: – 22.Miguel Moreno, 6.Alexander Rosales, 18.Luis Anaya. Head Coach: – Carlos de los Cobos. |
| LINEUP | |
| Marvin Phillip | |
| 15. | Akeem Adams |
| 2. | Kern Cupid |
| 5. | Makan Hislop |
| 4. | Keston Williams |
| 19. | Keon Daniel |
| 6. | Khaleem Hyland |
| 9. | Aurtis Whitley (capt.) |
| 8. |  Kerry Baptiste  49 ' |
 77' Silas Spann | |
| 7. | Jamal Gay |
| 11. | Randi Patterson |
| SUBSTITUTES | |
| 17. | Silas Spann |
| COACH | |
| Francisco Maturana | |
| SUBSTITUTIONS | |
| 77' | Silas Spann for Kerry Baptiste |
| YELLOW CARDS | |
| 49' | Kerry Baptiste |