Trinidad & Tobago has taken the lead in development of women’s football throughout the Caribbean. A finalist in every CONCACAF women’s championship thus far, the country has for years had a very active women’s league.
The development has also started to show with the number of Trinidadian players earning scholarships to U.S. colleges. No fewer than nine players in the preliminary WGC roster either currently play at or have played for U.S. universities, many at the Division I level.
SUCCESSES
One of only two countries to participate in every Confederation women’s championship (along with Canada), T&T has had the most success of any Caribbean nation. In fact, the Trinidad & Tobago women were ever so close to becoming the first team ever from the twin-island republic to qualify for a FIFA World Championship in 1999 Women’s World Cup qualifying.
In Canada, they opened with a victory against Haiti, then drew with Mexico. But a 1:3 reverse to Costa Rica kept T&T out of the semifinal round – even more disheartening when Mexico reached the final, then eventually the Women’s World Cup itself. Trinidad & Tobago took third place in the inaugural CONCACAF Women’s Championship in 1991, then finished fourth in the 1994 event which was also Women’s World Cup qualifying, defeating Jamaica and drawing with Mexico along the way.
In the inaugural Under-19 women’s championship, Trinidad & Tobago again saw their hopes dashed by Mexico on home soil. After a victory against Jamaica confirmed Caribbean supremacy and sent the Soca Princesses into a winner-take-all match against Mexico, the Tricolores ran out 5:1 victors to qualify for Canada 2002.
GOLD CUP BUILDUP
Trinidad & Tobago eased home as the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the Women’s Gold Cup. At home for both legs of the opening series against Dominica, T&T won on aggregate 22:0, with squad comprised almost entirely of under-19 players.
In the group final against Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago faced more of an uphill battle, with both matches played in Paramaribo due to financial considerations. But many of the overseas-based Soca Divas were called into the squad to ensure passage to the WGC finals. Two goals from Maylee Attin-Johnson gave T&T a 3:1 first-leg victory, then they endured a rugged 2:1 victory in the second match, abandoned after 86 minutes when three red cards and injuries left Suriname with just six players.
WOMEN WHO MATTER
Ricarda NELSON (34, Petrotrin): Midfielder who is one of four Trinidad & Tobago national teamers who played with Asheville Splash in the USA’s W-League this season. Also the assistant coach for the U-19 national team. Has appeared in four previous Confederation women’s championships.
Izler BROWNE (33, Petrotrin): Central defender who played in every match for Asheville Splash this season. Began her career as a goal-scoring forward, now sweeper and captain of the national side. Made her national team debut at age 16; the only player to have appeared in every CONCACAF women’s championship.
Akheela MOLLON (17, Petrotrin): Quick, intelligent midfielder who earned the nickname “Lady Latapy” at U-19 level because her incredible work rate in the midfield reminds many of former men’s national team player Russell Latapy. Despite her diminutive stature, covers ground quickly and wreaks havoc on opponents’ defences. A natural goal scorer who also possesses superb passing skills that make her doubly dangerous.
Alania BURGIN (16, Real Dimensions): Wide midfielder who often uses her great speed and creativity to ignite the T&T attack, creating chances for herself and others. Another product of the U-19 side, she contributed a great deal to the full side in qualifying to the Women’s Gold Cup, seeing action in every match and scoring five goals.
Maylee ATTIN-JOHNSON (16, Caridoc Stingrays): A fiery competitor who is always looking to get under her rivals’ skin, she led T&T with seven goals in WGC qualifying. Together with Mollon, comprises a dynamic, formidable one-two scoring punch.