Soca Warriors coach Russell Latapy said the team is heading in the right direction despite a 1-0 loss to Jamaica Reggae Boyz in its friendly international at the National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica on Sunday night.
The victory was the 17th for the Jamaicans over T&T in 34 internationals. The Soca Warriors have won seven with the ten other matches ending in drawn results.
Speaking after the match, Latapy said: "I was a lot happier with tonight's (Sunday) game more than when we played in T&T."It was a different playing personnel but it was also a better performance from us. Our goal is the Digicel Cup and it's a process."Hopefully we can be fine tuned by the time that comes around. On the performance tonight, I'm thinking that we are heading in the right direction."
"We had some good performances from a couple of the younger players which was pleasing and hopefully we can continue along in this way."We knew that coming to Jamaica is always difficult but I don't think we were overawed by their home record or home advantage.
"It's difficult for any visiting team to win over Jamaica at home based on the records and unfortunately we didn't change that tonight but I thought we had a good go at them and when we meet again possibly in the Digicel Cup, things could turn out differently for us."
Latapy continued: "In football you always need to score more goals that our opponents.
"We missed a few scoring opportunities and hopefully our fitness, finishing and tactical readiness will be where we want it to be by the time the Digicel Cup comes around."I would much rather missing the scoring? chances in a game like this than in the Caribbean Cup finals."
The performance of visiting Soca Warriors was also credited by the Captain Horace Burrell, President of the Jamaican Football Federation."They have really given Jamaica a very hard fight. One thing I can tell you and I can speak on behalf of the Caribbean Football Union is that Latapy's job should be safe," Burrell said as he referred to comments made by Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Anil Roberts who threw out a couple challenges to Latapy last month.
"Based on the performance here today (Sunday) I am sure everyone in this audience will agree with me that?T&T team did put up a sterling performance and congratulations for that," Burrell said in the post game media conference.
The lone goal in the match came off the boot of New York Red Bulls striker, Dane Richards from the penalty-spot in the 19th minute.
However, it was the Soca Warriors seeking to avenge a 3-1 home defeat in mid-August who made the brighter start of the two teams with striker Devon Jorsling fierce left footed from 35-yards forcing goalkeeper Richard Mc Callum into a save diving to his right inside the first two minutes of the match.
Strike partner Cornell Glen also had an effort on goal in the tenth minute.At the end of the field, T&T custodian Jan-Michael Williams was called into action two minutes to fist away a left footed spanking shot from winger Eric Vernan as Jamaica began to assert themselves.
Seven minutes later, Jamaica went ahead from the penalty-spot when Mexican referee Armando Archundia, who officiated the 2010 World Cup third place match between Germany and Uruguay, adjudged Marvin Morgan was tripped over in the 18-yard box by defender Daniel Cyrus, who started in central defence with debutant Yohance Marshall.
Richards, who had netted in the 3-1 win in Port-of-Spain then stepped to beat Williams low to his left to give the hosts the lead.
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T&T: Jan-Michael Williams, Yohance Marshall, Jovin Jones, Daneil Cyrus (Julius James 85th), Kern Cupid (Hayden Tinto 78th), Trent Noel, Clyde Leon (capt) (Hughtun Hector 68th), Anthony Wolfe, Lester Peltier (Keon Daniel 46th) Cornell Glen, Devon Jorsling (Jamal Gay 78th).