Trinidad & Tobago under-20 national team head coach Brian Williams (left) speaks to his players during a break in a training game in Colombia this month. (Photo: TTFA Media)
CALI, Colombia – Trinidad & Tobago will travel to Costa Rica through some optimistic air for the 2017 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship after completing its training camp in Colombia with a 1-0 win over Cardoso FC on Monday.
Noah Powder scored the game’s only goal in the 25th minute, giving the Soca Warriors their second win of a five-match itinerary (2W-2D-1L).
Head coach Brian Williams was pleased his side gained momentum over the course of the trip.
“Generally it was a period well spent over in Cali as we were able to put the players through a proper program in the lead up to the tournament in Costa Rica,” said the former T&T international. “We had the opportunity to play five training games that were necessary for us and it was pleasing to see the way the team was able to gather momentum and begin to look like a cohesive unit in the final two games, both of which we were able to get victories.
“At this point in time I can say we were able to get the team up to a satisfactory level during the period in Cali. The players remained focused throughout the camp, the facilities were of a good standard and we were able to concentrate on football throughout.”
T&T will travel to Costa Rica on Wednesday, with its CONCACAF opener slated for Sunday against Bermuda.
“Once we are in Costa Rica, the approach changes as now we will focus all our energies on match day which is when we face Bermuda in our opening fixture,” Williams finished. “We have gathered the necessary information on the opponents and along with my coaching staff, we will plan for the matches ahead and ensure that our players are ready for the challenges we will face in Costa Rica.”
The Trinidadians have played in two FIFA U-20 World Cups – 1991 and 2009.
