National coach Stephen Hart and members of the Soca Warriors leave today for the Copa America Centenario Berth match against Haiti in Panama City.
They took a 6 am flight, Copa 0315, enroute to the Central American nation following their final training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday. Hart said he was very pleased with the attitude by the players and the energy levels they have shown during the sessions.
The Canada-based coach will leave with a 22-man team as he did not name a replacement for English-based defender Justin Hoyte, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Hart's men were strengthened by the return of Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino, who joined the team last week. He continues his recovery process following ACL surgery in May. Molino is targeting a return to play in March.
The team trained rigorously over the past week and according to Central FC midfielder Ataulla Guerra, the players are aiming to overcome Haiti, their next hurdle.
"The training camp has been quite intensive but very good for us. For me personally, I feel really good to be back after missing out the last couple games.
"We have a big task ahead but it is very important that we stay focused and treat this game with all the respect it deserves," he said.
"Everyone is very eager to do well. We know what is at stake and the opportunity will be a great one. Day by day we are just putting in the work which I think will see us produce the kind of football on the pitch that will bring us the result we are looking for."
Only two days ago the team received a visit from Keron Cummings, who was shot last Sunday and had to undergo surgery. Cummings said he wanted pledge his support for the team ahead of their play-off with the Haitians who have already named their squad for the match.
Manager William Wallace said the team was upbeat and ready to play in the Copa America Tournament which is being played in the United States for the first time. The team is expected to touch down in Panama at 8.20 am and will hit the training field at 6 this evening. Tomorrow the team will engage in two other training sessions before the match on Friday. Wallace said the players had indicated that they want to qualify for their injured teammate Cummings before they turn their attention to the World Cup Qualifiers.
The Soca Warriors have four points from two matches, following an impressive 2-1 victory over Guatemala and a goalless draw with the United States at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.