Canada-based striker Diarra Simmons joined up with the national Under-17 women's team yesterday ahead of its opening match in the Caribbean Football Union Group B qualifier against Dominica on Wednesday. The Soca Princesses host Dominica on Wednesday at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar from 6pm before the away-leg on Sunday in Dominica. Simmons, the lone overseas-based player in the 18-member team selected by coach Stephan De Four was involved in both of the team's training sessions at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine ground. According to coach De Four, Simmons looked very sharp.
De Four said: "Simmons fitted in very nice with the team in training and she is looking very fit and sharp infront of goal. "She is definitely a good addition to the team as her finishing ability will be greatly welcome. The 15-year-old Simmons wrote her name into local football history books when she netted T&T's first goal at a FIFA Women's World Cup event, in the 2-1 win over Chile while 16-year-old Liana Hinds got the winner. Hinds also scored in the 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the group stages. T&T, which will be skippered by striker Anique Walker, will also face St Kitts/Nevis on October 2 and October 5 from which the winner of the three-team group will join other group winners, Jamaica, Bahamas and Guyana in a four-team CFU second round round-robin series from which the top three teams will advance to the CONCACAF finals. In addition to Simmons and Walker, two other players with experience as part of the previous Under-17 squad in the FIFA World Cup last year are midfielders, Victoria Swift and Khadidra Debesette.
T&T Under-17 women's Team
Goalkeeper: Sheniece David, Shantel Christian
Defenders: Marlique Asson, Adeka Spence, Abigail Jacob, Corinna Sequea, Tonietta Phillip, Olivia Jaggernauth,
Midfielders: Vicroria Swift, Khadidra Debesette, Marie Guissepi, Shenice Garcia, Darian Diaz, Naomie Guerra.
Forwards: Anique Walker, Diarra Simmons, Khadisha De Freitas, Zoe Swift.
Reserve: Shenice Harding, Donicia Prince.
