T&T midfielder Joevin Jones enjoyed the biggest week of his professional career as he earned selection on the American Major League Soccer (MLS) "Team of the Week" and was contender for the "Goal of the Week" for his fine strike in Chicago Fire's 3-2 victory over Toronto FC.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed many title success moments with W Connection in the local league but surely his ability to send Chicago fans into a frenzy and earn plaudits by MLS media followers would stand out over the rest of his accomplishments inside a week in pro football.
And Jones couldn't question that.
"The experience has been great so far. It's been a high level of football for me. And my first goal in the MLS was a memorable one for me. It's been a memorable week. I'm trying to make a name for myself and this was a good way to get it going. I felt great making the team of the week and I think it's been a good start to my MLS career," Jones said on Tuesday.
The Carenage-born has been on trial overseas before. His 37 appearances for T&T since making his debut in 2010 means he has established himself in the national team. But he knows fully that non-stop dedication and extra hours on the training field is now the order of the day for him.
"The level of training here at Chicago is very high and professional. It's a lot of commitment and you have to stay focused all the time because in a city like Chicago you can get distracted very easily," said Jones, who is the son of former T&T Strike Squad player Kelvin Jones and brother of T&T-based defender Alvin.
Surely it's a big change from being based in a place like Couva and now the windy city of Chicago. Just the memories of Michael Jordan and the Bulls could make you "fly" out of control in that city. But Jones is determined to keep his feet on the ground. And with T&T's opening Gold Cup fixture set for Chicago on July 9 against Guatemala, he's set his sights on walking out in the Soca Warriors strip on that day.
Kluivert's Curacao eyes T&T clash
With the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers for 2018 now its early stages the tiny island of Curacao is hoping that their new head coach with a big pedigree could help lead them to the final stages of qualification.
Former Holland international Patrick Kluivert is now the new head coach of Curacao. They drew with Montserrat 2-2 in their second leg qualifier last week to advance 4-3 on aggregate. They will now try to overcome Cuba in June in an effort to reach into the semifinal stage to possibly meet teams like T&T, Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica, USA and others.
"My mother is from the island and I really want to give something back to it–that is why I am here," Kluivert told The Observer from the national team's base in Willemstad, the capital city. "The federation asked me if I was interested in the job of head coach and I didn't have to think. I still have a lot of family here and feel a strong connection with the place. It seems like home, and that was a big part of it for me."
Kluivert's current hand includes a squad bolstered by Netherlands-based players who fell over themselves to commit after his appointment was confirmed. There may be a place, too, for the Brighton and former Holland Under-21 midfielder Kemy Agustien. Kluivert is aware of the successes of T&T, led to the 2006 World Cup by his countryman Leo Beenhakker. But he says he will not predict his team's potential based on other performers.
Soca Warriors Kit now available via WorldSoccershop.com
The T&T Football Association (TTFA) has formed a partnership with World Soccer Shop to make the 2015 T&T kit and other casual wear available to fans in T&T and worldwide.
WorldSoccerShop.com launched in 2001 after its sister site WorldRugbyShop.com successfully opened two years prior.
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, and now with an office full of passionate supporters, WorldSoccerShop.com travelled to six continents to watch matches and participate in soccer events, along the way forging partnerships with high-profile teams such as Manchester United, FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Arsenal, MLS, and Chelsea FC.
Now available to fans will be the new T&T kit used by the Soca Warriors in their recent international friendly versus Panama as well as hoodies, longsleeve sweaters, jackets and women tees bearing the new Soca Warriors emblem.
Hackshaw wants to stay on top of dreams
North East Stars midfielder Neveal Hackshaw seems to be one of the home-based who impressed national senior team head coach Stephen Hart during the recent friendly international against Panama.
The 19-year-old, just out of representing T&T at the Concacaf Under-20 World Cup qualifiers, got the nod from Hart to start against the Panamanians last month and from all accounts was able to hold his own against the two time Gold Cup runners up. He then went onto help North East Stars capture the TTFA FA Trophy title two days later.
"He's has a good head on his shoulders and appears to be willing to learn and work hard," Hart said. "He's one of them that did well for us against Panama and that was a pleasing sight for us."
Hackshaw promises not to get carried away.
"It was a wow feeling for me when I got the news of the call up and then to find out from the coach that I was in the starting team. It's a big step up for me and the other guys. The level is very different but I think I showed some good signs and I want to continue working hard to improve my level and to keep earning my call ups, It's always been my dream to play international football and I want to keep living that dream," Hackshaw said.
Shaun Fuentes is the director of communications for the T&T Football Association � shaunfuentes@yahoo. com