Prior to suffering a torn ACL last week, T&T full back Shannon Gomez was closing in on making his full MLS debut for New York City FC.And now that he is out for the rest of the season, club head coach, former French star Patrick Vieira is nothing but disappointed to lose the player.
"We're disappointed to be losing Shannon for the rest of the season. He's a player that gives his all on the training pitch and we'll miss him until he returns. He's a fantastic professional and I have no doubt he will work extremely hard with our medical team to come back fitter and stronger than ever," Vieira said.
The club took Gomez on loan from DirecTV W Connection and could consider buying out his loan and keep him at the club. The former T&T under 20 captain said he wants to stay at NYCFC.
"The way I look at it is to work the hardest and play to best of every opportunity. Hopefully, in the near future they pick up my option to stay at this club because I really like it here. They know I can keep building as a player and I'm still young. Learning the philosophy of our play, our style of play and what New York City represents, everything I'm learning right now I hope to put in practice and keep working hard at it," said Gomez who made one start for the club in a US Open Cup clash with New York Cosmos but has been a regular member of the first team training with the likes of Andrea Pirlo, David Villa and Frank Lampard.
Shabazz says no Mao Tse-tung politics in TTFA
Former women's head coach Jamaal Shabazz says he does not believe that the running of local football is being led by a one-man show. In fact, he says the open discussion forum hosted by the T&T Football Association Saturday at Naparima College and his interactions with TTFA President David John-Williams suggests that there is a process of change in how business is conducted at the governing body.
"It is important that people understand the challenges faced in a post-Warner period. We like to describe Mr Warner's tenure as one of a man and his dog walking down the road. He had the resources. Now there needs to be a higher level of communication and collective responsibility from within the TTFA and among the stakeholders to collectively address the issues that affect us and solve the problem," Shabazz said.
"The question of the new TTFA being a man and his dog walking down the road, that time has passed. In Mr Warner's words, he used to say the politics of Mao Tse-tung is dead and Mao Tse-tung is dead. And with this new administration led by David John-Williams, I think it is important for us to go past the politics of Mao Tse-tung and let us collectively find ways to solve our problems."
Shabazz reflected that while he and individuals such as Keith Look Loy served under the Warner administration, they were strong enough to hold their hands up and say "No Sir" whenever they in disagreement with some of his decisions. And Shabazz said it was important that there be ongoing collective consultations and he was confident this approach will follow under John-Williams and the TTFA Board.
Joseph stands out at Disney Cup
Former National Under 17 midfielder Jesse Joseph was the standout player for Crown Trace FC at the recent Disney International Cup at the ESPN Wide of Sport in Orlando.
Joseph was the team's topscorer with four goals which led Crown Trace to third out of 18 teams in the Under 17 category. Crown Trace competed against teams from Peru, Spain, Puerto Rico, Colombia and the United States. They lost their final match against the Spain Soccer Factory Eurostars of Madrid 6-1 with Joseph being the lone goalscorer. They defeated Noreaster SC of Boston 1-0,drew 2-2 with Peru's Markham and hammered ACYS Spirit United of Florida 7-2.
Crown Trace prepared for four months ahead of the tournament and will return next year, this time to compete in the Under 19 level. Their achievement is a bright note for Crown Trace. Wouldn't be a bad idea of putting up a signboard highlight the team and its achievement in the community.
Shaun Fuentes
Director of Communications
Trinidad and Tobago Football Association
(868) 681-5429 (mobile) 623-9500 (office)
www.TTFootball.Org
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