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28
Thu, Mar

Typography
Hard working Technical Director of T&T football Mr. Lincoln Phillips spoke to the Soca Warriors Online and gave us his break down on the T&T U-21 game aganist Dominica. Below is a read out of his analysis.


General Analysis
The team performed far below its potential against a vastly inferior opponent. Our passing was erratic and our decisions whether to make a first time pass or not was flawed. Far too many times the players chose to make first time passes when there was no pressure at all.

Our ball control and first touch in particular was disappointing, especially in the first half. The players' body position when receiving the ball provided very few options whenever they were in possession. For example, they would usually either be facing the sideline or their own goal when they received the ball. The movement off the ball was also deficient as players were too static and remained mostly in their original positions during the game. More mobility is needed to create passing options for the player with the ball. It should be noted that these points were also raised in the Tampa Camp analysis.

The team lacked appropriate team shape especially when advancing the ball from the defensive third. Yohance Marshall, a natural central defender was asked to play a defensive mid-field role. The thought here was to have a ball winner in the midfield. This did not work and he was wisely substituted in the second half. Kevon Neaves, a natural left-sided player was asked to play in a central attacking mid-field position. With Neaves being the most skillful player on the team coupled with having a lethal long-range shot, the coach felt that he would have provided extra goal scoring from the mid-field. But, this strategy did not work.

In the second half, new players were inserted into the game (Josimar Belgrave, Kendall Jagdeosingh, Akilie Edwards and Shane Calderon) and the formation was changed from 4-4-2 to 3-4-3, a system that enables a more positive approach to penetration and goal scoring. In hindsight, coach La Forest felt that he should have changed the system earlier since this was clearly the most effective formation (3-4-3) the team played in the warm up matches.

Finishing
Even with all these deficiencies, T&T penetrated the Dominican defense at will and should have had at least 4 goals for their efforts. However, poor finishing from close range kept the warriors off the boards until minutes before the final whistle. Judah Hernandez unleashed a powerful drive scoring from 15 meters to earn the Warriors a hard fought 1-1 tie.

Defense
The team lacked the intensity it showed in the Tampa games and in some of the games against our local pro teams. We never pressured the ball enough in the attacking third of the field and gave the opponents time and space to play in the midfield. In addition, our players were too far apart from the 1st defender (the defender closest to the ball) providing little or no cover at all during the game. We must pressure as a team and double-team as often as possible if we are to qualify for the CAC games.

Goalkeeping
Goalkeeper, Thorne Holder let in a soft goal from a lofted center. He was in two minds whether to catch or punch the ball over the bar. The mishandled ball dropped in front of the goal and Dominica got their first and only tally in the ensuing scrimmage. This occurrence obviously affected the game plan and the players played in an even more impatient manner.

Positives
In spite of the team's sub-par performance, they showed tremendous character and never gave up. Hayden Tinto was one of the live wires in the team constantly threatening the Dominican defenders both offensively and defensively. Judah Hernandez, although missing a few chances fought doggedly for a goal and was rewarded with the eventual equalizer.