Leaders Central to tackle Caledonia on Wednesday
Central FC forward Willis Plaza says he wants to win the 2014-2015 Digicel Pro League Golden Boot Award and that his recent run of form, netting three goals in as many matches isn't by luck.
"I have a spirit of working hard and wanting to score goals," said the 27-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international. "That's the attitude that got me on the national team."
Apart from wanting to help Central FC win the DPL championship this season, Plaza is also aiming at a personal accolade: to win the Golden Boot.
"Last season I scored a lot in the half of season (I represented Central) and this time it's about proving a point again. This season I want to finish on top of the scorers' list."
Plaza, who represented Central in the second half of last season, helping the First Citizens Cup winners to the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield and a runners-up position in the DPL to qualify for the Caribbean Club Championship, the qualifying tournament to the CONCACAF Champions League, finished with 14 goals, two goals shy of top scorer Marcus Joseph (Point Fortin Civic), and tied with Trevin Caesar (North East Stars) and Joevin Jones (W Connection).
Since then, Caesar has joined North American Soccer League outfit San Antonio Scorpions and in December Jones was signed by Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire.
Plaza meanwhile, had joined Belgium lower division outfit CS Viśe but was forced to make a premature return to Trinidad along with countrymen Rundell Winchester, Elton John and Kevon Villaroel, who all now represents Central FC, after the cash strapped Belgian club failed to fulfil contractual obligations.
Last Friday, Plaza pounced on a rebound, netting his third goal in as many matches to lift Central FC to a 1-0 win over rivals and defending champions DIRECTV W Connection in their Round Two Match Day Two DPL clash at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
The win extended Central's lead at the top of the table to 23 points, six points clear of second placed W Connection, and in descending order North East Stars and Defence Force, all with 17 points after Round Two Match Day Two.
"It's about the three points every time we play," added Plaza who was cleared in the January transfer window to join Central for a second stint, identical to when he joined the "Couva Sharks" for the second half of last season.
"We are at the top of the table and we want to maintain that position, aiming higher and higher."
Plaza said although he was short of full match fitness against Connection, he was still focused on scoring. He said that W Connection also had the spirit of winning in the top of the table clash - also billed the Couva Derby - but "the better team won".
Another ambition of Plaza, who made his international senior team debut with Trinidad and Tobago in 2012, is to return to the national team after being left out of the 2014 Caribbean Cup by head coach Stephen Hart, which was puzzling to many.
T&T reached the Caribbean Cup final but were defeated 4-3 on penalties by hosts Jamaica following a 0-0 draw.
Plaza will return to action with Central on Wednesday 28 January in Round Two Match Day Three of the DPL against Caledonia AIA from 6 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
The round however, will begin on Tuesday 27 January with Point Fortin Civic to host San Juan Jabloteh from 3:30 pm at the Mahaica Oval.
Police FC will also boast home advantage on Tuesday when they welcome St. Ann's Rangers from 6 pm at the St. James Barracks. And from 7 pm at the Marvin Lee Stadium North East Stars will tackle W Connection.
Upcoming Games
Tuesday 27 January 2015
Point Fortin Civic vs San Juan Jabloteh—3.30 pm, Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin
Police FC vs St. Ann’s Rangers—4 pm, St. James Barracks
North East Stars vs W Connection—7 pm, Marvin Lee Stadium
Wednesday 28 January 2015
Caledonia AIA vs Central FC—6 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium