Trinidad and Tobago senior men’s football team coach Derek King said Saturday night’s 1-0 defeat to Louisville City FC at the Lynn Family Stadium in Kentucky, USA, offered a clear indication of the levels his players must consistently reach.
This, as the national team continued its preparations for September’s Concacaf Nations League campaign.
Louisville City’s Cameron Duke scored the only goal of the contest in the 43rd minute, extending King’s winless streak as head coach to six matches. Since taking charge following the departure of former coach Dwight Yorke earlier this year, King has overseen defeats against Bolivia (3-0), Venezuela (4-1), South Korea (5-0), and Russia (3-0), as well as a 2-2 draw in regulation time with Gabon, which T&T ultimately lost 3-2 on penalty kicks.
Coached by Simon Bird, Louisville City FC currently sits fourth on the 13-team United Soccer League (USL) Championship table with 24 points from 16 matches, 11 adrift of leaders Charleston Battery and has racked up seven wins, three draws, and six defeats while scoring 26 goals and conceding 25.
Speaking after Saturday night’s encounter, the 46-year-old King was not overly critical of his players but stressed that he wants the squad, particularly the younger players, to understand what is required at this level and to take stock of their performances.
“We started the game well in the first half, with some good ball movement and we created a few chances with the speed of our attackers. I think we were a bit second to the ball when defending. I think because plenty of our local players are in preseason at this moment. We played a team who are mid-season and are doing well. I really hope the younger players understand the importance and value of the game, the intensity of the game.”
King also challenged his players to recognise that talent alone will not be enough to earn or keep a place in the national set-up.
“What I want our players, especially the younger ones, to understand is that football at this level demands more than talent. It requires responsibility, discipline and a willingness to compete for every ball. Every player has to take ownership of their performance and understand that no coach can provide the intensity or desire for them that has to come from within.
“These opportunities to represent T&T are earned, not guaranteed. Every training session and every match is a chance to show your commitment to the team, and it’s up to each individual to raise their standards and embrace that responsibility.”
King added that the technical staff will continue to assess the player pool as preparations intensify for the Concacaf Nations League in which T&T will face Haiti away on September 24, Dominican Republic at home on September 28, and Curacao away and home on October 2 and 6, respectively, in Pool B.
“As a staff, we will continue to work, assess and evaluate every player as we move forward. Our responsibility is to put together the strongest squad possible and ensure the team is as well prepared as it can be for the Concacaf Nations League.”
On the field, goalkeeper Jabari Brice came up big for the Justin Garcia-led visitors with seven saves while 15-year-old Adasa Richardson made his first appearance late in the match.
Forwards Reon Moore and Kathon St Hillaire had rare attempts on goal for T&T in the first half. Moore had an effort stopped in the eighth minute by goalkeeper Hugo Faroux and then hit wide in the 36th.
Along with Richardson, King handed playing time to several prospects, including 19-year-old Josiah Ochoa, 18-year-old Jaydon Caprietta, 21-year-old Caleb Borneo, 23-year-old Jariel Arthur, Jesse Williams, and 21-year-old Jaheim Faustin.
T&T will now continue its preparations ahead of the four League A matches scheduled during the September-October FIFA international window.
