Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 men’s national team delivered a commanding performance on January 19th, securing an impressive 6-0 victory against St Vincent and the Grenadines at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium. The comprehensive win served as crucial preparation for upcoming Concacaf qualifiers scheduled to begin next month.
The match saw exceptional performances from captain Derrel Garcia and Fatima College student Phillip Nelson, each contributing two goals to the scoreline. Garcia, who already boasts experience in senior professional football, initiated the scoring in the 22nd minute. Nelson followed with his first goal in the 32nd minute, establishing a 2-0 lead by halftime.
The second half began with explosive intensity as Garcia and Nelson each found the net again within a remarkable two-minute span—Garcia scoring in the 51st minute and Nelson completing his brace in the 53rd minute. Despite St Vincent’s efforts to stabilize their defense, Giovanni Hospedales extended TT’s lead in the 77th minute before Caden Trestrail concluded the scoring in the 85th minute.
Head coach Marvin Gordon provided measured post-match commentary, expressing only partial satisfaction with the performance. ‘I think I am holding this group to a high standard,’ Gordon told TTFA media. ‘I was pleased with the ball movement today at times and then at times I was not pleased.’ The coach specifically noted that passing sequences could have been executed with greater speed and precision.
In parallel action at the same venue, Defence Force secured a 3-2 comeback victory against Grenada’s U-20 squad. Grenada’s Nathan Mc Intosh scored twice (18th and 60th minutes), but Defence Force responded with goals from Nicholas Bobcombe (37th), Jonathan Mason (74th), and a dramatic 89th-minute winner from Josiah Superville.
The practice tournament continues with upcoming fixtures at Hasely Crawford Stadium on January 21st featuring Grenada U-20 vs St Vincent U-20 (6 pm) followed by TT U-20 vs AC Port of Spain (8 pm). The tournament concludes on January 23rd at Ato Boldon Stadium with TT U-20 facing Grenada U-20 (6 pm) and St Vincent U-20 meeting AC Port of Spain (8 pm).