A goal from substitute Kevin Molino and a series of brilliant saves from custodian Jan-Michael Williams secured T&T a 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic, which kept the Soca Warriors alive in the CFU Caribbean Cup, in Antigua, yesterday.The result means that T&T will advance to the knockout stage of the competition and earn a spot in the Concacaf Gold Cup competition for the first time since 2007.
The Warriors were aided by Haiti’s victory over Antigua & Barbuda, 1-0 in the second match of a double-header last night.
Dominican Republic’s loss meant they are out of the competition with three points from as many matches.
It took just a quarter-hour before T&T got on the scoresheet courtesy a goal from Kevon Carter, albeit assisted from a howler from the Dominican goalkeeper Miguel Lloyd who had the shot in his grasp before allowing it into the net.
The score remained 1-0 until seven minutes into the second half when Kerbi Rodriguez rocked T&T’s goal with an equalising effort.
However, T&T found its all-important, match winning goal when Carter, who was only on the field for five minutes, instinctively connected with a loose ball parried poorly by Lloyd.
T&T felt several quick attacks by the Domincan Republic, but managed to soak most of the pressure before Williams, T&T’s captain, made a couple brilliant stops to effectively keep T&T alive.
The Warriors found themselves in need of help elsewhere after being held to a goalless draw by Haiti on Friday, followed by a shock of the tournament, courtesy the host which won the encounter 2-0, two days prior.
Source: www.trinidadexpress.com