T&T U17s clip young Reggae Boyz with late goal
Published:Saturday | May 4, 2024 | 12:11 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
JAMAICA’S under-17 Reggae Boyz suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat against Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) yesterday at the UWI-JFF Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence courtesy of an added time goal from Akel Vesprey.
Jamaica started the brighter of the two as Orel Miller in the opening minute failed to capitalise on a clear header inside the box. The young Reggae Boyz dictated the play early and another goalscoring opportunity went to Giovanni Taylor but his powerful right-footed shot in the 22nd minute was comfortably handled by Trinidad and Tobago’s custodian Mikhail Clement.
In second half action, Trinidad and Tobago’s tactic to sit back to try and catch the Reggae Boyz on the counterattack continued. The young Reggae Boyz pressed hard for a goal and Dashawn Jacques found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Clement but could only watch as his effort went wide of the mark. As the Reggae Boyz failed to convert from a number of chances, Trinidad and Tobago, with their first and only chance on goal, converted in added time. Akel Vesprey pounced upon a loose ball in the box and slammed home to earn a win for the visitors.
Shawn Cooper, head coach of Trinidad and Tobago, stated that it was a hard-fought victory for his team. He added that trying to catch the Reggae Boyz on the counterattack was part of their strategy.
“It was very gritty, this was the first time some of the boys were even travelling. So I am very proud of them. In games like these, you have to soak up the pressure and then go on the counterattack,” Cooper explained.
Altimont Butler, head coach of Jamaica, stated that his team should have walked away with the victory based on the number of chances they got.
“I think we did well as it was a game that we totally dominated and created lots of chances. Trinidad and Tobago got one chance in the 90th minute and managed to score. This was a game that we should have won by several goals. We are still learning the characteristics of our players and it was good for me to see them in an international game.
“It’s a work-in-progress and I’m pleased with some of the athletes that we have,” Butler said.