Russian-based defender Sheldon Bateau wants the Soca Warriors to take early control of their 2017 Caribbean Football Union Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup Group Four qualifier against Dominican Republic at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva from 7pm tomorrow.
The FC Krylia Sovetov stopper was speaking after a training session with his national teammates under the supervision of coach Stephen Hart at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, for tomorrow’s qualifier and also next Tuesday’s away fixture to Martinique at Stade Municipal Pierre-Aliker, Forte-de-France, Martinique.
Dominican Republic, which has won its last five matches dating back to March 29, also host Martinique on October 8 in the group’s other match. Martinique has also won its last five matches.
When both teams last met in Couva in 2014, Kevin Molino notched a hat-trick while Kenwyne Jones scored a double and Trevin Caesar scored another in a 6-0 win for the hosts in what was a CFU Cup qualifying fixture while in 2012, T&T squeezed a 2-1 win in Antigua & Barbuda and have won all ten outings between the two countries.
“None of these matches are easy but of course if we are on top of our game on the day then we should be able to take charge and dictate the pace of the game,” Bateau said.
“On paper, we are expected to come out on top but football is changing and teams like Dominican Republic are improving and they are very hungry for success as well. The important thing for us is to show our intentions from early.”
Tickets are priced at $200 (covered) and $100 (uncovered).
T&T squad
Goalkeepers: Marvin Phillip (Morvant Caledonia AIA), Jan-Michael Williams (Central FC) Adrian Foncette (Police FC).
Defenders: Aubrey David (Dallas FC), Radanfah Abu Bakr (JK Silame Kalev), Sheldon Bateau (FC Krylia Sovetov), Daneil Cyrus (W Connection FC), Mekeil Williams (Colorado Rapids), Triston Hodge (W Connection).
Midfielders: Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders), Andre Boucaud (Dagenham & Redbridge), , Levi Garcia (AZ Almaar), Kevin Molino (Orlando City), Khaleem Hyland (KVC Westerlo), Neveal Hackshaw (Charleston Battery), Jomal Williams (Murciealagos FC), Kevan George (Jacksonville Armada FC).
Forwards: Trevin Caesar (Orange County FC), Shahdon Winchester (Murciealagos FC), Cordell Cato (San Jose Earthquakes), Kenwyne Jones (Central FC).