Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti will play their second Gold Cup matches this week and with both teams eyeing a victory to improve their standing in the tournament's Group B, the game should prove to be an entertaining one.
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Haiti currently sits at the bottom of the Group that includes T&T, El Salvador and Honduras following a 2-0 loss to the Honduran nationals while Trinidad & Tobago earned a draw with El Salvador earlier this week, earning a point in the standings. With a crucial 3 points on the line to the potential winner, expect this match to be quick and physical as both teams look to move into second place.
When and Where to Watch Gold Cup Match
Playing at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Haiti and Trinidad will meet on Friday, July 12 at 7:00pm, EST. Television coverage of the match will be provided by the FOX Soccer Channel.
Those electing to watch the match on-line can do so by visiting FOX Soccer 2 Go.
Match Preview
Haiti finished in solid third place positioning in the 2012 Caribbean Cup but after struggling against a talented Honduras team, it remains to be seen where Haiti will get its scoring from.
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Leonel Saint-Preux had an opportunity to record a goal in the 2-0 loss to Honduras earlier this week but after he fired over the goal from inside the six-yard box midway through the first half, Haiti's offense was unable to sustain solid offensive pressure. In addition to Saint-Preux, Jean Philippe Peguero may be looked upon for added offensive presence especially since their Game 2 opponents put up multiple goals in their last outing.
Defensively, Haiti does have a significant level of talent. Jeff Louis is a reliable option in the defensive zone while serving as a great asset on corners with Jean-Jacques Pierre and Mechak Jerome providing extra support. The Haitian national team relies on Jerome for his experience in the professional ranks, currently serving time with MLS affiliate Sporting KC.
If Haiti is to record their first tournament victory Friday night against Trinidad and Tobago, the defensive unit led by Jerome along with a much-needed improved offensive showing must be present in Miami.
While Haiti was handed a defeat, Trinidad and Tobago was able to earn a point by way of a 2-2 draw with Group B opponent El Salvador.
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T&T finished in second place at the aforementioned 2012 Caribbean Cup and as they make the teams eighth Gold Cup appearance, Kenwyne Jones and company are poised to earn their first victory of the three-week tournament.
Surrendering 2 goals to El Salvador's Rodolfo Zelaya, Trinidad needed someone to step up late in the opening match. Carlos Edwards notched the first goal of the game in the 10th minute for Trinidad but after falling behind 2-1 late in the contest, Kenwyne Jones stepped up as the hero.
Taking a 35-yard pass from teammate Joevin Jones in the 72nd minute, Jones sent one past the reach of El Salvador keeper Dagoberto Portillo to tie the game at 2. Playing to a defensive struggle for the remaining 20-plus minutes, the Soca Warriors were very happy to walk away with at least one point.
Clutch play from Jones and the rest of his offensive unit could present a devastating problem for Haiti, especially if the Haitian nationals don't find a way to get on the scoreboard.
Wrap Up
Catch all the action between Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, July 12. The match is set to begin at 7:00pm, EST with television coverage coming from the FOX Soccer Network. An on-line live stream will also be provided by FOX Soccer 2 Go.
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