Scoring 15 goals in seven international matches is by no means a lousy record in international football today. So to say the “Soca Warriors” have a lot of work to do in the finishing department based on the recent 0-0 draw with Nicaragua is not a fair statement.

Dating back to the 1-0 win over Haiti just prior to the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, the “Soca Warriors” have scored in every game leading up to the 0-0 draw with Nicaragua, including seven goals against Gold Cup champion Mexico. The scorers include Keron Cummings (three), Kenwyne Jones (three), Sheldon Bateau (two), Joevin Jones (two), with Jonathan Glenn, Yohance Marshall, Willis Plaza, Andre Boucaud and Radanfah Abu Bakr, getting one each. They have conceded ten, including seven in the two clashes with Mexico.

The improvement in goalscoring followed a small drought up until the loss to Jordan in June.

Of course, goals win matches and it will be an important factor in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers beginning with the pair of games with Guatemala and United States next November 13 and 17, respectively.

“I don’t think there should be any worrying factor or panic about not being able to score goals just based on the 0-0 draw with Nicaragua,” said defender Yohance Marshall.

“We have been scoring goals although we have missed a few chances as well. I think once we continue to work on our areas which we know need addressing then we should be fine for the two upcoming games. A good period together before the Guatemala game, maybe three or four days will be important for us. Defensively we will like to be more efficient and avoid any soft goals and I think finishing wise we will get it right.”

T&T head coach Stephen Hart also added: “We created numerous chances and to say I was unhappy with the performance because of the result (against Nicaragua) would not be a fair statement.

“Of course we are aware that chances are there to be taken and we cannot afford to let them go by but we’ll continue to plug away with the right approach and mentality which the players have demonstrated so far and go out there with the intention of getting the best possible start to the campaign.”

(socawarriors.net)