CONCACAF Nations League

Moore renews call for support, as Soca Warriors brace for Guatemala challenge

By Sports Desk October 10, 2023
Reon Moore Reon Moore T&T Newsday

Trinidad and Tobago's Reon Moore has joined the call for local football fans to be their 12th man, as the Angus Eve-coached team prepares to host Guatemala in a crucial Concacaf Nations League Group A game at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Friday.

Moore's appeal comes as the Soca Warriors hunt three points against their Central American counterparts, to not only secure a quarterfinal berth, but more importantly, move one step closer to confirming a spot in next year's Copa America.

With the twin island republic currently atop the group on six points, following victories over Curaçao and El Salvador, Moore in a recent interview with T&T Newsday, pointed to the significance of spectator support in their charge to maintain a winning momentum.

“We have a good chance (of qualifying for Copa America and the World Cup) because some of us are young in age and we have some great senior players looking over us and guiding us. I, personally, think we can do it," Moore said.

“I would say to the fans: every time you come out and give us a boost, we do well. So, I’m saying to continue coming out and be our 12th man, and the reward will be a victory. Love you guys," he added.

The 27-year-old Defence Force striker has netted five goals in 22 appearances for Trinidad and Tobago, and is known for his direct approach, clinical finishing and tremendous work rate off the ball.

Moore made his international debut in an unofficial friendly match against Guadeloupe in March 2018. His first official match came a month later against Panama in a friendly and he registered his first competitive cap at the 2021 Gold Cup preliminaries against Montserrat, where he netted two goals off the bench in a 6-1 victory.

He also scored against Guatemala in a 1-1 draw in the group stage, a fond memory which will no doubt add to his confidence for the upcoming fixture.

 

That Moore currently has 19 goals for Defence Force, two of which came in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, while the others came in their Trinidad and Tobago Premier League (TTPFL) and TTPFL Cup triumph, speak volumes of his form, but he remains hungry for more.

Moore pointed out that the current squad is significantly younger than the one that bowed out of last summer’s Gold Cup, and they have been grinding out results as a more cohesive unit.

“I think the youths are hungrier and more eager to do well and to make a better life for themselves. We just have to build on the great start we have made, and I believe that the rest will be history for us," Moore said.

“My goal is to continue doing well for club and country. Hopefully, (I will be able to) get another opportunity to play abroad," he ended.

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