CONCACAF Gold Cup

Serrant, Mitchell's absence a blow to T&T's chances of turning tables on Puerto Rico

By Sports Desk October 31, 2023
Maria-Frances Serrant. Maria-Frances Serrant. T&T Newsday

Trinidad and Tobago will be missing two of their key players when they tackle Puerto Rico in their return-leg Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening.

Maria-Frances Serrant and Chrissy Mitchell, both failed to make the trip to Puerto Rico due to visa issues. This serves as another major blue to twin island republic's chances, as the Richard Hood-coached team is intent on overturning the 1-2 loss they suffered, to the same opponents at Hasely Crawford Stadium, last Friday.

The players’ absence was confirmed by T&T Football Association (TTFA) media officer Shaun Fuentes on Monday.

“Full squad didn’t travel. Chrissy Mitchell had no visa and Maria Serrant won’t receive hers in time to get there,” Fuentes said.

In Friday’s match, Serrant played the entire game, while Mitchell was substituted on in the 85th minute for Asha James.

Serrant also played full-time for their opening group match against Mexico, which T&T lost 0-6, while Mitchell, who started, was then replaced in the 62nd by Naomie Guerra.

Trinidad and Tobago, who are yet to get a point on the board sit at the foot of the three-team Group A in League A. Mexico (six points) and Puerto Rico (three points), currently occupy the all-important positions respectively. 

This, as the top finishers in each League A group, will qualify for the 2024 Women’s Gold Cup group stage, while the second-place finishers in each League A group, and the first-place finishers in each League B group, will advance to the Women’s Gold Cup prelims.

As such, Trinidad and Tobago will have to secure a favourable result from Tuesday's fixture to remain in contention for a playoff spot.

Meanwhile, Hood, in Friday’s post-match press conference declared as much, despite the setback of not having the entire squad travel together.

“We have to go for a victory. If we get a 2-0 victory, then we’re right back in it. That is going to be the mindset, to go out there and try to get a victory," he noted.

After Tuesday’s encounter, Trinidad and Tobago will host Mexico in their final group fixture in early December.

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« Reggae Girlz play to exciting 2-2 draw against Guatemala in Kingston Curacao takes pole in Group D with 5-2 win over Anguilla; Aruba, Belize also victorious in Group A of League C »

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