Hart not focusing on November memories

Hart made it clear that he is hopeful that the current national team will build their own legacy, as they get ready to face the US today, from 7.36 pm, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, in a 2018 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Zone Fourth Round Group C Qualifier.

At his pre-game media conference at the TT FA (TT Football Association) office, Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday, the TT coach said, “I try to keep that way from them. Those sort of things weigh on your shoulders especially (as) we’re not a country with a rich history of qualifying for a World Cup.

“I think at times, sometimes, we dwell too much on things like that.

It is great to celebrate it but this is their time. And I want them to seize their time and make the best of what they have, in this time.” He added, “those other guys did what they had to do, and, (for) that generation, it took them about 10 years to get there. This generation (has) just started.” Both teams will enter today’s game on the back of victories in their opening encounters on Friday, with Trinidad and Tobago defeating Guatemala 2-1 and the US thrashing St Vincent and the Grenadines 6-1.

But the focus in the group will be at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, with first place, ahead of the next set of matches on March 25, at stake.

Hart noted, “everything we have done has been leading up to World Cup qualification. The players know what to expect. The United States (are) probably one of those teams that can match us physically.

That’s a big part of their game. But they also have some high-quality technical players, so they can mix and match. It’s important for us to realise that and not get caught up in the emotion and the atmosphere.” Midfielders Kevan George, Joevin Jones and Cordell Cato play in the American Major League Soccer (MLS) and Hart was pleased with their development in top US league.

Hart said, “George is a young player and has a lot of potential.

And we had (Kevin) Molino, one of our top-scorers. He’s injured but the MLS, for us, has been good. I would encourage the young players to cut their teeth (there) if they can. I think the league has grown in leaps and bounds.” United States coach Juergen Klinsmann, in his pre-match interview yesterday, said, “we expect a very difficult game. (TT are) a good team, they’ve proven that throughout the entire year. They’ve done very well. They’ve won in Guatemala and they’re on a high.

“(I’ll) tell (my) players to be ready, be alert from the first second and go to the limit. These are the games where you get tested to the limit, and it’s going to be exciting.” Teams – TRINIDAD AND TO BAGO: Jan-Michael Williams, Marvin Phillip (goalkeepers); Daneil Cyrus, Carlyle Mitchell, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Aubrey David, Sheldon Bateau, Justin Hoyte, Yohance Marshall, Mekeil Williams (defenders); Khaleem Hyland, Joevin Jones, Lester Peltier, Andre Boucaud, Kevan George, Cordell Cato, Keron Cummings, Trevin Caesar, Neveal Hackshaw (midfielders); Kenwyne Jones (captain), Willis Plaza, Jonathan Glenn (strikers).

UNITED ST ATES: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard, Bill Hamid (goalkeepers); DeAndre Yedlin, Tim Ream, Matt Besler, Brek Shea, Matt Miazga, Michael Orozco, Ventura Alvarado, Geoff Cameron (defenders); Michael Bradley (captain), Darlington Nagbe, Miguel Ibarra, Mix Diskerud, Jermaine Jones, Kyle Beckerman, Fabian Johnson (midfielders); Jordan Morris, Gyasi Zardes, Jozy Altidore, Bobby Wood, Alan Gordon (strikers).