Defender Marshall moves to Central FC

The 27-year-old central defender, who has earned five international caps in 2010, having gained a reputation as a solid defender with the TT Under-17, Under-20 and Under-21 teams, has spent his entire professional career overseas.

Having starred in the ace St Anthony’s College teams of 2003 and 2004, alongside national captain Kenwyne Jones, Jan-Michael Williams and Julius James, he earned a scholarship to attend the University of South Florida in 2005.

At the University, he was named as a NSCAA Second Team All-American, a College Soccer News First Team All-American and to the All-Big East First Team, while he was the team’s captain from 2006-2008.

Despite a predicted first round pick, a poor performance in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Combine saw Marshall undrafted during 2009 MLS SuperDraft. However, two weeks later Marshall was signed by Los Angeles Galaxy in February 2009, after playing with the team during the 2009 pre-season, including the Pan-Pacific Championship. He made his professional debut for them on April 7 2009, in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup against Colorado Rapids.

Marshall was sent on loan to USL-1 side Austin Aztex in June 2009, and again prior to the 2010 season. He made his MLS debut with the Galaxy on September 18 2010, starting against DC United after an emergency recall from Austin.

On January 25 2011 the Galaxy announced that his contract option would not be picked up for the 2011 season, and Vermont Voltage from the USL Premier Development League moved quickly to sign him on a short-term contract. On June 8, 2011, the Rochester Rhinos of the USL Professional Division announced they had signed Marshall for the remainder of the season, which saw them go on to win the USL Regular Season title.

On March 6 2012, Marshall signed a two-year contract with Thai Premier League side Chainat FC. He made his lone appearance on May 26 2012, in a 2-2 tie against Thai Port FC. In August 2012, Marshall and Chainat FC decided to terminate the contract by mutual consent.

On December 10 2012, Marshall signed a one-year contract with Myanmar National League side Nay Pyi Taw FC. After a successful first-half of the season in the Myanmar top-flight, Marshall was selected for a Foreign Player All-star team that played against the Myanmar football team. Marshall finished the season with three goals in 21 games and went the entire season without being shown a card.

He helped Nay Pyi Taw FC qualify for the AFC Cup for the first time in their short history with a runner-up finish in the Myanmar National League.

But, for the Diego Martin boy, after looking at options both home and abroad with his representative Narada Wilson of The Brazil Link, Central FC’s project seemed the most enticing.

“It doesn’t matter where you travel in the world, you always miss your home,” said Marshall. “I always wanted to test myself in the Pro League, and the thought of good Trini cooking clinched the deal for me!”

Central chief executive officer Brent Sancho said, “Yohance is a player whom I have admired for sometime. He’s a very reliable defender, he has a cool head and is a great example to young players. He also has a knack of popping up and scoring important goals.”

“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Pro League” said Marshall, “particularly as I will be teaming up again with my old St Anthony’s team mate, Jan-Michael Williams.”

Sancho added, “when you play overseas, especially in the far flung regions such as the Far East, you tend to disappear off the radar of the national team coach. Now Yohance has a great chance of reclaiming his place on the national team, and I’m sure Stephen Hart will be delighted to be presented with a new option for his defence.”