TT U-20s beat El Salvador but exit

The young Trinis, playing with their backs against the wall and needing victory to have a chance to qualify, took a 47th minute lead when skipper Jabari Mitchell took a pass near the edge of the penalty area, dribbled past one defender and smashed a left-footed shot past the El Salvador goalkeeper.

But a goal by the El Salvadoreans temporarily dampened the TT boys spirits.

They however rejuvenated themselves and Kathon St Hillaire was sent through the El Salvador defence in the 72nd and he drilled a first time right footer past the ‘keeper.

Despite their victory which put them on four points, TT were made to wait on the result of the game between hosts Costa Rica and Bermuda.

A draw or a win for Bermuda would have sent TT through along with El Salvador (six points) who topped the group. But Costa Rica, who found themselves trailing 0-1 early in the first half, drew level before the break and got the go-ahead goal after the interval to squak through 2-1.

TT drew their opening game with Bermuda 1-1 before losing 1-0 to Costa Rica on Thursday.

“This was by far our most positive game and result in the tournament so far and I am very pleased for the entire squad. They worked very hard for it and they went into this match with the right mindset and it showed out there on the pitch. They gave everything and got the just reward with the victory,” Head coach Brian Williams told TTFA Media.

“Now it’s for us to see if Bermuda can put on a strong performance and cause the upset against Costa Rica in the second match,” he added after TT’s match.