Trinidad Soccer Fans See Warriors Win Over US As Payback For 1989 Loss

Trinidad & Tobago’s Soca Warriors celebrate Alvin Jones’ goal that helped them seal the deal on Tuesday night, Oct. 10, 2017 and end the US’ chances of a World Cup 2018 appearance. (Soca Warriors image)

By NAN Sports Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Oct. 12, 2017: It was the shot heard around the world and a 2017 David versus Goliath tale as some soccer fans are seeing it as payback for an almost three decades old loss.

It’s none other than the win by the Trinidad & Tobago’s Soca Warriors Tuesday night over the Mighty United States.

The Trinbagonians managed to eliminate the US team from next year’s World Cup – much to their stunned disbelief – with a 2-1 upset that left the Americans crying in the locker room Tuesday night, Oct. 10th, at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Port-of-Spain.

Turning back the clock 28 years – Paul Caligiuri, USA, raises his hands to the heavens, as he celebrated after scoring the lone goal against Trinidad and Tobago, in the qualifying world cup game of November 19, 1989, in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. (Hayden Roger Celestin Image/NAN)

The Americans shockingly fell behind in the 17th minute of the match on an own goal by Omar Gonzalez while T&T’s Alvin Jones doubled the home side’s advantage 20 minutes later with a 30-yard blast that cleanly beat U.S. keeper Tim Howard.

The Americans managed to halve the score with Christian Pulisic’s drive in the 47th minute but could not even it or pass the Trinis despite several attempts; leading to rejoicing by Caribbean and Soca Warriors soccer fans everywhere

Even former FIFA Vice President and former CONCACAF President, Jack Warner, weighed in on the win, saying he wants to party to celebrate what fans are seeing as the comeback of almost three decades  for T&T’s loss to the US in 1989.

On the Soca Warriors Facebook page, many fans flocked to offer congrats while others saw the win as long awaited revenge.

“Revenge from 1989….this is like TT winning the world cup. Together We Aspire Together We Achieve! Way to end Warriors!,” posted Christy-Anne Frost Barbosa.

“Take that for 1989,” added Negga Tive.

“Well done. All Central America was supporting TT. ’89 avenged,” posted Alejandro Salisbury.

And the ‘revenge’ theme continued.

“I knew you could do (it). I have been an avid supporter through the Hex…. Thank you.. Thank you.. 1989 was too long to wait… but patience,” added Ellen Samm.

“Congrats. Pay back time,” stated Natasha Lewis while Kern Richard Jack added: “Well done boys. Payback time from what happen in 1989.”

Even Mike Bleakly Yank, an obvious US fan, also offered congrats, posting: “Congratulations on the win. Your team played your guts out and all thoroughly deserved it. And deserved revenge for 1989. Enjoy it. We deserved absolutely nothing. And now we will go clean house in our federation. Cheers.”

BACKGROUND

Trinidad & Tobago failed to draw or score in 1989 for a chance at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. They lost to the US 0-1 at the Hasley Crawford Stadium on home soil.

Twenty-eight years later, the US failed to draw or score to secure a place at the 2018 World Cup soccer in Russia, losing to T&T 1-2, much to the glee of T&T soccer fans who see it as nothing short of a redemption song.