MODESTE: WE ARE READY FOR THE CHALLENGE

by Michael Bascombe

SEATTLE, July 1, 2009 – Grenada’s national football team is gathering here ahead of Saturday’s opening game against the United States in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

A contingent of players and officials are expected in Seattle late Wednesday, joining coach Tommy Taylor, Jerry Alexis (trainer) and the captain, Anthony Modeste. The rest of the team are expected by Thursday.

“I am confident that our players are ready for the challenge,” said Modeste who performed the roles of both coach and captain during the Caribbean Championship last year.

“It’s a tall order but I have every confidence in this highly motivated squad,” said Modeste who plays for Jamaica’s professional outfit Portmore United.

The national team is expected to be boosted by the additions of midfielder Shalrie Joseph of the US Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution, Germany-based Jake Rennie (S.C. Bonner), Lyndon Antoine (Canada) and England-based Andray Baptiste (Harrow Borough FC); Euon Brown (Seven Oaks FC); Byron Bubb (AFC Wimbledon); Rimmel Daniel (Gillingham FC); and Delroy Facey (Notts County FC).

The team then plays Haiti on Wednesday night at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., before rounding out group play against Honduras on July 11 at Gillette Stadium in Boston.

2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup Roster by Position

GOALKEEPERS (3): Desmond Noel (Q.P.R. FC), Andray Baptise (Harrow Borough FC), Josh Charles (Hard Rock FC)

DEFENDERS (7): Rimmel Daniel (Gillingham FC), Jason James (Hurricane FC), Cassim Langaigne (Hurricane FC), Michael Mark (E.S.S. FC), Marc Marshall (G.B.S.S. FC), Anthony Modeste (Portmore United FC), Patrick Modeste (Q.P.R. FC)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Lyndon Antoine (Ebony FC), Euon Brown (Seven Oaks FC), Byron Bubb (AFC Wimbledon), Ricky Charles (Q.P.R. FC), Shalrie Joseph (N.E. Revolution), Dwayne Leo (South Stars FC), Kwasi Paul (Hurricane FC/Marshalltown College), Shane Rennie (Paradise FC)

FORWARDS (5): Kithson Bain (Ball Dogs FC), Denron Daniel (Hard Rock FC), Delroy Facey (Notts County FC), Marcus Julien (E.S.S. FC), Jake Rennie (S.C. Bonner)