Spice Boyz in must win situation

by Michael Bascombe

WASHINGTON, DC, July 6, 2009 – Grenada’s survival in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup would depend on its two remaining games in the first round of the 12-team tournament.

The Spice Boyz was whipped 4-0 by defending champions the United States in their opening game of Group B at Qwest Field in Seattle on Saturday.

The team moved from coast to coast on Sunday and held practice sessions on Monday ahead of Wednesday’s game against Haiti at the RFK Memorial Stadium.

Both Grenada and Haiti will attempt to get their Gold Cup campaign going after suffering losses on the opening night of their Group Phase. Haiti was edged 1-0 by Honduras.

Though disappointed in the number of goals his team allowed, coach Tommy Taylor is confident that the Spice Boyz would rebound and qualify for the next round of the tournament.

“I think the players are disappointed,” he said. “If you look at the goals, we have given every goal. The US deserves to win the game”.

He confirms that there will be some changes to the starting XI but didn’t say whether midfielder Shalrie Joseph will join the team for Wednesday’s game.

“There will be one of two changes for the next game,” said Taylor, a former West Ham United defender.

Captain Anthony Modeste is also hopeful that Joseph, who has been affected by a knee injury, will be available for the game against Haiti.

“With Shalrie’s experience, playing in the MLS he would have done extremely well for us. Unfortunately we didn’t have him for the game. Hopefully he can get ready for the game on Wednesday,” Modeste said.

Grenada and Nicaragua are making their first appearances in the Gold Cup Tournament.