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Caesar doesn’t conquer Combine, but happy with performance

Troy Caesar wasn't selected for further trials, having attended the MLS Caribbean Combine in Antigua, but came home with a wealth of new knowledge and a positive attitude for the coming season. Photo: VINO/File
Playing left back in the two trial games in Antigua, Caesar did his thing, with overlaps, passes, crosses, long throws and a trademark header which came back off the post. Photo: VINO/File
Playing left back in the two trial games in Antigua, Caesar did his thing, with overlaps, passes, crosses, long throws and a trademark header which came back off the post. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Troy Caesar returned on Sunday January 5, 2014 from the Major League Soccer (MLS) Caribbean Player Combine, hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association.

All the 24 selected players from the various territories of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) arrived on the island of Antigua last Thursday and were straight away immersed into the world of MLS expectation.

Although unsuccessful in his bid to be selected for the annual Adidas MLS Player Combine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from January 10-14 and only two players were, Caesar was happy with his performance and said he had learnt a lot.

“Whilst out there I learnt that fitness pays a lot when playing the Game at a high level,” he said. “Football is a game of passing and if you don’t have a good first touch you can’t pass off the ball properly. What really struck home was that you have to keep your mind on the game, your touches good and you have to know how to think the game.”

The MLS sponsored event, which was also facilitated by the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) organizing committee commenced with two evening matches, played at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

“Before the first, the Coaches told us to just play how we play as they knew we would all be nervous. I played left back and have to admit it was frightening, but I said a prayer and after that settled down.”

The game was played at a high level and it took some time for the players to get used to each other, but Caesar was soon doing his thing, including his long throw.

“I passed a few balls, went on overlaps and put in some crosses. I also tried my long throw and it went straight into the box, but no one got a touch on it,” he recalled.

The next day was a small practice session and then some seven a-side games.

“The training was bounce the ball to the striker, who played it back to the midfielders and then opening it wide for a cross. Then we played seven a side with whichever side that lost being replaced by the next team.”

Caesar went into the final game with a positive mind set and was overjoyed when he was selected in the starting line up.

“If I hadn’t started I figured I wouldn’t stand a chance of being selected, but when I was named to the starting eleven I was so excited. I put more emphasis into proving myself and played like a beast. I overlapped, I put in like 10 crosses, got a header on goal which hit the post and played very well,” he reminisced.

Right after the game and even before they had time to eat, the players were all informed on who had been selected for the Fort Lauderdale trial. However, Caesar was not picked, but was still thankful for the experience.

“I wanted the chance, I wanted to put my name out there and think I did that,” he said. “I’m proud to have represented the country and my family and am still hopeful that I will make it.”

The Combine was also well attended by top MLS coaches including former United States player and head coach of the Houston Dynamo, Dominic Kinnear. “I think it’s good because you can’t be everywhere at once,” Kinnear noted. “Sometimes you only see one game on a scouting trip; I think to gather a group of players to give you a chance to see the best players that makes everything so much easier.”

Kinnear also spoke on how the Caribbean Combine will make it much easier for interested MLS clubs to scout talents within the CFU. “You’ll be down there for a couple of days so you’re not just going in and watching a Saturday or Sunday game and then fly out,” Kinnear recounted. “And then sometimes the guy you’re going to watch doesn’t even play.”

That inconvenience didn’t exist in Antigua: The four-day MLS Caribbean Combine is guaranteed to give the 24 invited players the chance to impress in game action.

Kinnear is convinced that the showcase will not only help the league's talent pool, but it will likely also encourage other leagues around the world.

“To have this here, I think MLS is doing some great things. I would not be surprised to see other leagues around the world following suit,” he concluded

As for Caesar, he now has to get back to the business of impressing in the domestic league and hope that his talents haven’t gone completely unnoticed by the MLS Coaches, who did say that other Coaches, not present, could well come knocking on the door.

4 Responses to “Caesar doesn’t conquer Combine, but happy with performance”

  • ginger (07/01/2014, 09:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look at the man with the ball on his head that is a high jump lol
  • RStAD (08/01/2014, 16:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Keep your head down and keep plugging away Troy. College may still be an option.
  • George Cairns (24/03/2014, 04:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Gotta be proud of Troy! He's doing a lot for football in the BVI, and let's hope he can get into college or maybe even further if he keeps working hard!


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