VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed today that centre back Carlyle Mitchell has been called up by Trinidad and Tobago for their international friendly against New Zealand October 15 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Mitchell, 26, will join his national team on October 10, following Vancouver’s Cascadia clash with Seattle Sounders FC, and return on October 16. He is not expected to miss any matches with Whitecaps FC.
The 'Caps defender will be the fourth player on the team to go on international duty this month, as Johnny Leveron (Honduras) and Darren Mattocks (Jamaica) will miss this Wednesday's match to play for their countries in upcoming World Cup qualifiers, while Russell Teibert will represent Canada in an international Friendly against Australia.
The 6-foot-2 defender has made 21 appearances for the Trinidad and Tobago senior men’s national team after making his debut in a friendly against Jamaica back in August 2010. Most recently, Mitchell started all three of his country’s fixtures during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In December 2012, he also played every minute of the 2012 Caribbean Cup to help Trinidad and Tobago qualify for the tournament.
The Arima, Trinidad and Tobago native has emerged into one of Whitecaps FC’s most reliable defenders in his third season in Major League Soccer. He has started 10 of 12 appearances and was nominated among the best MLS defenders in Week 29 for his steady performance in a scoreless draw with San Jose Earthquakes on September 14.
Earlier this season, Mitchell also spent some time on loan with North American Soccer League (NASL) side Edmonton FC. In total, he started seven matches for the Alberta outfit while playing 559 minutes.
Trinidad and Tobago’s upcoming friendly against New Zealand will mark the home debut for former Canadian men’s national team head coach Stephen Hart, who took over the reins of Trinidad and Tobago’s national team in June.
Summary
Darren Mattocks - October 7 to 16
Jamaica FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifiers against USA at Sporting Park, Kansas City, KS, on October 11 and vs. Honduras at Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica, on October 15
Johnny Leveron - October 7 to 16
Honduas hosts Costa Rica Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano, San Pedro Sula, Honduras on October 11 before playing Jamaica at Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica, on October 15
Russell Teibert - October 10 to 16
Canada vs. Australia in an international friendly at Craven Cottage in London, England, on October 15
Carlyle Mitchell - October 10 to 16
Trinidad and Tobago vs. New Zealand in an international friendly at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on October 15
