Vancouver Whitecaps FC open the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League on Tuesday against Trinidad and Tobago’s Central FC (5 p.m. PT at Ato Boldon Stadium).
So who are these guys anyway? Here are five things you need to know.
1. Central FC have quickly established themselves as one of the best teams – if not the best – in Trinidad and Tobago. The club, which was only founded in 2012, have now won back-to-back TT Pro League titles, which is the top division in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as back-to-back Caribbean Football Union Club Championships. This is Central FC’s second straight appearance in the CCL.
2. The headliner for Central FC is Kenwyne Jones (pictured). The former English Premier League striker, who captains Trinidad and Tobago, has reportedly joined Central FC on loan while he prepares to join MLS expansion side Atlanta United FC for their debut season in 2017. Jones has scored over 100 goals in his professional career, including 40 in the Premier League.
3. Another Central FC player to watch is midfielder Keron Cummings. The 28-year-old made headlines late last year after getting shot in the leg by a masked man on his way home. He’s also a pretty good player. Cummings, a Trinidad and Tobago international, scored twice against Mexico in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which got him a trial with Orlando City SC.
4. Central FC play out of Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, a town in west-central Trinidad with a population of approximately 21,000 according to the 2000 census. The stadium, which was built in 2001, has a seating capacity of 10,000 people. It was named after former sprinter and four-time Olympic-medal winner Ato Boldon. Interestingly, Canadian Donovan Bailey beat Boldon to win gold and set a new world record at the 1996 Olympics 20 years ago last Wednesday.
5. The Sharks, as they go by, have a player named Elton John. No, really.
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
