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Ricardo John Has Been Named to the Trinidad and Tobago U-20 Team

By Tim Thomas

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Jul 8, 2013; Harrison, NJ, USA; Escorts show off the Trinidad and Tobago flag before the team

Yesterday, the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championships kicked off in Jamaica with 12 nations from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean all battling for four spots in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand later this year.

The Hokies do not have a representative on the United States U-20 team, but they do have a representative on the Trinidad and Tobago U-20 Team.

Virginia Tech forward Ricardo John was named to the Trinidad and Tobago U-20 team after having a very strong freshman season. John was the Hokies’ leading goal scorer this past season with five while he also had on assists, 40 shots, and 21 shots on goal.

John has good pace on the ball and off the ball to find ways to get separation, and allow for midfielders to send some passes in over the top of the defenders right to his foot. John also can be an aerial threat due to his great height at 6’3” which is ideal for a traditional number 9 striker.

John is still a player that needs some development, but the chance to play on an international stage in the CONCACAG U-20 Championships will be valuable experience for him ahead of next season.

However, John and the Trinidad and Tobago U-20 team has a good chance of being in the top three and getting out of their group. The United States seems like the huge favorite to get out of the group, but Panama, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago are the three teams that will battle it out for the other two spots.

If Trinidad and Tobago can somehow find a way to win the group, they will automatically advance to the U-20 World Cup. If Trinidad and Tobago advances out of the group, they will play one game to determine if they go to the U-20 World Cup or not.

No matter what happens, this will be a great experience for Ricardo John, and definitely should help him when he returns to Virginia Tech after the tournament.

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