PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Roman Torres’s first half goal was enough for Panama to sink Trinidad and Tobago in their international friendly at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Friday night.
The 29-year-old, who plays his club football in Colombia’s top tier for Millonarios, netted in the 16th minute and T&T then struggled to find a way back into the contest.
In fact, they were heavily indebted to goalkeeper Marvin Phillip who pulled off a number of brilliant saves to keep the scoreline intact, and earn plaudits from head coach Stephen Hart.
“Marvin with his professionalism and his work ethic deserved the opportunity to play the game,” Hart said, referring to his decision to opt for Phillip over first choice Jan-Michael Williams.
“This [was] an exhibition game and I have to find ways of creating competition in the squad for places. Marvin came up great saves … some big saves.”
Panama dominated the first half, controlling possession and getting forward to raid the Trinidadian final third.
Ricardo Buitrago delivered the early warning signs when his deflected volley sailed over the cross bar but Torres made little mistake just moments later when he struck what proved to be the decisive goal in the game.
Buitrago turned provider, beating left-back Justin Hoyte inside the box and crossing for Torres to head home.
The visitors then laid siege to T&T’s goal, with Rolando Escobar teeing up Rolando Blackburn whose shot was saved by a diving Phillip in the 21st minute.
In the second half, T&T endured much of the same with Phillip saving from Blackburn’s header in the 67th and against denying the same player’s low drive eight minutes later.
