TRINI DUO TOP MLS SUPER DRAFT

 TORONTO TAKES SPICER, COLORADO GRABS FREDERICK

Trinidad and Tobago delivered a shocking one two punch to Major League Soccer, when two local players, Tyrese Spicer and Wayne Frederick were named the top two players chosen in this week’s Super Draft.

It was a sporting earthquake that sent shockwaves through Toronto, Port of Spain and the world of Major League Soccer (MLS), the Toronto FC announced Trinidad and Tobago’s forward ç as the Number One overall pick in the highly anticipated 2024 MLS Super Draft. Spicer, a 23-year-old native of Trinidad and Tobago, emerged as a standout talent after an impressive 2023 season at Lipscomb University, where he notched 14 goals and 3 assists in just 16 games.

Spicer's stellar performance in the 2023 season earned him accolades such as First Team All-American, Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Player of the Year, and MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist honors. With a total of 29 goals and 18 assists in 57 appearances for Lipscomb, Spicer's goal-scoring prowess and on-field contributions did not go unnoticed.

Toronto FC, under the new leadership of general manager Jason Hernandez and head coach John Herdman, made Spicer their first acquisition for the 2024 season. The team is determined to bounce back from a disappointing finish in the previous season, which led to the mid-season departure of former coach Bob Bradley. The Reds, who scored only 26 goals in the last campaign, are pinning their hopes on Spicer to inject dynamism and firepower into their attacking lineup.

Hernandez, commenting on the selection of Spicer, stated, "Tyrese possesses a unique combination of technical and physical qualities that align with our player profile and tactical blueprint. He also has a resilient mindset and a drive to improve, which makes him a great fit for TFC. We look forward to working with Tyrese to accelerate his growth as a player and person while helping us achieve our goals as a club.”

The announcement of Spicer's selection reverberated in the media across the globe, particularly in the United States. CBS Sports ran the story for a continuous 24 hours, emphasizing the significance of Spicer's arrival in the MLS. Spicer himself, in a televised interview, expressed his excitement, saying, "I score goals, I'm explosive; I think John Herdman saw that in me."

The English Daily Mail delved into Spicer’s soccer track record, highlighting his achievements as a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American and MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist. Spicer's remarkable statistics, leading the nation in goals per game and ranking in the top 10 for total goals, points, shots on goal, and game-winning goals, underscored his impact on the field.

Back in Trinidad and Tobago, T&T’s Newsday celebrated Spicer's achievement, particularly noting his background as the former top goal-scorer in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL). The news outlet also reported that Spicer's fellow countryman, Wayne Frederick, was chosen as the first pick by the Colorado Rapids.

Frederick,(PHOTO: left) a midfielder from Duke University and son of Trinidad and Tobago's Wayne Frederick, expressed his disbelief at the opportunity, saying, "It shines a light on Trinidad and Tobago." Spicer echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of their achievements for their small island nation.

As Tyrese Spicer and Wayne Frederick embark on their MLS journeys, the spotlight is not only on their individual successes but also on the potential for

Trinidad and Tobago to make a lasting impact on the global soccer stage. The 2024 MLS season promises excitement and anticipation as these talented players bring their skills and determination to North American soccer.