Corneal: MLS Draft top picks Spicer, Frederick II were on TTFA's radar

TT Football Association (TTFA) technical director Anton Corneal has said that US-based players Tyrese Spicer and Wayne Frederick II have been on the association’s radar, even before Tuesday’s 2024 MLS Super Draft.

Spicer, 23, who represented St Mary’s College and St Augustine Secondary in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) in his younger years, was selected first overall by Toronto FC.

The striker joins Toronto after a successful season for Lipscomb University in which he scored 14 goals and provided three assists in 16 games.

Additionally, Duke University midfielder Wayne Frederick II, 19, son of TT's Dr Wayne Frederick, President Emeritus of Howard University, was drafted second overall by Colorado Rapids.

Spicer grew up in TT while Frederick II’s parents are both TT nationals.

On the youngsters’ high draft selections, Corneal said he was really excited and proud of them. He believes their progress widens the player pool for possible national selection at the senior level.

“I think they are players that have been on the radar so it’s not to say it’s farfetched (to be selected for TT). And the coach (Angus Eve) will surely, like before, continue to look at all the players, and of course, them playing there, they will be players that we will look at also,” he said.

Corneal hopes their recognition in the US top flight will inspire TT’s younger generation of footballers to keep striving for greatness. Their selection should serve as motivation, he said.

“Spicer growing up here, playing here, and then moving to the US, going to school and then moving on to play in the MLS. So that’s sort of a player’s dream and I’m really happy for him. But it also paints the right picture for young players in our country.

“When I look and see two players from TT, or one with parents from TT, being one and two in the MLS (draft), it tells a story. The potential is there. I’m sure that has not happened a lot in the past, and it’s something we should all be very proud of.”

Corneal remains optimistic that the duo’s achievements will ignite a spark in young footballers coming up the ranks.

“We know both players and we’re happy for them. We’re hoping more players will have the same opportunities to ply their trade professionally. That’s a start and I wish them a really fruitful pro career.”

Spicer earned First Team All-American, Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year and MAC Hermann Trophy semi-finalist honours. At Lipscomb, he recorded 29 goals and 18 assists across 57 appearances.

Spicer is also Toronto's first addition for 2024 under general manager Jason Hernandez and head coach John Herdman, a new regime that's hoping to improve on a last-place finish that led to coach Bob Bradley's departure midway through the 2023 season. The Reds scored just 26 goals last year, tied for the fewest in MLS. (with reporting by Jelani Beckles)