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Dominic Joseph on the ball for T&T against Sint Maarten via TTFA Media
Dominic Joseph earns experience in FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers with Trinidad and Tobago
February 17, 2025

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Vancouver FC midfielder Dominic Joseph. In early January the 16 year old received his first call up to join the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s U-17 National Team. One month later the VFC U-19 Academy standout signed his first contract with the first team, signing a Development Contract with the Eagles through the 2025 CPL Season.

Shortly after signing with Vancouver FC Joseph received more news, he had been called up again for the U-17 Soca Warriors, this time to play British Virgin Islands, Guyana, Sint Maarten and hosts Costa Rica, with one thing in mind.

Qualify for the U-17 World Cup that is set to be held in Qatar from November 5th to 27th.

“I feel like something we’re strong at in this group is definitely discipline, especially with all the running we’re doing. We’re making sure we’re working our hardest because we know it’s going to be really tough to qualify for a World Cup,” said the Vancouver FC U-19 Academy product.

Shawn Cooper’s team were held to a 1-1 draw by Guyana on February 7th, with Dominic Joseph starting the match and clocking 65 minutes for the Soca Warriors. After originally going behind in the match Joseph helped find an equalizer for T&T in the 53rd minute, after Caprietta made a bustling run down the left flank and pulled the ball for VFC midfielder Joseph. The Guyana defence closed Joseph down, but the ball ricocheted into Nelson’s path and he pounced with an accurate shot on the turn.

With the match finishing 1-1 it meant Trinidad and Tobago would need to win their final three matches against British Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten and Costa Rica in order to qualify.

On February 9th Trinidad and Tobago defeated British Virgin Islands 3-1 at the Estadio Nacional in Costa Rica to keep their hopes of a World Cup berth alive.

A few days later on February 13th Joseph started and played 78 minutes in a 9-0 rout against Sint Maarten, that saw the Soca Warriors edge ever closer to a FIFA U-17 World Cup berth. The result against Sint Maarten means the only thing that stood between the Soca Warriors and the World Cup was a win against Costa Rica on February 16th.

Dominic Joseph (#10) laces up for Trinidad and Tobago U-17 National Team against Sint Maarten via TTFA Media

On February 16th Dominic was in the starting eleven for Shawn Cooper once again in a must-win game against rivals Costa Rica. Trinidad proved a tough challenge for the Costa Ricans matching them chance-for-chance during the match before a T&T defender conceded a penalty on the stroke of halftime. Costa Rica opened the scoring from the spot and led 1-0 from the 45th minute, with Joseph being substituted in the 76th minute. The Costa Ricans doubled their lead late in the second half scoring in the 87th minute, ending Trinidad and Tobago’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

Despite Joseph and the Soca Warriors missing out on the U-17 World Cup the experience playing against some of the continent’s finest players will serve the 16 year old midfielder well.

Joseph’s journey from joining the Vancouver FC U-19 Academy in September to being a match away from the World Cup in less than six months is a testament to what happens when talent meets relentless dedication.

Joseph will now return to Vancouver to take part in the Eagles preseason as they prepare for their third Canadian Premier League campaign. The 16-year-old midfielder will no doubt be hoping he can make his mark similarly to U-21 VFC players TJ Tahid, James Cameron, and recently departed Grady McDonnell in 2025.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see Vancouver FC’s next star in the making. Join the Eagles in the stands at Willoughby Community Park this season and help us Grow The Game.