The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Danielle Blair Plays With Trinidad & Tobago U20 National Team
6/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
June 26, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB women's soccer player Danielle Blair spent this past week competing in the Under-20 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puebla, Mexico as a member of the Trinidad & Tobago national team.
The 11-day tournament featured eight teams, including host-team Mexico, Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago and defending champion USA in Group A, while Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Nicaragua were placed in Group B.
Blair and Trinidad & Tobago went 1-2 in the event and were eliminated from the tournament. Trinidad & Tobago lost its opening game to the United States (4-0) and was also topped by Mexico, 3-0, before defeating Cuba, 6-1.
Blair saw plenty of action during her time with Trinidad & Tobago, starting in all three contests at defender.
"It was a good experience for me," said Blair. "It was amazing to play against some of the top players in the world in my age group. It also taught me some things and showed me what I need to improve on to make myself a better soccer player."
Blair, who is a junior defender for the Blazers, is a native of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, but is eligible for the Trinidad & Tobago U20 national team since her father was born in Trinidad and lived there until he was a teenager.
"We are proud of Danielle," said UAB head coach Paul Harbin. "Most of us in the sports world dream of somehow representing our country in international competition. It has been a great experience and has helped her become a better player."
