While many of their countrymen will be taking the day to unwind, going to the beach to cool down, or even receiving Ash Wednesday blessings, the Defence Force footballers will be down to serious business when they play Philadelphia Union in the first leg of their round-one Concacaf Champions Cup tie at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on February 18. The match kicks off at 7 pm, with tickets priced at $40.

The match comes at an interesting time for both teams, as Philadelphia are yet to start their league season in Major League Soccer (MLS), while the Army/Coast Guard combination have been inactive for a couple of weeks as the TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) has observed a rest period for the Carnival season. Defence Force qualified for the Champions Cup by placing third in the Caribbean Cup, with Philadelphia booking their spot as the MLS’s 2025 Supporters’ Shield winner. In the league campaign, they lost in the MLS Conference semis to New York City.

Speaking to the media on the eve of the first-leg clash, Army coach Devorn Jorsling said Philadelphia cannot be taken lightly, while captain Kevin “Nash” Molino urged his charges to set up the tie with a strong showing on home base.

“My experience in the MLS over the past couple of years has been good. Playing against Philadelphia, who have been one of the tougher opponents over the years. They find a way to win,” said the 35-year-old Molino, who enjoyed over ten years of football in the US with clubs such as Columbus Crew, Minnesota United and Orlando City – racking up over 100 MLS appearances.

“With the players they bring in, they work hard for the club. We just need to match their energy,” he said.

Even as the February 17 virtual press conference was ongoing, thousands of masqueraders lined the streets of Trinidad and Tobago, reveling in the “greatest show on earth.” Molino hopes that excitement, energy and hype can be transferred to his players, but reassured, maintaining focus will be of utmost importance.

"We have been playing well. It's a time when we celebrate in Trinidad and Tobago. But the most important thing is that we want to go out there and give a good showing,” he said.

“We want to give ourselves a platform to do something in the second leg. The boys are focused and up to the challenge.”

After a slow start to the 2025/26 TTPFL season, the reigning champions Defence Force have been on a tear and currently sit atop the 12-team table with 39 points from 15 matches – still boasting an unbeaten record. Club Sando are second on 36 points. The two were scheduled to meet in a highly-anticipated clash on February 6, but the game was postponed to a date still to be determined.

Philadelphia are no strangers to the Champions Cup as they advanced to the semifinals in both 2021 and 2023, with a quarterfinal finish to their name in the 2024 edition. Defence Force have history of their own in the tournament, having clinched the title in 1978 and 1985.

With experienced players such as Nicholas Dillon, Triston Hodge, Keston Julien and playmaker Joevin Jones being added to the Army squad in the recent transfer window, one hopes the local faithful will see a solid showing from Jorsling’s battalion.

“(Philadelphia) have been a top team in the MLS for the past three seasons. They are in this competition for a reason. They have some quality so we won't be taking them for granted,” Jorsling said.

The second leg will be played in Pennsylvania on February 26, with the winner of the tie set to face the winner of the matchup between Club America and Olimpia Deportivo in the round of 16.

Defence Force's 23-man team for first leg vs Philadelphia Union:

Goalkeepers: Jabari St Hillaire, Isaiah Williams.

Defenders: Sheldon Bateau, Jelani Felix, Russel Francois, Isaiah Garcia, Curtis Gonzales, Triston Hodge, Keston Julien, Shirwin Noel.

Midfielders: Joshua Araujo-Wilson, Christian Bailey, Tyrese Bailey, Rivaldo Coryat, Adriel George, Joevin Jones, Kevin Molino, Darius Ollivierra, Justin Sadoo, Philip Tinto.

Forwards: Nicholas Dillon, Phillip Nelson, Kathon St Hillaire.