Greg Ranjitsingh’s path to Louisville City FC’s first full international call up started months ago, when Trinidad and Tobago coach Stephen Hart contacted the goalkeeper — just to let him know he’s watching.
“I knew if I kept playing at the level I was back at my club that eventually things would fall in place,” Ranjitsingh said this week from Trinidad, where he’s now preparing for possible playing time in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Canadian born, but the son of a Trinidad native, Ranjitsingh made Hart’s 24-man squad for games Friday against Guatemala and Tuesday versus the United States, a nationally televised matchup in Jacksonville.
Trinidad and Tobago sits atop its group and would move on simply by picking up a point in either game. It’s that sort of scenario that could lead to an opportunity for Ranjitsingh.
“I have had him scouted quite extensively,” Hart said of Ranjitsingh. “He’s been having a very, very consistent season, and I thought it would be an opportunity for him to come in, to work with (goalkeeper coach) Michael Maurice, and of course to push for selection within the squad.”
Ranjitsingh said he hasn’t felt nerves during his trip since posting a clean sheet Saturday in a LouCity win over Bethlehem Steel FC. On the season, he has posted a 72.1 save percentage and 0.86 goals against average. Ranjitsingh ranks third in goals against among USL keepers with at least 20 games between the posts this season.
The Mercer University product — Ranjitsingh arrived to LouCity as a rookie in 2015 — said training with the T&T Senior Men’s Team is “pretty similar” to what he goes through back at home.
“It’s been great to integrate with the guys, build some chemistry,” the keeper said. “I think the squad’s looking good — a lot of quality — and I’m looking forward to it.
“…I’m pretty comfortable and staying quiet — just kind of taking everything in. As a goalkeepr, I can’t really be nervous. I’ve got to keep a level head and just play the game.”
Along with the 23-year-old Ranjitsingh, veteran keeper Marvin Phillip (57 caps) and Adrian Foncette (3 caps) are on Trinidad and Tobago’s roster.
LouCity fans can view Friday’s game against Guatemala at 7 p.m. on beIN SPORTS, in Spanish on NBC Universo, or by signing up online at fubo.tv, where 24-hour free trials are available. Fox Sports 1 will carry Tuesday’s game against the U.S. at 8:15 p.m.
