The US Has Dominated the Series, but the Split in 2023 Raises Concerns
The rivalry between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago spans over four decades, with the Americans holding a commanding 22-4-4 (WDL) overall record. However, the series has produced some of the most memorable and painful moments in U.S. soccer history.
The relationship began positively for the Americans with a 2-1 victory in Port of Spain on March 21, 1982. The most celebrated encounter came on November 19, 1989, when Paul Caligiuri's "Shot Heard Round the World" delivered a 1-0 victory that sent the United States to their first World Cup since 1950. That historic goal in Port of Spain marked the beginning of American soccer's modern era.
For nearly three decades, the U.S. dominated this matchup, winning consistently across World Cup qualifiers and friendly matches. The Americans maintained their superiority through multiple cycles, building what seemed like an insurmountable psychological advantage over the Soca Warriors.
Everything changed on October 10, 2017, in Couva, Trinidad. In one of the most shocking results in CONCACAF history, Trinidad and Tobago defeated the United States 2-1, eliminating the Americans from 2018 World Cup qualification. Alvin Jones and Omar Gonzalez's own goal crushed American dreams, ending a streak of seven consecutive World Cup appearances despite Christian Pulisic's late goal.
The teams' recent encounters have been equally dramatic. The U.S. exacted revenge with a dominant 6-0 Gold Cup victory in July 2023, as Jesús Ferreira scored a hat-trick in Charlotte. However, Trinidad proved that the result was an anomaly in their November 2023 Nations League quarterfinal meetings.
After winning the first leg 3-0 with late goals from Ricardo Pepi, Antonee Robinson, and Gio Reyna, the Americans appeared to have restored normal order. But in the return leg, Trinidad stunned the U.S. again with a 2-1 victory, helped by Sergino Dest's red card, proving they remain America's most unpredictable opponent.
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