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A brief history of the USMNT versus Trinidad and Tobago

This is a David and Goliath story in which Goliath gets the job done.

Soccer: 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying-Trinidad & Tobago at USA Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Trinidad and Tobago versus the United States has been one of those David and Goliath matchups where the story never materializes, because Goliath crushes David as expected. Trinidad and Tobago is coming to the United States where they have never won in thirteen attempts and have failed to register a goal since 1996, a streak of more than 600 minutes. The only time Trinidad and Tobago earned a result was in 1989 when the Soca Warriors drew 1-1. The U.S. has won ten straight at home and outscored Trinidad and Tobago 25-3 during that stretch.

When traveling to Port of Spain, Trinidad the U.S. has a more modest record of 5-2-3 (W-L-D), with the last loss coming 2-1 in a 2008 World Cup qualifier. The United States had already qualified for the hexagonal and therefore started a young team in that match. The other loss occurred in a post-World Cup friendly in 1994. It’s safe to say when the games matter, the U.S. does not lose to Trinidad and Tobago.

Overall the U.S. has a 17-2-4 record against Trinidad and Tobago and are 12-1-3 in World Cup qualifiers. Jozy Altidore is the leading scorer in this series, notching five goals. Eric Wynalda holds second place with three goals.

Due to the one-sided nature of this series this is one that really hasn’t gotten going. Trinidad and Tobago has served as a sure three points for the U.S. when it comes to qualifying and the main drama in the June 8th matchup in Denver is whether or not the Soca Warriors will end their two decade goalless streak.

Here’s a chart showing the historical goal differential between these two nations.