The memories may have mostly faded from the United States men's national team missing the 2018 World Cup at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago, but kicking off the Gold Cup by facing them, the opportunity for a spiral into darkness is there.

The U.S. men’s national team dominated Trinidad and Tobago in its opening Gold Cup match on Sunday, cruising to a decisive 5-0 win. Malik Tillman and Patrick Agyemang combined for three goals before halftime,