When the United States Men’s National Team headed to Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago on November 19, 1989, they did so with one goal: qualify for the 1990 World Cup. A win was necessary to qualify, as a loss or draw to the Soca Warriors would have seen them head to Italy instead of the United States. This match was for all the marbles.
The United States, at that point, had not been to the World Cup since 1950. With a win on the road, the team would go back to the world’s tournament.