So yes I was throughly trounced in this game and I would like any insight as to where I could have played better? Thanks kindly

Comment 1: After 4...e5 the best move is 5 Nb5, threatening Nd6+. Black must play ...d6 to prevent that. Then you play 6 Nc3 Nf6 7 Bg5 and you have the Sveshnikov opening. 5 Nxc6 is not a good move in this case since it strengths Black's center with no initiative for White.

 Comment 2: Tactic: you could win a full pawn with 8 Qxf7+ Kxf7 9 Bxa5

 Comment 3: 10 Bc4 drops the e4 pawn, which is of some importance. Maybe Nd2 or Nc3 are better, or even 10 Bd3.

Thanks for the insight!

Comment 4: I think 18 Nxc5 is marginally better than Nxg5+. It deals with some of your structural problems of Black having a strong center.