Cavan Sullivan Becomes Youngest USMNT Scorer in Rout Over Mexico
Teenage midfielders Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan scored as the U.S. men's national team defeated rival Mexico 3-0 in an international friendly.
Cavan Sullivan made history Saturday night, becoming the youngest player to score a goal in U.S. men’s national team history as the Americans secured a 3-0 victory over Mexico in an international friendly. The win marked the 80th match between the two rivals.
Sullivan, 17 years and 5 days old, scored in the 62nd minute. He intercepted a pass from Mexico goalkeeper José Rangel and lofted a long shot over Rangel’s head into the net, extending the U.S. lead to 2-0. The Philadelphia Union forward was mobbed by teammates after the goal.
"This is what you dream of," Sullivan said. "I’ve manifested this not just these past couple days, but my whole life. The celebration — every bit of it. This is a special moment for me and my family. Most importantly, for the team, a great win and an awesome environment to do it in."
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Sullivan, stating, “He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior. It’s difficult to find this type of player. Tremendous quality.”
Fellow teenager Julian Hall opened the scoring for the U.S. in the 28th minute. Gio Reyna’s crossing pass deflected off Rangel’s foot, creating an opportunity for the 18-year-old Hall, who fired the ball into the net from close range. It was Hall’s third international goal in three games. Hall plays for the Red Bulls and had also scored against Peru and Chile in recent matches.
Malik Tillman added a third goal for the U.S. in the 84th minute, finding the top left corner of the net.
The match saw Mexico reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute after Mateo Chávez received a red card for a hard foul on Yunus Musah, followed by an altercation with Sebastian Berhalter.
Despite Mexico having a larger fan presence at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the U.S. controlled the second half. Mexico’s Rafael Márquez, in his first game as head coach against the U.S., saw his team fall to defeat.
The U.S. team, captained by Tyler Adams, is preparing to host Canada on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minnesota. They are coming off recent victories against Peru and Chile. Mexico will face Chile on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Historically, Mexico has won 38 matches against the U.S., with the Americans winning 25 and 17 draws in the 80 total meetings dating back to 1934.