USA defeats Mexico 3-0 as Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest USMNT goalscorer
- The United States men's national soccer team ended its winless drought against FIFA Top 10 opponents, defeating fierce rival Mexico 3-0 in an exhibition match at State Farm...
- The commanding victory snapped a two-game losing streak for the U.S.
- Julian Hall opened the scoring in the first half off an assist from Gio Reyna, becoming just the third player in USMNT history to score in each of...
The United States men’s national soccer team ended its winless drought against FIFA Top 10 opponents, defeating fierce rival Mexico 3-0 in an exhibition match at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. 17-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan became the youngest goalscorer in the 113-year history of the program, while 18-year-old Julian Hall and midfielder Malik Tillman also found the net in front of a pro-Mexico crowd of more than 60,000 spectators.
The commanding victory snapped a two-game losing streak for the U.S. against its southern neighbor and marked the program’s largest margin of victory in the series since the 2023 Concacaf Nations League semifinals. The result also elevated head coach Mauricio Pochettino to his 20th win, making him just the seventh coach in USMNT history to reach that milestone.
How Youth Talent Powered the Victory in Glendale
Julian Hall opened the scoring in the first half off an assist from Gio Reyna, becoming just the third player in USMNT history to score in each of his first three international appearances. Hall’s strike gave the U.S. a 1-0 advantage despite Mexico holding more than 60 percent of the possession during the opening 45 minutes.
The advantage doubled in the 62nd minute when Cavan Sullivan pounced on an errant pass from Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and chipped the ball into the unguarded net. At 17 years and five days old, Sullivan broke the record previously held by Christian Pulisic, taking the mark four days after Mathis Albert had set it following a goal against Chile.
It’s the biggest pinch [me moment] ever. These are moments you dream of since you’re 3, 4, 5, 6 years old. I manifested this moment, not just these past couple hours when I found out I was starting but my whole life.
Cavan Sullivan via TNT Sports
Defensive heroics also preserved the clean sheet for the Americans, with 20-year-old goalkeeper Diego Kochen making a vital stop against Roberto Alvarado in the 58th minute. Mexico’s frustrations boiled over in the 67th minute when Mateo Chávez received a red card for a hard foul on Yunus Musah followed by a confrontation with Sebastian Berhalter. Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Malik Tillman capped the scoring in the 84th minute by curling a shot into the top left corner after a defensive miscue.
The Stakes Ahead of the Canada Match
The victory serves as a crucial bounce-back for Pochettino’s squad following a disappointing round-of-16 exit against Belgium at the World Cup. Rafael Márquez suffered his first defeat as head coach of Mexico, failing to win any of his first three matches in charge after prior draws against Peru and Colombia.
The United States holds an all-time record of 17 wins, 12 losses, and two draws against Tuesday’s upcoming opponent, Canada, though the U.S. has won only once in their last six meetings.