U.S. Men’s National Team Shines in Victory Over Mexico
In a spectacular display, Cavan Sullivan made history by becoming the youngest player to net a goal for the U.S. men’s national team. Alongside fellow teenager Julian Hall, who also scored, the Americans secured a decisive 3-0 win against Mexico during an international friendly — this match marking the 80th encounter between these fierce rivals.
Sullivan, at just 17 years and five days old, delivered a remarkable goal in the 62nd minute. He seized a misplayed pass from Mexican goalkeeper José Rangel, sending a soaring shot into the net, increasing the score to 2-0.
Celebrating his achievement, the Philadelphia Union forward dashed toward the corner of the field, embracing the excitement of his teammates.
“This is what you dream of,” Sullivan expressed. “I’ve envisioned this — not just recently, but throughout my life. The celebration was everything I hoped for. It’s a special moment, especially for my family and the team.”
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino shared a heartfelt hug with Sullivan when he was substituted a few minutes later. He praised Sullivan, saying, “He’s a fighter; a warrior. Finding a player like him is rare. Tremendous quality.”
Earlier in the match, in the 28th minute, Gio Reyna’s cross took an unexpected bounce off Rangel’s foot, leading to an easy finish for Hall, who blasted the ball into the net with his right foot for a 1-0 lead. This was Hall’s third international goal in three appearances.
Playing for the Red Bulls, Hall had previously scored against Peru and Chile last week.
Malik Tillman completed the scoring with a goal in the 84th minute, putting the ball in the top left corner.
Mexico was left with ten players for the final 20 minutes after Mateo Chávez received a red card in the 67th minute for a foul on Yunus Musah, followed by a confrontation with Sebastian Berhalter.
Although the game was held at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, Mexico’s supporters outnumbered the U.S. fans. The early stages were controlled by El Tri, yet the U.S. gradually found their rhythm.
This encounter was the first since Mexico defeated the U.S. 2-1 in the 2025 Gold Cup final.
On the sidelines, Raphael Márquez faced his first loss as Mexico’s head coach in this intense rivalry. He stepped into the role after serving as an assistant since August 2024, following Mexico’s exit in the World Cup round of 16 earlier this summer.
Márquez, a former star at Barcelona, encountered the U.S. numerous times as a player, even famously getting a red card in 2002 for head-butting Cobi Jones.
Pochettino appointed Tyler Adams as captain just days before the match, marking his 61st appearance, which ties him with defender Antonee Robinson for the most on the current roster.
Diego Kochen achieved a clean sheet in his first match as the American goalkeeper. The 20-year-old, playing in the Danish league for Lyngby while on loan from Barcelona, made a crucial save in the 57th minute against Roberto Alvarado’s powerful shot.
With the next match against Canada on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Americans will seek to build on their recent victories, having just bested Peru 4-1 and Chile 4-2. Mexico, on the other hand, will play against Chile in Los Angeles, looking to break the trend after drawing 1-1 with both Peru and Colombia.
The competition between the U.S. and Mexico dates back to 1934, with Mexico winning 38 times, the U.S. claiming 25 victories, and 17 matches ending in a draw.
