Cavan Sullivan, who only turned 17 on Monday, officially became the youngest goal scorer in USMNT history this weekend, shattering a record set by Mathis Albert just days earlier and powering the U.S. to a dominant 3-0 romp over rival Mexico at rocking State Farm Stadium. This wasn’t just another friendly, not when it’s against El Tri, and Mauricio Pochettino’s young Americans proved they could meet the bruising moment in a savage regional rivalry.
A New Generation Steps Up Against El Tri
Pochettino is deep into his second term, molding the roster for a new World Cup cycle, and Saturday’s performance was a huge statement. Julian Hall, at 18 years old, continued his incredible run, becoming the first U.S. player since Eddie Johnson 22 years ago to score in his first three appearances. Hall, who won the striker job after posting two goals and an assist in 99 minutes over two matches, was combining freely with Sullivan on the right flank. This dynamic duo, with a combined age of 35, scored in each half, and it was clear from the jump that this U.S. side was here to play. Malik Tillman, a two-goal scorer at the World Cup, put the icing on the cake with the third goal, making Mexico’s defense look absolutely ragged. Pochettino’s gamble on young Diego Kochen in goal also paid off big time. The 20-year-old, a former Barcelona prospect, got the nod over World Cup starter Matt Freese and played the full 90, even making a terrific reflex save when the U.S. was only up by one. Kochen’s stock is absolutely rising in U.S. circles, and it’s easy to see why Pochettino wanted to test him in such an intense match.
Mexico’s Veteran Squad Got Schooled
This was a rough one for Mexico. Under new coach Rafa Márquez, El Tri came into this game still seeking their first victory since the World Cup, having drawn 1-1 against Colombia and Peru in their opening window matches. Márquez rolled out a lineup full of veterans, with eight players boasting at least 30 caps and every starter (except teenager Santiago Sandoval) between 24 and 32 years old. Defender Jesús Gallardo alone had 128 caps, more appearances than seven U.S. starters combined! But experience couldn’t overcome the energy and skill of the young Americans. Mexico tried to set the early terms, pushing Kochen to play the ball with his feet under pressure, but they just couldn’t crack the U.S. defense, marshaled by Chris Richards and Auston Trusty in central defense, with Antonee Robinson and Alex Freeman as wing backs. The U.S. struggled a bit to sustain possession early on, but everything clicked in the 28th minute when they connected 17 passes, showing what they’re truly capable of. Fans were hoping for a teenage showdown between Sullivan and Gilberto Mora, the 17-year-old Mexican star reportedly drawing interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Liverpool, but Mora was sidelined with an ankle injury. Too bad for El Tri, because Sullivan definitely showed up.
The U.S. will wrap up this extended international window Tuesday against Canada in St. Paul. Mexico will face Chile on Tuesday in Los Angeles. This U.S. team, with Pochettino’s clear vision and these young guns firing, is showing some serious promise for the future. Can’t wait to see what they do next!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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