Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest USMNT scorer in 3-0 Mexico win

In October, Cavan Sullivan set the all-time age record for a scorer with the United States men’s national team. 3, finding the net at 17 years and five days as the US defeated Mexico 3-0 in a friendly at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.¹²⁴⁶

A record-setting finish

Sullivan’s first senior international goal came in his third appearance for the United States. According to The Washington Post, the Philadelphia Union midfielder pounced on Raúl Rangel’s misplaced ball and finished from distance. Major League Soccer described the finish as a chip from distance following Rangel’s giveaway, while RÉCORD reported that the goal put the United States 2-0 ahead.⁴⁵⁶⁸

Reports differ on the precise minute: ESPN placed the goal in the 62nd, while Major League Soccer said it came in the 63rd. Sullivan recalled watching the shot travel towards goal: “I just remember chipping the ball, hoping it didn’t hit the crossbar or go over.” He later described scoring as “It’s the best feeling I’ve ever experienced”.²⁵⁸

The record had belonged to Mathis Albert, who scored at 17 years and 131 days during a United States victory over Chile, according to Al Jazeera and ESPN. ESPN reported that Albert had held the mark for four days and that Christian Pulisic’s earlier record was 17 years and 253 days. Those details were not independently confirmed elsewhere in the dossier.²³

Hall opens the scoring

Julian Hall, an 18-year-old forward, scored the opening goal and extended his run to three goals in his first three United States appearances. RÉCORD reported that Hall converted a rebound after Rangel failed to hold the ball. The goal was Hall’s third in as many caps and his third consecutive match with a goal for the national team.¹³⁴⁵

Mexico had periods of control before the interval. The Guardian reported that after 15 minutes Mexico had recorded 38 touches in the opposing half, compared with five for the United States, while ESPN put Mexico’s first-half possession at 61 per cent. The Guardian also reported that Mexico’s first four attempts, registered by the 40th minute, had all missed the target.¹²

Mexico were reduced to 10 players later in the match when defender Mateo Chávez was sent off. RÉCORD said Chávez was dismissed for striking Sebastian Berhalter in the face. Malik Tillman added the third United States goal; The Guardian placed it in the 85th minute, while RÉCORD reported that it established the final 3-0 score.¹²⁶⁷

A developing US attack

Sullivan had made his senior debut in the previous week’s 4-1 victory over Peru and then appeared as a substitute against Chile, according to Major League Soccer. The league also reported that he had seven goals and 12 assists in 24 MLS appearances this season and had contributed a goal or assist in eight successive matches.⁵

ESPN reported that the United States has won three friendlies since its World Cup elimination by Belgium and that the Mexico result ended a two-match losing sequence against its rival. The outlet also said Mauricio Pochettino became the seventh US coach to reach 20 victories. The Guardian reported that Tyler Adams captained the side for the first time under Pochettino.¹²