GLENDALE, Ariz. — Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to score a goal in U.S. men’s national team history, and fellow teenager Julian Hall added another goal as the U.S. defeated Mexico 3-0 on Saturday night in an international friendly, marking the 80th match between the two teams.
At 17 years and five days old, Sullivan scored in the 62nd minute by intercepting a pass from Mexico goalkeeper José Rangel and shooting over him into the net for a 2-0 lead. Sullivan celebrated with teammates in the corner of the field.
“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.”
Gio Reyna assisted Hall’s goal in the 28th minute, which came after a deflection off Rangel’s foot, giving the U.S. a 1-0 advantage. Hall, who plays for the Red Bulls, scored his third international goal in three games.
Malik Tillman completed the scoring with a goal in the 84th minute, finding the top left corner of the net.
Mexico was reduced to 10 players for the final 20 minutes after Mateo Chávez received a red card in the 67th minute for a foul on Yunus Musah and an altercation with Sebastian Berhalter.
Despite a majority of fans supporting Mexico at State Farm Stadium, the U.S. gradually took control after a slow start. This match was the first since Mexico defeated the U.S. 2-1 in the 2025 Gold Cup final.
Rafael Márquez, Mexico’s head coach, lost his first match in this rivalry after taking over in September. He has a history against the U.S. as a player, including a notable red card in 2002.
Pochettino appointed Tyler Adams as captain prior to the match, marking Adams’ 61st international appearance, tying him with defender Antonee Robinson for the most on the current squad.
Diego Kochen, making his first international start in goal, recorded a clean sheet. The 20-year-old, currently on loan from Barcelona to Lyngby in the Danish league, made a significant save in the 57th minute.
The U.S. will host Canada on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minn. Mexico will face Chile on the same day in Los Angeles. Historically, Mexico leads the series with 38 wins, while the U.S. has 25 victories and 17 draws since their first meeting in 1934.