GLENDALE, Ariz. — The 17‑year‑old Union star Cavan Sullivan celebrated his first senior USMNT goal Saturday night, and he did it in spectacular fashion.
In the latest chapter of the U.S.–Mexico rivalry, Sullivan stole a pass and lobbed a near‑35‑yard chip for the Americans’ second tally in a 3‑0 victory, electrifying the packed State Farm Stadium.
The strike made him the youngest scorer in senior U.S. men’s team history at 17 years, 5 days.
Pochettino gave Sullivan his second start in three matches, honoring a pre‑match pledge to blend youth with experience.
Eight veterans started, a logical choice for a high‑stakes clash. The other newcomers were striker Julian Hall, who netted in his previous two outings, and goalkeeper Diego Kochen. For my money, Pochettino’s youth gamble paid off.
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The veteran core featured Auston Trusty at centre‑back alongside Chris Richards. It marked Trusty’s second encounter with Mexico, two years after his debut in Guadalajara.
Everything around the match felt predictable, even the pro‑Mexico crowd — typical for this region and any NFL venue. The only surprise was Mexico’s late withdrawal of teen prodigy Gilberto Mora with an ankle injury.
Mexico dominated play for most of the opening half‑hour, as expected with its seasoned lineup. Yet the U.S. struck first by exploiting a classic weakness: the goalkeeper.
In the 28th minute, Mexico’s press eased off, granting the Americans one of their early sustained passing runs.
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Sebastian Berhalter fed Alex Freeman down the right flank; Freeman slipped a ball between two defenders for Gio Reyna to chase in open space. Near the end line Reyna flicked the pass back centrally, and Mexican keeper Raúl Rangel mishandled it, allowing Hall to finish smartly.
Sullivan contributed little offensively in the first half but pressed aggressively, likely pleasing the coaching staff. He became more involved after the break, making incisive runs.
Kochen shone in the 58th minute, leaping to deny Roberto Alvarado’s free‑kick effort. The 20‑year‑old had shown some shakiness in his second cap, but the save underscored his high upside.
Then came the moment destined for highlight reels.
Rangel collected the ball well outside the box, looking to pass. He sent a low ground ball that Sullivan jumped on, turned, and with his second touch launched a chip from almost 35 yards that floated over Rangel into the net’s centre.
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The stadium erupted as Sullivan shouted, then sprinted to the corner where the U.S. substitutes — including Union mates Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield — were warming up. Within seconds the entire squad swarmed him.
Two seasoned veterans, Chris Richards and Tim Robinson, grabbed him in a big embrace. Captain Adams arrived next, adding another bear hug and a few words.
The scene brimmed with emotion, and the scoreboard read 2‑0 — dos a cero. The classic U.S. margin over their favourite rival resurfaced, thanks to fresh talent.
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But the final tally came later, when Malik Tillman capped the night in the 85th, out‑sprinting Mexican centre‑back Diego Campillo to a loose ball and hammering home from 12 yards.
Between the goals, the match featured an old‑school tussle. In the 69th minute, Mexico’s Mateo Chávez barged into Yunus Musah off the ball, prompting Honduran referee Selvin Brown to issue a straight red.
Sullivan was subbed off right after his strike, making way for Musah. Justin Ellis replaced Hall simultaneously. In the closing minutes, Pochettino used three of his remaining subs: Brooklyn Raines for Reyna, Peyton Miller for Berhalter, and Mathis Albert for Tillman.
As the venue emptied, U.S. fans lingered, singing John Denver’s “Country Roads,” the anthem that rallied the team at the World Cup. Could this chant become the new rallying cry for future USMNT squads?