USA defeats Mexico 3-0 as Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest goalscorer
The United States men’s national soccer team ended its winless streak against FIFA Top 10-ranked opponents, defeating Mexico 3-0 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Eighteen-year-old forward Julian Hall, 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan, and Malik Tillman scored the goals in front of a crowd of more than 60,000.
The victory broke a run of losses to El Tri that included defeats in Guadalajara and at the 2025 Gold Cup final in Houston. With the result, the squad secured its third consecutive friendly win since exiting the FIFA World Cup in the round of 16.
Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan Make History in Glendale
Julian Hall opened the scoring in the 28th minute, giving the United States a lead after withstanding early pressure from El Tri. The Manhattan-born Red Bull New York striker kept his place in the lineup for the high-profile match after scoring in previous appearances against Peru and Chile. Folarin Balogun and Haji Wright were not called up for this window, and Ricardo Pepi was sidelined due to an injury sustained after the roster announcement on September 17.
Cavan Sullivan added the second goal after pouncing on an errant pass by Jose Rangel and chipping the Mexico goalkeeper. The strike made Sullivan the youngest goalscorer in the 113-year history of the program at 17 years and five days old, following his appearance as the second-youngest starter in team history the prior weekend against Peru.
Diego Kochen and Tactical Adjustments Under Pochettino
Mexico held more than 60 percent of possession in the first half, while the U.S. finished the match with 49 percent possession and four shots on goal compared to one for Mexico. Santiago Gimenez missed an equalizing chance just before halftime for El Tri, and teammate Roberto Alvarado was stopped by 20-year-old U.S. goalkeeper Diego Kochen in the 58th minute.
A brief altercation between Mateo Chavez and Sebastian Berhalter resulted in a red card for Chavez, leaving Mexico with 10 players. Malik Tillman capitalized in the 84th minute by scoring the final goal of the match.
Upcoming Fixture Against Canada
The U.S. team faces a quick turnaround before playing Canada and American coach Jesse Marsch in Minnesota. While the U.S. holds an all-time series record of 17 wins, 12 losses, and two draws against Canada, it has won only once in their last six meetings.
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