Teen Phenoms Sullivan, Hall Lead USMNT to Stunning 3-0 Victory Over Mexico

Teenage sensation Cavan Sullivan made history Saturday night, becoming the youngest player to score a goal for the U.S. men's national team in their 3-0 friendly win over rival Mexico ^[1]. Sullivan, at just 17 years and five days old, found the back of the net in the 62nd minute, extending the U.S. lead to 2-0.

The Philadelphia Union forward capitalized on a miscue from Mexico goalkeeper José Rangel, lofting a shot over his head ^[1]. Sullivan expressed his excitement, stating, "This is what you dream of. I’ve manifested this not just these past couple days, but my whole life". USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Sullivan as a "fighter" with "tremendous quality".

Julian Hall, 18, opened the scoring for the U.S. in the 28th minute, blasting the ball into the net after a deflection ^[1]. This marks Hall's third international goal in as many games during this window [1, 2]. Hall, who plays for the Red Bulls, also scored against Peru and Chile last week.

Malik Tillman sealed the victory with a goal in the 84th minute ^[1]. The U.S. victory came after Mexico's Mateo Chávez received a red card in the 67th minute, leaving Mexico with 10 men. Chávez committed a foul on Yunus Musah before striking Sebastian Berhalter.

Mexico's new head coach, Rafael Márquez, suffered his first loss in the rivalry ^[1]. Márquez took over in September after serving as an assistant. Diego Kochen, 20, successfully prevented any goals in his debut international start for the Americans.

The U.S. will next face Canada on Tuesday ^[1]. This win marks the 25th victory for the U.S. against Mexico in a series dating back to 1934. The story was first reported by New York Post and ESPN.