Cavan Sullivan became the youngest US international goalscorer in history as the United States defeated Mexico 3-0 in a friendly international match held in Arizona on Saturday. Sullivan scored in the 62nd minute, surpassing the previous record set by Mathis Albert just five days earlier. At 17 years and five days old, Sullivan's goal doubled the USA's lead at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Albert, who was 17 years and 31 days old, had set the record during a match against Chile earlier in the week.
Sullivan expressed his excitement, stating, "These are the moments you dream of when you’re three, four, five or six-years-old. I manifested this moment, not just these past couple of hours when I found out I was starting, but my whole life."
The match saw another teenager, 18-year-old Julian Hall, score the opening goal for the USA in the 28th minute. Hall's goal marked his third in three games since making his international debut under US coach Mauricio Pochettino. Mexico struggled to capitalize on their early possession and territory, with their best chance coming in the second half when Roberto Alvarado's shot was saved by US goalkeeper Diego Kochen.
Sullivan's goal came after he capitalized on a mistake by Mexico's goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who mishit a pass. Sullivan then chipped the ball from long range to extend the lead to 2-0. Mexico's night worsened when substitute Luis Chavez received a red card in the 68th minute for a foul on Sebastian Berhalter. The United States sealed the victory with a third goal from Malik Tillman in the 84th minute, following a defensive error from Mexico.