Cavan Sullivan sets scoring record as United States beats Mexico 3-0 in Arizona friendly

Teenage scorers secure rivalry victory

The United States men's national team earned a 3-0 victory against Mexico on Saturday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The international friendly marked the 80th meeting between the North American rivals and their first clash since Mexico won 2-1 in the 2025 Gold Cup final. Midfielder Tyler Adams captained the American side for the first time under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, earning his 61st international appearance to tie defender Antonee Robinson for the most caps on the current roster. Eight players on the United States squad had not yet been born when the two teams played at the venue in 2007.

Early pressure and Hall's opening goal

Mexico established control during the opening exchanges before a predominantly pro-Mexico crowd in Arizona. During the first 15 minutes of the match, the visitors accumulated 38 touches in the opposing half compared to five for the United States. The hosts adapted by using goalkeeper Diego Kochen and defender Auston Trusty to execute short restarts and relieve the defensive pressure.

The United States moved ahead in the 28th minute when Sebastian Berhalter played a pass to Alex Freeman on the right flank. Freeman sent a through ball to Gio Reyna, who bypassed Mexican midfielder Erik Lira to deliver a low cross from the byline. Goalkeeper Raúl Rangel deflected the ball into the path of 18-year-old Julian Hall, who finished from close range with his right foot. The strike gave the New York Red Bulls forward three goals in three senior international appearances, following previous goals against Peru and Chile.

Sullivan's record-setting strike

Mexico sought an equalizer early in the second half when Roberto Alvarado produced a shot from the edge of the penalty area that Diego Kochen pushed over the crossbar. The United States doubled its advantage in the 62nd minute through 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan. The Philadelphia Union forward intercepted an errant pass from Rangel outside the penalty area and lofted a long-range chip over the goalkeeper into the net. At 17 years and five days old, Sullivan surpassed the national team scoring record set five days earlier by Mathis Albert, who scored at 17 years and 31 days in a 4-2 win against Chile. Sullivan, who is scheduled to move to Manchester City next year, described his reaction following the match.

These are the moments you dream of when you're three, four, five or six-year-old.

I just remember chipping the ball, hoping it didn't hit the crossbar or go over. I was getting nervous when it was in the air and then everything was a blur.

Red card and Tillman's finish

Mexico's difficulties mounted in the 67th minute when defender Mateo Chávez received a red card. Chávez committed a foul against Yunus Musah and subsequently hit Sebastian Berhalter in the face with both hands during the ensuing confrontation. Malik Tillman completed the scoring in the 84th minute by sending a shot into the top left corner of the net. The defeat leaves Mexico head coach Rafael Márquez without a victory since taking over from Javier Aguirre in September.