International Friendly: USA Cruises Past Mexico 3-0

Cavan Sullivan Makes U.S. History

The United States men’s national team continued its strong run of form Saturday night, defeating Mexico 3-0 in an international friendly as teenagers Cavan Sullivan and Julian Hall made history in the heated rivalry.

Sullivan became the youngest player to score in U.S. men’s national team history when he struck in the 62nd minute, while Hall added another goal and Malik Tillman capped the scoring late. The victory came in the 80th meeting between the longtime rivals and gave the Americans their second consecutive win over a pair of strong performances against Peru and Chile last week.

Julian Hall Gives USA Early Lead

Mexico controlled much of the opening 20 minutes, but the United States gradually settled into the match and broke through in the 28th minute. Gio Reyna’s crossing pass deflected off Mexico goalkeeper José Rangel’s foot and fell perfectly for Hall, who calmly finished from close range with his right foot to put the Americans ahead 1-0.

The goal was another milestone for the 18-year-old New York Red Bulls forward, who has now scored in three consecutive international appearances. Hall also found the net against Peru and Chile last week, giving him three goals in his first three games during the current international stretch.

Cavan Sullivan Makes U.S. History

Sullivan then produced the defining moment of the night. At 17 years and five days old, the Philadelphia Union forward intercepted a sloppy pass from Rangel in the 62nd minute before spotting the goalkeeper out of position. Sullivan lofted a long-range shot over Rangel and into the net, doubling the U.S. advantage and becoming the youngest player ever to score for the U.S. men’s national team.

Sullivan sprinted toward the corner flag after the goal before being mobbed by his teammates. A few minutes later, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino embraced the teenager as he was substituted from the match. The goal capped a remarkable night for Sullivan and further highlighted the emergence of a young generation within the U.S. program.

Mexico Reduced to 10 Men

Mexico’s task became even more difficult in the 67th minute when Mateo Chávez was shown a red card. Chávez was sent off after committing a hard foul on Yunus Musah and then striking Sebastian Berhalter in the face with both hands when the U.S. midfielder confronted him. Mexico was forced to play the final 20-plus minutes with 10 men.

The Americans took advantage of the numerical advantage and continued to control the match before adding a third goal late.

Malik Tillman Caps Dominant Victory

Tillman completed the scoring in the 84th minute, finding the top-left corner of the net to give the United States a commanding 3-0 advantage. The result marked the first loss in the rivalry for Mexico coach Rafael Márquez.

The 47-year-old former Barcelona star took over as Mexico’s head coach in September after serving as an assistant under Javier Aguirre from August 2024 through Mexico’s loss to England in the round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup.

Márquez has a long history with the U.S. as a player, having represented Mexico from 1997 through 2018. He famously received a red card during the 2002 World Cup after headbutting U.S. defender Cobi Jones.

Diego Kochen Earns Clean Sheet in First Start

The United States also received a strong performance from goalkeeper Diego Kochen, who recorded a clean sheet in his first international start. The 20-year-old is currently playing professionally in Denmark for Lyngby on loan from Barcelona.

He made an important save in the 57th minute, diving to deflect a hard Roberto Alvarado shot over the crossbar. Pochettino named Tyler Adams captain before the match. Adams made his 61st international appearance, tying Antonee Robinson for the most appearances among the current U.S. squad.

USA Continues Strong International Run

The Americans entered the match after impressive victories over Peru and Chile, beating Peru 4-1 before defeating Chile 4-2. Mexico, meanwhile, had played to 1-1 draws against both Peru and Colombia. Saturday’s victory also served as a measure of progress for the United States after Mexico defeated the Americans 2-1 in the 2025 Gold Cup final.

Mexico’s supporters were the majority inside State Farm Stadium in Arizona, but the U.S. ultimately controlled the scoreboard and finished the night with a convincing victory. The rivalry dates back to 1934. Mexico now holds 38 victories in the series, while the United States has won 25 times and the teams have played to 17 draws.