GLENDALE, Ariz.— Cavan Sullivan has done it, and done it with style. The just-turned-17-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder made his second start and third appearance for the US Men’s National Team in their match against Mexico, and scored his first goal for the USMNT as they trounced El Tri 3-0 in their third of four friendlies during this window.
The United States versus Mexico always promises to be an eventful affair, but the youth on the squad was the big story.
Mauricio Pochettino’s starting lineup was a mix of veterans, but also included young up-and-coming talents in addition to Sullivan. Red Bull New York forward Julian Hall (18) and goalkeeper Diego Kochen (20), a Barcelona prospect on loan to Lyngby, also got the start. The rest of the lineup had the newly-appointed captain Tyler Adams, along with Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, Antonee Robinson, Sebastian Berhalter, Malik Tillman, and Gio Reyna. Amongst those on the bench were Philadelphia Union defenders Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre.
While Mexico tested the US early, the back line and Kochen were able to thwart their attempts. The US finally broke through in the 28th minute when Mexican keeper spilled the ball after stopping Reyna’s cross, and Hall sent the rebound into the back of the net for his third goal in his first three matches—the third player in USMNT history to do so.
Just before the half, Kochen got a hand on the ball to deny Santiago Gimenez a clear shot to preserve the 1-0 lead. He came up big again as the second half was underway. In the 58th minute, after Mexico took a free kick just outside the box, Roberto Alvarado hit an impressive volley that saw Kochen leap and tip over the crossbar to deny the equalizer.
As substitutes were being readied in the 62nd minute and it looked like Sullivan’s time on the pitch were coming to a close, he capped off his evening in spectacular fashion.
As Rangel was outside the box with the ball at his feet, it went to clear the ball, but Sullivan, up high and pressuring the keeper, swooped in and intercepted the ball. The young Philadelphian then chipped the ball past Rangel and into the empty net for the senior team and at 17 years, five days, became the youngest goal scorer in USMNT history. That honor had been enjoyed by teammate Mathis Albert for just a few days, who at 17 years 131 days had scored against Chile.
As Cavan rushed to the sidelines to celebrate, sliding in the grass, it was an especially poignant moment as he was met by Union teammates Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre. The trio have played together a long time, rising through the ranks of the Union Academy, Union II, and the first team. They shared in triumphs like winning the GA Cup, the MLS Next Pro Eastern Conference, and the MLS Supporters’ Shield, and worked through the tough moments like the MLS Next Pro Final. Now, on the international stage, they shared in hopefully the first of many celebrations amongst them.
“I’m super happy for him, and to celebrate with him on a special night like tonight means a lot,” Westfield shared after the match. “He’s a guy that likes to go for more and this is a special night for him, but I know he’s not going to stop here, he’s gonna keep going.”
“I think he’s a talented player with enormous quality, but with a very good balance in possession and out of position,” Mauricio Pochettino said post-game. “He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior. It’s difficult to find this type of player with that tremendous quality with the ball in possession.”
Frustrations were mounting for the Mexican side, and after Berhalter had words with and pushed Mateo Chávez, the latter responded by slapping Berhalter with both hands, and was shown a red card in the 67th minute. Now playing up a man, the US did not take their foot off the gas.
The US attempted a few more shots and kept up the pressure before Tillman intercepted the ball and blasted it past Rangel to make it 3-0 in the 84th minute. That score would hold, and Kochen picked up the clean sheet. The win was tied for the second-largest margin of victory for the US against Mexico, which was in 1995.
Pochettino has shown faith in the young players, which in the beginning of a new cycle and in these friendlies makes a lot of sense. See what you have and where you can build. He also is utilizing the more seasoned players as a foundation of strength, and also as mentors. That mix of players has translated into a squad that has been successful so far, and brings excitement to the fanbase.
“I think overall this was a great opportunity to see ourself in a difficult game with a very good team,” Pochettino said in his post-game press conference.
He discussed the big moments for the young players, noting that they needed to “be right with them” and protect and support them. “Our responsibility now is that this group of talented players grow in the right direction and if today they were so excited to play, again in St. Louis against Chile, they were so excited playing against Peru in Orlando, we need to continue with that idea, to keep that that feeling every time that they can be part of the this national team, is the most important.”
For Cavan Sullivan, it was a night to remember. With so much hype surrounding him since signing with the Union at 14 and having the agreement with Manchester City, would he live up to the enormous pressure? So far, he has looked liked a bona fide starter with the USMNT.
“This is what you dream of,” Sullivan said after the match. “I manifested this for not just the past couple days, but my whole life. The celebration, every bit of it. It’s a special moment for me and my family, most importantly the team, and a great win.”
The USMNT will play their final friendly against Canada on Tuesday, October 6 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota at 8:00 PM ET.
Main article photo credit: US Soccer
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