Young Squad Wins Third in a Row With the Biggest Rivals as the Latest Victim
Two teenagers and a gift-wrapped night of Mexican errors powered the U.S. men’s national team to a 3-0 friendly win over Mexico on Saturday at State Farm Stadium, the 80th meeting between the rivals.
El Tri controlled the opening 20 minutes before the Americans found their footing. In the 28th minute, Gio Reyna’s cross from the right was mishandled by goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, and 18-year-old Julian Hall pounced, tapping home from close range. It was his third goal in as many caps.
Rangel struck again after the hour. His pass went straight to Cavan Sullivan, who chipped a long-range effort into the empty net at 17 years and five days old, making him the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history. Sullivan broke a record Mathis Albert set just days earlier, and Mauricio Pochettino hugged him when he was substituted.
The night soured further for Mexico in the 67th minute, when halftime sub Mateo Chávez fouled Yunus Musah and then slapped Sebastian Berhalter in the face, earning a straight red. Malik Tillman punished the 10 men, pouncing on a loose back-pass to finish in the 84th minute.
Diego Kochen, making his first international start in goal, kept a clean sheet and made a fine save from Roberto Alvarado.
Rafa Márquez, losing for the first time as Mexico’s coach, did not hide his frustration. “They were very rough errors, and ultimately you end up almost, almost gifting three goals to the opposing team,” he said. Midfielder Erik Lira added that the squad wouldn’t single anyone out: “We don’t point at anyone.”
For the Americans, the win capped a strong window after victories over Peru (4-1) and Chile (4-2), and it came in the first match since Tyler Adams was named captain. Next up is Canada on Tuesday in Saint Paul.
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