Sullivan Rewrites History

The Teenager Playmaker's Historic Moment in Glendale

Mathis Albert had four days to enjoy the title of youngest goalscorer in U.S. Men’s National Team history. On Saturday night, Cavan Sullivan took it.

The Philadelphia Union midfielder was 17 years and five days old when he struck in the 62nd minute against Mexico. The Americans led 1-0 thanks to Julian Hall, and Sullivan’s pressure on the Mexican backline forced a poor pass from goalkeeper Raúl Rangel. Sullivan seized on it and sent a long-distance chip over Rangel and into the empty net. Albert was 17 years and 131 days old when he set the mark against Chile, and Christian Pulisic was 17 years and 253 days old before that.

He scored the goal in just his third cap, a week after becoming the youngest American to start a match since Freddy Adu in 2006.

Sullivan said his dream goal felt unreal in the moment. “I was getting nervous when it was in the air and then... it’s a blur,” he said. He also admitted that without the adrenaline, “I think I would’ve probably shed a tear.”

His relentless work without the ball earned praise from the veterans around him. Captain Tyler Adams highlighted his pressing, then added, “I think we gotta stop talking about his age. He’s here for a reason.” Mauricio Pochettino called him “a fighter” and “a warrior,” pointing to his quality on the ball and his appetite for winning it back.

Sullivan was substituted a few minutes later, receiving a hug from his coach, applause from American fans and boos from Mexico’s supporters. Auston Trusty handed him the match ball at the final whistle.

“Greatest day of my life,” Sullivan said. The U.S. won 3-0, and a young group now heads into Tuesday’s friendly with Canada.