Cavan Sullivan
Cavan Sullivan became the youngest goalscorer in United States men’s national team history after scoring a stunning lob in a 3-0 friendly victory over rivals Mexico.
The 17-year-old surpassed Mathis Albert’s record, which had been set just five days earlier when he scored against Chile at the age of 17 years and 131 days.
Sullivan, aged 17 years and five days, intercepted a pass from Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel before producing a composed lob to double the USA’s lead in the 62nd minute.
“These are the moments you dream of when you’re a three, four, five or six-year-old,” Sullivan said. “I manifested this moment, not just these past couple of hours when I found out I was starting, but my whole life.”
Sullivan currently plays for MLS side Philadelphia Union and is expected to join Manchester City next season after the Premier League club secured his signature when he was 14 in 2024.
However, uncertainty surrounds the move following City’s recent financial ruling, with the club found guilty of breaching the majority of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League. City are expected to appeal the decision.
Julian Hall, another teenager, gave the USA the lead in the 28th minute before Sullivan doubled their advantage. Malik Tillman completed the scoring in the 84th minute.
Mexico’s night ended on a sour note when substitute Luis Chavez was sent off in the 68th minute for putting his hand into Sebastian Berhalter’s face.