Cavan Sullivan became the youngest goalscorer in United States history at just 17 years and five days as the USA swept arch-rivals Mexico aside 3-0 in a friendly international in Arizona on Sunday.
Sullivan, who is set to join English Premier League side Manchester City next year, doubled the hosts’ lead with a superbly taken goal in the 62nd minute at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
The teenager surpassed Mathis Albert’s record as the youngest US international goalscorer. Albert, aged 17 years and 31 days, had set the mark only five days earlier when he scored in the USA’s 4-2 win over Chile.
“These are the moments you dream of when you’re 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’s landmark goal came after another teenager, 18-year-old Julian Hall, had put Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead in the 28th minute.
Hall has now scored in each of his last three international appearances since making his debut under Pochettino in last week’s defeat of Peru. He also found the net in the win over Chile.
The USA made the most of their chances despite Mexico controlling much of the possession and territory in the opening stages.
Hall opened the scoring with a close-range finish after Gio Reyna burst into the penalty area to collect a pass from Alex Freeman before beating Mexico midfielder Erik Lira and reaching the byline.
Reyna’s low cross was parried by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel, but only as far as Hall, who lashed the rebound into the net.
Mexico came close to an equaliser early in the second half when Roberto Alvarado’s powerful effort from the edge of the area was tipped over by US goalkeeper Diego Kochen.
But Sullivan then produced the moment that made history.
The forward chased down a long ball after Rangel mishit a pass outside his area, took control and calmly chipped the goalkeeper from distance to make it 2-0.
“I just remember chipping the ball, hoping it didn't hit the crossbar or go over,” Sullivan said. “I was getting nervous when it was in the air and then everything was a blur.”
Mexico’s night deteriorated further when substitute Luis Chavez was sent off in the 68th minute for putting a hand in the face of Sebastian Berhalter.
The USA added a third in the 84th minute when Malik Tillman pounced on a poor Mexico backpass and fired into the top corner.