Cavan Sullivan wrote his name into the history books with a sensational goal in the United States’ emphatic 3-0 friendly triumph over fierce rivals Mexico.
The Manchester City-bound wonderkid produced a moment of pure magic at State Farm Stadium, cementing himself as the youngest goalscorer in US men’s national team history.
Remarkably, Mathis Albert (17 years, 131 days) had set the previous milestone just five days earlier against Chile. However, Sullivan shattered that benchmark at the age of just 17 years and five days.
With Mauricio Pochettino’s side already leading thanks to another teenage talent – 18-year-old Julian Hall – Sullivan made his definitive mark just after the hour mark.
Anticipating play brilliantly, the Philadelphia Union star intercepted a pass from Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel before delivering an audacious 62nd-minute lob from distance to double the lead.
Speaking after the game, Sullivan reflected on the dream milestone:
“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.”
Recalling the strike itself, the teenager admitted there were a few anxious seconds as the ball floated toward the net.
“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.”
Things unravelled further for Mexico shortly after the strike. Substitute Luis Chávez received his marching orders in the 68th minute for pushing his hand into Sebastian Berhalter’s face.
Malik Tillman capped off a dominant display by adding a third in the 84th minute, but the night firmly belonged to Sullivan.
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