STATE FARM STADIUM (Glendale, Ariz.) — The U.S. men’s soccer team has ended its winless streak against FIFA’s Top 10 teams.
In a recent exhibition match, the USA triumphed 3-0 over their biggest rival, Mexico, ranked No. 10, in front of a crowd of over 60,000, primarily cheering for El Tri, at the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium.
Eighteen-year-old forward Julian Hall found the net for the third consecutive match, with 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan scoring the second goal and Malik Tillman adding the final touch in the closing minutes.
Here are some key points:
Last weekend against Peru, Cavan Sullivan became the second-youngest player ever to start for the U.S. men’s national team. On Saturday, he made an even bigger mark, scoring a goal after intercepting a misplaced pass from Jose Rangel, making him the youngest scorer in the team’s 113-year history.
2. Significant Win Against a Major Rival
Before losing back-to-back matches to Mexico in 2024 and 2025, the U.S. had a solid record against them, winning three successive Concacaf Nations League Finals and the 2021 Gold Cup Final. However, the dynamic shifted after Mauricio Pochettino took over as coach, and the U.S. suffered defeats, including in a friendly in Guadalajara and again in the 2025 Gold Cup final in Houston.
After recent decisive wins against Peru and Chile, Pochettino had warned that the young squad could face ups and downs. Nonetheless, the young players proved resilient against Mexico, seizing the opportunities presented to them—a promising sign for the team’s future.
It’s worth noting that Hall, the 18-year-old Red Bull New York striker, might not have been included in the roster if not for injuries to other players. He has capitalized on his chances, scoring in his international debut against Peru and again in his first start against Chile. Hall’s performance in the match against Mexico, where he scored during a rare opportunity for possession, was impressive.
Though Hall and many of the young players might return to the U.S. under-20 or U-23 teams as experienced forwards rejoin the squad, his scoring ability raises questions for Pochettino ahead of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.
Despite its historical strength in producing elite goalkeepers, the U.S. has struggled in recent years. However, 20-year-old Diego Kochen represents the best prospect in years, and starting him in a challenging match displays his potential. His exceptional save in the 58th minute against Mexico demonstrated his skill and earned him a clean sheet.
Looking ahead, the U.S. faces another rivalry match against Canada in just two days. The Americans lead the all-time series with 17 wins compared to 12 losses, but they’ve only won once in the last six encounters. Can the team overcome this challenge in Minnesota?
Fan Take: This victory signifies a pivotal moment for U.S. soccer, especially as new talent emerges and makes its mark against formidable rivals. With the U.S. squad gearing up for the 2030 World Cup cycle, success against high-ranking teams could pave the way for a promising future in international play.
Source: www.foxsports.com
