Cavan Sullivan has arrived: U.S. phenom's goal caps a memorable win over Mexico

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The U.S. kept rolling with their third win of the international break, thumping rivals Mexico 3-0 amid a raucous atmosphere at State Farm Stadium. This one will last in the memory for the home side, with a trio of young stars standing out in a brilliant display.

Goals from Julian Hall -- his third in three games -- and Malik Tillman bookended a superb long-range effort from Cavan Sullivan, who became the youngest scorer for the U.S. men's national team.

ESPN's Jeff Carlisle, Lizzy Becherano and Omar Flores were there to witness the action.

1. Sullivan steps into the spotlight as U.S. youngsters impress

Cavan Sullivan had acquitted himself well in his first two U.S. men's national team appearances. But Saturday's performance against Mexico saw the 17-year-old step firmly into the limelight.

Sullivan became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history when he scored on an audacious strike in the 62nd minute, intercepting a wayward pass from Mexico keeper Jose Rangel and then scoring via an outrageous chip from 35 yards. The goal broke the record that Mathis Albert had held for a mere four days when he scored the capper in a 4-2 win over Chile last Wednesday. But in this match, Sullivan brought the proverbial house down with his tally. His manic celebration to the corner, where he was mobbed by teammates, showed just how much the goal and the moment meant to him.

That isn't to say Sullivan had everything his way. The entire U.S. team struggled mightily as a whole in the first half, and were in the lead thanks to a goal from another teenager in Julian Hall, who converted from close range in the 28th minute after Rangel spilled Gio Reyna's low cross right in front of goal.

Yes, the goal was gift-wrapped, but credit Hall for being optimistic and following up every possible chance. Hall is now the third USMNT player to score in his first three international matches, tied with Eddie Johnson (2004) and Alex Rae (1937).

Another youngster, goalkeeper Diego Kochen, also did his bit, especially in the 58th minute when he touched Roberto Alvarado's blast over the bar with the U.S. still clinging to a one-goal lead.

But this will be a night for Sullivan to remember, and it will go down as the match that he officially announced himself to the U.S. faithful. -- Carlisle

2. Gimenez a concern for El Tri after another listless display

Mexico manager Rafael Marquez started Santiago Gimenez in the team's most important friendly of the September/October international window, and he disappointed. Gimenez missed two crucial opportunities in the first half, both from within the box and just a tap away from finding the back of the net.

Fans stood in disbelief while Gimenez hit the ground in frustration on one occasion; he then disappeared as the game progressed, eventually subbing off with 18 minutes remaining.

It's been over a year since Gimenez has scored for Mexico. His latest goal contribution came during a friendly against South Korea on Sept. 9, 2025. Is it a confidence issue? A bad luck streak? Whatever it is, Marquez must deal with the situation quickly.

By the 60th minute, "Hormiga, Hormiga" chants from fans calling for Armando González began to fill the stadium.

Mexico largely depended on Raúl Jiménez as the starting striker for the 2026 World Cup, where he scored three goals. Fans were ready to see him again this window before Jimenez suffered an injury while playing for Wolverhampton.

Now, the question remains: Which striker will step up for Mexico when Jimenez isn't available? Again, it seems as though Gimenez is not the answer. -- Becherano

3. U.S. midfield performance still needs to be better

As encouraging as the performances were from the U.S. youngsters, they masked what was an otherwise a forgettable first half for the USMNT. They started to figure it out as the half went on, but for the most part the U.S. could barely string three passes together, with many of their aimless clearances went straight to Mexico.

It seemed like none of the central midfield trio of Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter and Malik Tillman could manage to control the tempo at all in the face of Mexico's pressure. The same was true for Gio Reyna and Sullivan.

That the U.S. was dominated so thoroughly in the first half in terms of possession (60%-40%) wasn't all that different than other games against Mexico. Fortunately for the U.S., matters improved in the second half. The team's spacing was much better, as was the USMNT's tempo and accuracy. As a result, the U.S. began to find room down the wings, especially on Sullivan's side, but Mateo Chávez's red card in the 67th minute meant the U.S. was finally able to control proceedings.

But the fact that the USMNT struggled under such sustained pressure to start the match raised a sobering thought. Is the U.S. still that dependent on the likes of Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic that it can't possess the ball without them?

Under Pochettino, the U.S. was supposed to be moving past such spells. The good news is that this group proved capable of weathering the storm, punishing Mexico's mistakes, and getting the result they needed. That said, more will be demanded in the future. -- Carlisle

4. Marquez gets his tactics wrong

On Saturday night, Mexico manager Rafael Márquez fell victim to his own style. The insistence on playing out from the back led to a mistake by Raúl "Tala" Rangel, who gifted the United States its second goal -- the one that sealed Mexico's defeat. It's clear this new era needs time.

Mexico got off to a good start, but its opening 25 minutes didn't see them convert their pressure into goals, and that ultimately opened the door for a U.S. victory. After Santiago Giménez missed his chances, Mexico lost its footing, misplaced passes while trying to build from the back, and fell to its fiercest rivals.

Against the United States, Mexico had problems in both boxes. Lacking punch in attack, Márquez urgently needs to find a reliable goal scorer and restore the defensive solidity Mexico showed at the World Cup. El Tri went from conceding three goals in five World Cup matches to allowing five in three friendlies. Márquez needs time. -- Flores, ESPN Deportes