Cavan scores first USMNT goal in 3-0 win over Mexico

Cavan Sullivan had his big moment just before subbing off, taking advantage of a goalkeeper mistake to score his first senior national team goal Saturday night in a U.S. Men’s National Team win over Mexico.

Sullivan earned his second start of the international break and his third cap in the match. Media, Pa. native Auston Trusty also started in the game, played in Phoenix.

The Americans broke through with a goal in the 28th minute Midfielder Gio Reyna’s cross into the six-yard box was spilled by Mexico goalkeeper Jose Rangel, and Julian Hall was there to clean up the rebound for his third goal of the break.

Mexico nearly equalized on a 58th minute free kick taken Luis Chavez but Diego Kochen made a terrific save to knock Alvarado’s well-hit volley over the crossbar and preserve the clean sheet.

Instead of 1-1, Cavan Sullivan made it dos a cero to the U.S. in the 62nd minute when he picked off a pass from Rangel and floated a shot over him and into the net. As he’s grown accustomed to this year, the goal set a record for youngest goal scorer in USMNT history. Pressure from the front line of the U.S. and poor communication in the back led to a third American goal in the 84th minute with Malik Tillman the beneficiary.

Sullivan’s Philadelphia Union teammates Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield were unused substitutes in the match but both were there warming up to celebrate Cavan’s goal. Quinn Sullivan was also in the building for the unforgettable moment.

The USMNT will look for its fourth win of the four-match slate on Tuesday, Oct. 6 against Canada at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minn.

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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