By OkayGoal
Four days after Mathis Albert etched his name into U.S. Men’s National Team history, Cavan Sullivan followed suit.
Sullivan scored his first senior goal for the squad in Saturday’s 3-0 friendly victory over CONCACAF rivals Mexico. The 17-year-old attacker surpassed Albert as the youngest-ever goalscorer in program history, rising to the occasion in his first senior USMNT-Mexico showdown.
Sullivan has drawn plenty of excitement this year after a breakout campaign with the Philadelphia Union, leading to his first involvement with the USMNT. Although he did not score or assist in the victories over Peru and Chile, Sullivan showed plenty of fight and potential, giving Mauricio Pochettino plenty to think of leading into Saturday’s match.
Pochettino rewarded Sullivan with a start at State Farm Stadium, and despite a quiet first half, Sullivan flipped the match on its head with a sensational piece of play after the hour mark.
“It’s the biggest pinch me moment ever,” Sullivan told TNT Sports postmatch after the win. “These are moments you dream of since you’re 3, 4, 5, 6 years old. I manifested this moment, not just these past couple hours when I found out I was starting but my whole life.
“This is an incredible moment for my family, for me, what an honor it is,” he added. “Just really grateful that the coaches trusted in me and gave me this opportunity.”
After Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel committed an error on Julian Hall’s opening goal, Sullivan took advantage of Rangel’s second error of the match to double the hosts lead minutes before coming off the field.
Rangel looked to play a pass to a Mexico teammate but instead mis hit the pass, allowing Sullivan to intercept 30+ yards out. Sullivan didn’t panic, but instead, gathered himself, looked up and chipped a long-range shot into the back of the net with Rangel staring in disbelief.
Sullivan raced off to the corner flag and was greeted by all of his USMNT teammates, those on the field with him, and those warming up on the sidelines. It would be Sullivan’s last major involvement in the match as he was substituted off shortly after, but a moment that he won’t forget anytime soon.
“I just remember chipping the ball, hoping it didn’t hit the crossbar or go over,” Sullivan said about the goalscoring play. “I was getting nervous when it was in the air and then it’s a blur.
“I’m really happy that the guys ran down and celebrated with me,” he added. “This team’s really special.”
Sullivan was substituted off after 65 minutes, finishing the match with eight duels won, three tackles completed, and three defensive recoveries. His goal though would be the major takeaway from his performance, one that certainly will continue to raise the excitement and expectations in him from USMNT fans and supporters.
Pochettino believes that Sullivan is a one-of-a-kind player and it’s easy to see why after his game-changing goal.
“He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior,” Pochettino said about Sullivan in his postmatch press conference. “It’s difficult to find this type of player. Tremendous quality.”
Sullivan will now prepare for what he hopes is a fourth and final appearance of the window as the USMNT faces Canada in St. Paul, Minnesota on Tuesday.