Bangladeshi origin teenager Sullivan becomes USA's youngest ever goalscorer
Cavan Sullivan, the 17 year old with Bangladeshi roots, became the youngest player to score for the United States men's national team, netting in the 62nd minute of a comfortable 3-0 win over rivals Mexico in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday.
The record had stood for barely five days, having previously belonged to Mathis Albert, who scored aged 17 years and 31 days during a 4-2 win over Chile.
Cavan, set to join Manchester City next year, beat that mark at just 17 years and five days old.
His goal came after Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel attempted a misplaced pass towards centre back Diego Campillo that Cavan intercepted, chasing the loose ball before lofting a composed 35 yard finish over the exposed goalkeeper and into the net.
"I just remember chipping the ball and hoping it wouldn't hit the crossbar or go out. When the ball was in the air, I became nervous. Then everything became a blur," Cavan said afterwards.
Football runs deep in the Sullivan family. Cavan's older brother, 22 year old Quinn Sullivan, has played for Philadelphia since 2021 and has already made three appearances for the United States national team as a winger.
The family's footballing ties extend to Bangladesh too, with two other brothers, Ronan and Declan Sullivan, hoping to represent the country at international level, Ronan having already impressed for Bangladesh at the last SAFF Under 20 Championship.
Julian Hall, 18, had put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute, volleying home from close range after Rangel spilled a low cross from Gio Reyna, continuing a remarkable run in which he has now scored in all three of his senior international appearances.
That feat made Hall the first American to score in each of his first three caps since former forward Eddie Johnson, with his goal in Glendale following strikes in recent wins over Peru and Chile during the current international window.
Malik Tillman added a third in the 84th minute, capitalising on a mistake from a Mexico back pass to finish precisely into the top corner, by which point Mexico were already down to ten men following Mateo Chavez's late red card.
Chavez was dismissed for contact to the head and neck area of Sebastian Berhalter, compounding a miserable evening for Mexico that also saw Rangel, who started every match for his country at this year's World Cup, at fault for both opening goals.
Goalkeeper Diego Kochen, handed his first senior start, produced a smart diving save to deny Roberto Alvarado before the third goal arrived, helping secure a clean sheet as Mauricio Pochettino claimed his first win over Mexico in three attempts since taking charge.
The result moves the United States to three wins from three in this four match window, while Mexico remain winless under new coach Rafa Marquez, having managed just one win from their opening three matches of his tenure.