Cavan Sullivan Makes History as USMNT Beat Peru 4-1
Cavan Sullivan became the second-youngest starter in United States men’s national team history as Mauricio Pochettino’s experimental side beat Peru 4-1 in Orlando.
What we know
- Sullivan started at 16 years and 362 days, behind only Freddy Adu, who was 16 years and 234 days when he made his USMNT debut in 2006. The teenager played 62 minutes, carried the ball confidently at Peru’s defence and was booked after colliding with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
- Justin Ellis scored four minutes into his first international appearance, delivering a dream moment at his home stadium. The 17-year-old Mathis Albert won a penalty moments after entering, and Malik Tillman converted it.
- Julian Hall, 18, struck the third after Sebastian Berhalter supplied the cross. Berhalter then completed the scoring himself with a long-range finish, having also set up Hall.
- The match featured 11 US debuts and eight teenagers. Diego Kochen, Albert, Hall, Zavier Gozo, Brooklyn Raines, Frankie Westfield, Adri Mehmeti and Neil Pierre were among those introduced during the game.
- Alex Freeman impressed from full-back, while Tyler Adams provided control in midfield. Gio Reyna created danger from a free-kick but also received a yellow card. Antonee Robinson replaced Peyton Miller after Peru targeted the young defender early on.
- There were warning signs for Pochettino despite the scoreline. Peru scored from a loose first-half sequence after George Campbell lost possession, created further heading opportunities, and goalkeeper Matt Freese was replaced by Kochen at half-time.
What happens next
Pochettino has three matches remaining in the current window to assess a squad packed with inexperienced players. The Peru win gives the coach goals, debut performances and several defensive lessons to take into those games.
