Mathis Albert Becomes Youngest USMNT Scorer in Chile Win
Albert became the youngest scorer in United States men’s national team history after striking in stoppage time of a 4-2 win over Chile in St. Louis.
The Borussia Dortmund winger was 17 years and 131 days old when he pounced on a loose ball at Energizer Park, drove his effort against the crossbar and watched it bounce over the line. The late goal completed the scoring and moved him beyond Christian Pulisic’s long-standing mark.
Pulisic had been 17 years and 253 days old when he scored against Bolivia in 2016. Albert’s breakthrough puts another teenage attacker into the USMNT record books as Mauricio Pochettino continues to introduce a younger group.
United States recover after Chile fightback
Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring after Julian Hall’s smart dummy created the opportunity for the hosts. Chile responded strongly, however, with Diego Ulloa and Maximiliano Gutierrez scoring either side of half-time to turn the game around.
Hall then brought the US level at 2-2, meeting Gio Reyna’s cross with a header. Chris Richards restored the lead from a corner before Albert settled an intense contest in added time.
The Americans’ pace in attack caused Chile repeated problems, while the home side showed resilience after being pushed back by a physical visiting team. Malik Tillman was among the European-based young players used during the second half.
Pochettino said age alone would not earn young players a place in his squad, insisting the teenagers called up are mature enough to compete and have shown they can perform at international level. The head coach said their progress is now largely a question of time.
Record follows rapid Dortmund rise
Albert, a South Carolina native, joined Dortmund in 2024 after developing in the LA Galaxy academy, where his speed and technical quality drew attention from the German club. He has progressed quickly through Dortmund’s youth system and made his senior Bundesliga debut near the end of the last domestic campaign.
He had already impressed Pochettino on his USMNT debut against Peru. His latest appearance brought the defining moment, with his movement in the penalty area and composed finish underlining why he is emerging as a major option for the national side.
The night also included a pre-match tribute to veteran defender Tim Ream following confirmation of his international retirement.
There was late friction before the final whistle as strong challenges led to a confrontation involving players and coaching staff from both sides. The USMNT held their ground to close out the victory and will now prepare for upcoming matches against North American rivals Mexico and Canada.
