City-bound teenager Cavan Sullivan has become the youngest goalscorer in United States men’s national team history after finding the net in a 3-0 victory over Mexico.
Sullivan was just 17 years and five days old when he scored the USA’s second goal on Saturday, adding another significant achievement to the career of a player already destined for Manchester City.
The Philadelphia Union youngster intercepted a poor pass from Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel in the 62nd minute before spotting him off his line and producing an audacious lob to double the American lead.
It was Sullivan’s first senior international goal and one that immediately put his name into the USMNT record books.
Sullivan breaks US record before Man City move
Sullivan took the record from Mathis Albert just five days after it had changed hands.
Albert had become the youngest USMNT goalscorer at 17 years and 131 days against Chile, only for Sullivan to lower the mark considerably against Mexico.
“I just remember chipping the ball, hoping it didn’t hit the crossbar or go over,” Sullivan said afterwards. “I was getting nervous when it was in the air and then everything was a blur.”
Julian Hall had opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Sullivan struck after the break. Malik Tillman later completed the 3-0 victory after Mexico had been reduced to 10 men.
For City supporters, Sullivan’s progress carries particular interest.
The Philadelphia Union announced a record Homegrown deal for Sullivan in 2024, with an agreement in place for him to join City once he becomes eligible to make the move at 18.
His development has continued rapidly since then, with senior club football now accompanied by an increasingly prominent role for his country.
City moved remarkably early to secure Sullivan’s future when he was only 14. A record-breaking senior international goal at 17 provides another indication of why.
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