Two years after the U.S. Men’s National Team’s last win over CONCACAF rivals Mexico, the Americans celebrated that feeling again.
Julian Hall, Cavan Sullivan and Malik Tillman scored as Mauricio Pochettino’s side beat El Trin 3-0 at State Farm Stadium on Saturday night. It was the Americans’ third win in the September-October window and their first head-to-head win over Mexico since March 2024.
A frantic start from both teams eventually saw the hosts strike first.
Hall took advantage of a Raul Rangel error to give the USMNT a 1-0 first-half lead and score for the third straight match.
Gio Reyna’s cut back pass from the right forced Rangel to punch the ball away, but Hall was in the right spot to tap home the rebound.
Diego Kochen stepped up in the second half as Mexico began to increase the attacking pressure. Roberto Alvarado’s left-footed volley was destined to land in the top-right corner, but Kochen dove to his left to deny the veteran.
Moments after Koche’s key save, the USMNT doubled their lead on a second Rangel error.
Rangel looked to pass from behind, but Sullivan intercepted the pass and slotted it into the empty net from 30+ yards for a 2-0 lead.
Sullivan became the youngest goal scorer in USMNT history after Tuesday’s win over Chile, surpassing Mathis Albert, who holds the record.
Things got worse for Mexico as the half wore on, as late substitute Mateo Chavez was sent off 22 minutes after coming on. Chavez’s foul on Yunus Musa led to Sebastian Berhalter confronting the 22-year-old defender, and Chavez slapped Berhalter in the face with two hands.
Chavez has been shown access and the USMNT will use it to increase their advantage.
Tillman pounced on Alvaro Fidalgo’s weak back pass before firing a shot past Rangel for his fourth goal in his last five outings.
The USMNT would go on to close out a memorable competitive streak with six wins over Mexico in their last 10 meetings.
Sullivan, Tillman, Hall and Alex Freeman were among the standout performers for the hosts, who never looked troubled outside of Kochen’s key second-half save.
The USMNT closes out a four-match international window against Canada on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minnesota.