The U.S. national team defeated Mexico 3-0 in the 80th edition of the CONCACAF Clásico, played this Saturday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The match, decided by the dominance of the young U.S. forwards and a red card for a Mexican player, marked Rafael Márquez’s first loss as head coach of the national team.
The Mexican team, backed by the majority of the fans in the stands, controlled possession and the pace during the first 20 minutes of the match. However, the team led by Mauricio Pochettino managed to even the play and opened the scoring in the 28th minute. A cross from Gio Reyna was deflected by goalkeeper José Rangel, leaving the ball for Julian Hall, an 18-year-old forward for the New York Red Bulls, to score from close range. This goal marked his third international goal in as many matches.
In the second half, the United States extended its lead by capitalizing on a mistake by Mexico’s goalkeeper on a clearance. In the 62nd minute, Cavan Sullivan intercepted a pass from Rangel and lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper. At 17 years and five days old, the Philadelphia Union player became the youngest player to score a goal in the history of the U.S. men’s national team.
Mexico’s tactical options were limited in the 67th minute when Mateo Chávez received a straight red card for a hard foul on Yunus Musah and a subsequent altercation with Sebastian Berhalter. Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, the home team sealed the victory in the 84th minute with a shot by Malik Tillman that found the top left corner.
On defense, the U.S. goal was manned by debutant Diego Kochen, a 20-year-old goalkeeper on loan from Barcelona to Denmark’s Lyngby. Kochen kept a clean sheet and made a standout save in the 57th minute against a powerful shot by Roberto Alvarado. In addition, U.S. captain Tyler Adams tied Antonee Robinson for the most appearances on the current roster, reaching 61 international matches.
For Rafael Márquez, the result extends his wait for a first win since taking over in September, adding this loss to the recent 1-1 draws against Colombia and Peru. Historically, following this first matchup since the 2025 Gold Cup final won by Mexico, the all-time record stands at 38 wins for El Tricolor, 25 for the United States, and 17 draws.
Both teams will return to action next Tuesday. Mexico will travel to Los Angeles to face Chile, while the United States will host Canada in St. Paul, Minnesota.
