USA Rout Peru 4-1 as Teenage Debutants Shine

In their opening game of the 2030 World Cup cycle, the US men’s national team earned an emphatic 4-1 victory over Peru at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday. First-time internationals Justin Ellis, Zavier Gozo and Justin Hall all scored, while 16-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to represent the US in more than 20 years.

Much of the pre-match attention surrounded Sullivan, but Orlando City forward Ellis made the early impact. He headed in Gio Reyna’s free-kick after only four minutes to put the hosts ahead. Ellis had also helped create the set piece, combining neatly with Malik Tillman before being fouled near the touchline, around 25 yards from goal. Reyna delivered an excellent ball, and Ellis guided an unconventional but accurate header inside the far post.

Mauricio Pochettino selected a squad combining established internationals with several previously uncapped prospects, many of whom appeared on Saturday. Eleven players made their senior US debuts, with Sullivan, Ellis and New England Revolution defender Peyton Miller included in the starting lineup. Bournemouth midfielder and 2022 World Cup captain Tyler Adams also wore the armband for the first time during Pochettino’s two years in charge.

Peru responded quickly and drew level in the 14th minute. Yoshimar Yotun crossed toward Universitario striker Gianluca Lapadula near the edge of the six-yard area, where the forward escaped Miller and headed in from close range. The visitors received considerable support in Orlando, reflecting central and southern Florida’s large Peruvian community.

Managed by former Brazil coach Mano Menezes, La Blanquirroja are rebuilding their squad after missing two World Cups in succession. With several important players unavailable, the 60th-ranked Peru side struggled to retain possession and created most of their opportunities on sporadic counterattacks. Menezes made numerous changes, as did Pochettino, but his team failed to develop a consistent rhythm.

The US regained the lead from the penalty spot through another debutant’s contribution. Real Salt Lake attacker Zavier Gozo was brought down after entering the far side of the area in the 65th minute, allowing Tillman to convert the resulting penalty with composure. Shortly afterward, Red Bull New York forward Hall, who has attracted interest from both the US and Poland, struck with an airborne finish from six yards. Middlesbrough midfielder Sebastian Berhalter completed the scoring in the 90th minute.

Sullivan delivered an assured performance during his 60 minutes on the field. Since the World Cup interval, the 16-year-old has recorded six goals and eight assists for the Union, and he brought similar energy to the national team. He linked effectively with Ellis and his other attacking teammates while repeatedly troubling Peru’s defenders. His eagerness led to a booking in the 23rd minute after he collided with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese while pursuing a chance near goal.

Saturday’s total of 11 US debutants was the country’s highest since the same number made their first appearances in a 1-0 friendly defeat by Slovenia in 2024. The national record is 12 new players in one match, a figure achieved against Poland in 1973 and again in a friendly with Guatemala 15 years later.

The US will travel to St Louis on Saturday evening before facing Chile at Energizer Park on Tuesday. Matches against Mexico in Phoenix and Canada in Minneapolis will follow.