Eight Teenagers Debut as New-Look USMNT Routs Peru 4-1

The United States secured a 4-1 victory over Peru at Inter&Co Stadium, marking the first time two American teenagers scored in the same match since 2018.

The United States defeated Peru 4-1 on Wednesday at Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium, a match defined by 11 total senior debuts for the American side. Justin Ellis opened the scoring with a first-half header before Peru’s Gianluca Lapadula equalized. In the second half, Malik Tillman reclaimed the lead for the U.S. before Sebastian Berhalter assisted Julian Hall for a third goal and subsequently scored a long-range strike to finalize the three-goal margin.

Eight teenagers featured in the victory, including starters like Philadelphia Union’s Cavan Sullivan. The other debutants under manager Mauricio Pochettino included Peyton Miller, Zavier Gozo, Neil Pierre, Adri Mehmeti, and Mathis Albert. The goals by Ellis and Hall represent the first time two U.S. teenagers scored in a single game since Josh Sargent and Timothy Weah achieved the feat against Bolivia in May 2018.

This friendly served as the first U.S. fixture since the team was eliminated by Belgium in the FIFA World Cup round of 16. The national team continues its international window with upcoming matches against Chile, Mexico, and Canada, according to ESPN.