USMNT Routs Peru 4-1 in Pochettino’s First Game as Manager

The USMNT secured a 4-1 win over Peru at Inter.co Stadium, highlighted by a 90th-minute long-range goal from Sebastian Berhalter.

The United States men's national team defeated Peru 4-1 on Saturday at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Justin Ellis opened the scoring in the 4th minute following a free kick he won himself, assisted by Giovanni Reyna. Peru equalized in the first half through Gianluca Lapadula after George Campbell lost possession, but the Americans regained the lead after halftime when Malik Tillman converted a penalty kick won by substitute Mathis Albert.

Julian Hall extended the lead after entering the match in the 62nd minute, scoring from open play off an assist by Sebastian Berhalter. Berhalter, who also came on in the 62nd minute, finalized the scoreline with a goal from distance in the 90th minute. The victory marked the debut of manager Mauricio Pochettino, who fielded a starting XI with an average age of 23 and included 11 players making their national team debuts.

Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan started the match, becoming the youngest player to earn a cap for the U.S. since Freddy Adu in 2006. Captain Tyler Adams led the team in passes completed, while goalkeeper Matt Freese recorded one save during his 45 minutes of play before being replaced by Diego Kochen. The USMNT next faces Chile in a friendly scheduled for September 29.