Just three days after defeating Peru in Florida, the United States men’s national team faced a tougher challenge against a resilient South American opponent.
A blend of experienced World Cup players and emerging talent propelled the USA to a 4-2 victory over Chile on Tuesday in St. Louis. Sebastien Berhalter gave the hosts an early lead late in the first half, courtesy of a assist from Sergiño Dest. Shortly after Chile took the lead, teenage forward Julian Hall leveled the score less than three minutes later.
Chris Richards headed in a corner from Berhalter with roughly twenty minutes remaining to extend the advantage. Mathis Albert then clinched the win with a deep stoppage‑time goal, becoming the youngest scorer in U.S. men’s soccer history at 17 years, four months and eight days, surpassing the mark set by Christian Pulisic ten years earlier.
The United States will next meet their arch‑rivals Mexico on Saturday in Glendale, Arizona, the third of four September‑October friendlies before concluding the FIFA window with a match against Canada the following week.
Here are the key takeaways from Tuesday’s victory:
Chris Richards rose up to the occasion. (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images)
Although many things went well for the United States against Peru, Chile was expected to pose a sterner test—and they did. The U.S. controlled much of the opening half, but Chile gained the upper hand toward the end of the first period, equalizing in stoppage time, and again early in the second. With a deliberately youthful and inexperienced squad for the inaugural gathering of the 2030 World Cup cycle, it would have been understandable for Mauricio Pochettino’s team to wilt.
“You saw the second half, how guys dug. They dug deep,” Berhalter said. “To go down a goal against a good team and to get two more is what it’s about.”
Julian Hall has two goals in two games. (Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
The 18‑year‑old Red Bull New York forward earned his start thanks to his debut goal the previous weekend, yet he appeared tentative early on, missing two clear chances in the opening half. However, he capitalized on a curling pass from Gio Reyna on the left flank to score, becoming the youngest player in U.S. men’s soccer history to find the net in each of his first two appearances.
“It’s been amazing to share the field with some amazing players,” Hall told the TNT crew afterward. “They put me in the right spots, and I’m just doing as much as I can to put them away.”
Who will start in goalkeeper in the next match? (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Pochettino divided the opening match of the month between established World Cup goalkeeper Matt Freese and Barcelona prospect Diego Kochen. Against Chile, he allotted 45 minutes each to Chris Brady — who sits behind Freese and veteran Matt Turner in the pecking order — and 25‑year‑old newcomer Brian Schwake. After two games of the 2030 cycle, the Argentine coach has deployed nearly as many goalkeepers (four) as he did during his first nearly two years in charge (five).
Freese is likely to start against Mexico, which will effectively be an away match at the 63,000‑seat State Farm Stadium. Brady impressed versus Chile with five saves, Schwake was untouched on Gutiérrez’s effort, and Kochen possesses the greatest upside. The goalkeeper battle will be fascinating to watch in the days ahead.
Will Cavan Sullivan start against Mexico? (Photo by Joe Puetz/Getty Images)
Although Albert did not start either match, he still made a notable impression. One wonders whether Pochettino will give the youngster a chance in the Concacaf SuperClasico, and what role 17‑year‑old Cavan Sullivan—who came off the bench versus Chile—might play. With no senior strikers available this month, the question remains whether Hall will retain his spot against El Tri or if 19‑year‑old Justin Ellis will return to the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager’s lineup. Logic suggests Pochettino will lean on experience against Mexico, a side he has yet to defeat in his tenure, but his faith in the youth means we could see a couple of them earn starts.
“It’s going be really fun to see these young guys get involved in a real Mexico game.”
“That’s never a friendly, and I think everyone knows that,” Berhalter added. “This was a good test, but Mexico’s a different deal.”
