USMNT player ratings: Sullivan, Hall 9/10 in big win vs. Mexico

The U.S. men's national team earned a 3-0 win against Concacaf rivals Mexico in a friendly at Glendale, Arizona's State Farm Stadium stadium on Saturday. Up 1-0 midway through the first half thanks to a goal from 18-year-old Julian Hall, the USMNT did well to hold back their regional opposition that collected a total of 61% possession in the first half. Hall's goal marked the third time in the same number of appearances in this window that the teenager has found the back of the net for the national team. Not to be outdone, 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan the became the youngest goalscorer in U.S. men's soccer after stealing a pass from Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel and chipping a shot into the back of the net. Then, near the final whistle, Malik Tillman made it 3-0 after a similar situation in which he stole the ball in the opposition's final third and snuck a shot beyond Rangel. With the victory in hand, U.S coach Mauricio Pochettino and his roster will now prepare for their next friendly against Canada on Oct. 6. Manager rating (scale of 1-10) Mauricio Pochettino, 8 -- Job done, even with limited control of the match to start the game. Pochettino noted earlier this week that he was eager for the opportunity to face not only a fellow regional rival, but also a hostile crowd in Arizona. On the backfoot during the first half, the U.S. then took command after Mexico fullback Mateo Chávez was shown a red card in the 67th minute. Complicated at first and with some trouble creating momentum, the home side then dictated the pace of the game with each passing minute in the second half. U.S. Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best; 5 = average) GK Diego Kochen, 7 -- Had a good day out, making a big save and looking confident between the sticks. A positive performance for the 20-year-old. DF Alex Freeman, 9 -- A fantastic evening for the fullback, who arguably had the hockey assist for the first goal of the night. Freeman was active on the right flank and provided some key defensive interventions. DF Chris Richards, 8 -- Confident, reliable, and occasionally got the U.S. out of some tight spots when building out from the back. A vital member of the backline. DF Auston Trusty, 7 -- Worked well with Richards and was dominant in his aerial battles. Trusty moved a step higher in the depth chart for central defenders. DF Antonee Robinson, 6 -- A mixed evening for the player who helped distribute the ball going forward, but also gave up possession in dangerous situations. A starting spot is far from guaranteed for him right now. MF Tyler Adams, 6 -- The captain did well defensively, but was fairly conservative with his distribution and chance creation. Nonetheless, a solid evening for Adams who conducted the tempo with his lateral passes. MF Sebastian Berhalter, 7 -- Some solid through-balls and decisions that helped create opportunities in the final third. Berhalter's stock is once again rising at the international level. AM Cavan Sullivan, 9 -- Active in winning back the ball and impactful in attack, you couldn't ask much more of the teenager. His goal in the second half was the icing on the cake of a standout showing. AM Gio Reyna, 7 -- It wasn't technically an assist, but credit is due to Reyna for the build-up to Hall's goal. The attacking midfielder was scrappy on the pitch and highlighted that he can still make an impact for the U.S. AM Malik Tillman, 8 -- Provided a goal, made several great runs, and almost looked like a forward-of-sorts with his placement on the left-hand side. A difference-maker against Mexico. FW Julian Hall, 9 -- Another match, another goal. Hall has become incredibly efficient with his three goals in three matches for the USMNT in this window. Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating) FW Justin Ellis, 5 (on for Hall, 65")-- Not much to do for the player who had just one shot off the bench. MF Yunus Musah, 7 (on for Sullivan, 65") -- Some good passing for the substitute, who connected well with players on the right flank. DF Peyton Miller, N/A (on for Reyna, 82")-- Came on too late to make an impact. MF Brooklyn Raines, N/A (on for Berhalter, 82")-- Came on too late to make an impact. MF Mathis Albert, N/A (on for Tillman, 82")-- Came on too late to make an impact.