Albert Becomes Youngest US Scorer in 4-2 Win Over Chile

Mathis Albert became the youngest goalscorer in United States men’s national team history after scoring in stoppage time as Mauricio Pochettino’s side defeated Chile 4-2 in a friendly in St Louis on Tuesday.

The Borussia Dortmund forward, aged 17 years and four months, struck in the final moments to surpass Christian Pulisic’s record and cap another impressive performance by the United States’ emerging generation.

Julian Hall also scored for the second consecutive match, while Sebastian Berhalter and Chris Richards were the other US scorers.

Hall played a key role in the opening goal, cleverly allowing Sergino Dest’s pass across the penalty area to reach Berhalter, who fired into the bottom corner.

Chile responded through Diego Ulloa in first-half stoppage time after a scramble in the US penalty area, then took the lead shortly after the restart.

Gutierrez won an aerial duel near halfway, raced towards goal, cut inside and curled a finish into the bottom corner.

The United States responded two minutes later, with Hall rising to meet Gio Reyna’s lifted cross and directing a glancing header into the net for 2-2.

Pochettino then made five changes shortly after the hour mark, bringing on several more experienced players from the recent World Cup campaign.

One of them, Richards, quickly restored the US lead with a powerful header from Berhalter’s pinpoint corner.

Albert’s late effort initially struck the crossbar and bounced down across the goal line before the referee confirmed it as a goal, moving him past Pulisic’s record for the youngest US scorer. Pulisic had set the previous mark with his goal against Bolivia in 2016.

Pochettino praised the teenage players in his squad, saying their age was less important than their ability to perform at international level.

“They’re teenagers, but they are mature enough to compete,” said Pochettino.

“To play with 16, 17, 18, 19 year-olds, can be good, or can be trendy… but the important thing is, when we call these kids, we are sure that they are going to perform.

“It’s only a matter of time.”

The victory came after the United States defeated Peru 4-1 at the weekend, when 11 players made their international debuts.

Pochettino fielded the youngest starting XI of his two-year tenure against Chile, with an average age of 23 years and 25 days. Gio Reyna was the only player retained from the Peru match, while Antonee Robinson captained the side for the first time.

Hall, who had scored on his debut, missed an early opportunity after rounding Chile goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux before shooting over the bar.

Chile also threatened on the counterattack, with Ben Brereton Diaz hitting the crossbar and Dario Osorio striking the post.

The match had begun with an emotional tribute to Tim Ream, the US captain who recently announced his retirement from international football.

Tensions boiled over around the final whistle, with players and coaching staff from both teams coming onto the pitch for a confrontation involving pushing and shouting.

Richards said the Chilean players were frustrated with the result, particularly after an incident involving the US goalkeeper.

He said Chile had kicked the goalkeeper while he was on the ground and argued that such behaviour would not be tolerated while the team was playing at home.