The vibes are high for the USMNT right now, no cap. After the soul-crushing exit at the World Cup, Saturday’s 4-1 dismantling of Peru in Orlando felt like a total reset. We didn’t just see a win; we saw a masterclass in chemistry from a squad featuring 11 debutants—just one short of the all-time program record.
The kids are alright
Things popped off early when 19-year-old Orlando City star Justin Ellis netted the opener just four minutes in. The celebration was a whole mood: Ellis and Villarreal defender Alex Freeman, both Orlando products, shared a wholesome moment with the home crowd. Gio Reyna even shoved Ellis back toward the fans to soak up the hype. It’s giving classic team spirit.
Teenage sensation Cavan Sullivan, 16, lived up to the massive expectations during his 60-minute shift, while Julian Hall made his debut special by bagging the team's third goal. The connection between these guys looked organic, like they’d been playing together for years.
Why it matters
Manager Mauricio Pochettino is highkey obsessed with the "contagious" energy this new class is bringing. While veterans like Tyler Adams are doing the heavy lifting by mentoring the youngsters, this squad is playing with a freedom we haven’t seen in a minute. It was just a friendly, but after that Belgium heartbreak, this performance was a major W for the program’s future.
