# USMNT youth stars shine in Peru win

> USMNT debutants deliver playful energy after World Cup exit
- Title: USMNT youth stars shine in Peru win · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: USMNT debutants deliver playful energy after World Cup exit Young US players are bonding with veterans and creating natural chemistry
- Keywords: justin ellis, alex freeman, cavan sullivan, julian hall, pochettino, orlando city, usmnt, peru, nfl, seahawks, seattle, sports
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/27/usa-peru-soccer-justin-ellis-cavan-sullivan-julian-hall
- Published: 2026-09-27T09:00:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: justin ellis, alex freeman, cavan sullivan, julian hall, pochettino, orlando city, usmnt, peru, nfl, seahawks, seattle, sports
## Goal celebration
Justin Ellis scored his first US goal against Peru in Orlando, then celebrated with Orlando City teammate Alex Freeman.

> Celebrating that goal with Alex, it was ridiculous. He’s like family to me.
## Teenage star
16-year-old Cavan Sullivan threatened throughout his senior US debut, scoring the third goal with a post header.

> For me, my family, it’s crazy. I represent my country at the highest level.
## Natural chemistry
Pochettino noted young players form organic connections with minimal training time, creating a contagious team energy.

> They only need a few training sessions. It’s the same if they don’t have quality.
## Veteran support
Senior players like Tyler Adams and Adri Mehmeti guide young talent with mentorship and create a comfortable team environment.

> The senior players deserve massive credit in the way they treat and guide and support.
## Team bonding
Players embraced and celebrated with fans after scoring, showing strong connections with their teammates and supporters.

> We really are enjoying that fresh energy a lot.
## Peru match
The US defeated Peru 4-1 in Orlando with 11 debutants, including two teenage scorers.

> It was a really special day for me.
## Post-World Cup
The US team’s World Cup exit led to a focus on youth development with new players stepping up.

> We know what it means for these young players that they made their debut.
## Future focus
USMNT’s youth movement aims to build sustainable talent pipelines for the 2030 World Cup.

> It’s very contagious. We can win or lose.
## Key takeaway

Young US players are bonding with veterans and creating natural chemistry