Ellis and Hall score on debut as United States beat Peru 4-1

The United States beat Peru 4-1 in Orlando on Saturday, with Justin Ellis and Julian Hall scoring on their senior international debuts. Eleven players made their first appearances for the team, including eight teenagers, according to U.S. Soccer's match report. The victory opened the Americans' new cycle following the 2026 World Cup.

Watch the highlights:

Ellis put the hosts ahead in the fourth minute, heading in from Gio Reyna's delivery at the home stadium of his club, Orlando City. The Guardian reported that the 19-year-old celebrated alongside former club team-mate Alex Freeman before Reyna encouraged him to acknowledge the supporters again. Ellis later described sharing the moment with Freeman and the home crowd as especially meaningful.

Peru equalised through Gianluca Lapadula in the 23rd minute, leaving the teams level at half-time. The official match report recorded three unanswered American goals after the break: Malik Tillman's penalty in the 66th minute, Hall's finish six minutes later and a final goal from Sebastian Berhalter in the 90th minute.

Hall converted Berhalter's cross at the back post for the third US goal, then supplied the assist for Berhalter's late strike. Their contributions added to a match in which, according to U.S. Soccer, every American goal involved a player making his first senior international appearance.

Cavan Sullivan also started, becoming the fourth-youngest player to represent the United States at 16 years and 363 days, BBC Sport reported. The Philadelphia Union midfielder's debut followed his first sustained run of starts for his club after the World Cup. He has seven goals and five assists in MLS this season, including six goals in his past six games.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino praised Sullivan's confidence and competitiveness after the match, while stressing that the teenager needs time, the Guardian reported. He also credited established players for helping newcomers settle into the squad, highlighting the support offered by captain Tyler Adams and the welcoming environment created by senior team-mates.

For Philadelphia, Sullivan has been part of an 11-game unbeaten run containing nine wins, according to the BBC, after the club won only once in its opening 15 matches. His international debut brought that recent club progress into a US side whose victory featured both experienced contributors and first-time scorers.