U.S. national team open the road to the 2030 World Cup with a convincing win over Peru

The United States opened the September/October international window with a 4–1 win over Peru on Saturday at Orlando City’s Inter.co stadium. Several new names stood out in the match: Justin Ellis and Julian Hall scored on their senior-team debuts, Malik Tillman converted a decisive penalty, and Sebastian Berhalter scored the closing goal.

As mlssoccer reports, the match was unlocked in the fourth minute by Justin Ellis after a cross from a Gio Reyna free kick. Gianluca Lapadula equalised for Peru in the 15th minute, while in the second half Mathis Albert won a penalty that Malik Tillman converted in the 66th minute. Julian Hall scored in the 72nd minute after a Sebastian Berhalter cross, and Berhalter himself sealed the win with a long-range strike in the 90th minute.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino used a young squad to open the 2030 World Cup qualification cycle, and the young players delivered the expected contributions. Ellis scored in the stadium of the club where he grew up, Hall showed promising form in his first international match, and Berhalter emerged as one of the decisive figures with an assist and a goal.

According to mlssoccer, the U.S. will play again on Tuesday, 29 September, against Chile at 20:00 ET in an international friendly, while Peru face Mexico the same day at a time yet to be confirmed.