Teen Sensation Shatters USMNT Record, Becomes Youngest Goalscorer in History at Just 17

Mathis Albert left Energizer Park on Tuesday evening having etched his name into the record books, becoming the youngest player ever to score for the U.S. men's national team at just 17 years, 4 months and eight days old.

The teenage Borussia Dortmund midfielder struck in stoppage time during the friendly against Chile, contributing to a 4–2 victory for the Stars and Stripes in St. Louis.

Coming on as a substitute just 20 minutes earlier, Albert pounced on a free kick delivered by Antonee Robinson, desperately extending his leg to make sure the ball crossed the line.

BAR DOWN AND IN FOR MATHIS ALBERT! 💥#USMNT z @VW pic.twitter.com/gF5OvCaiqh

This isn't the first time Albert has made an immediate impression for the USMNT after stepping onto the field. In Saturday's friendly against Peru, Albert played a pivotal role in the USMNT retaking the lead in the 66th minute. Just five minutes after entering the game, he made a bold run into Peru's penalty area with the ball. Brought down by a Peruvian defender, Albert won his team a penalty, which experienced forward Malik Tillman converted.

"First action on the pitch? Bang, aggressive. Receive and go," Pochettino said of Albert following the 4–1 win over Peru. "He's young? Yes. Need to improve? Yes. Need experience? Yes. Need everything? Yes of course. But he goes 'I want to go, I want to play, I want to show.' That's what we need and that's why I'm so happy."

It's also not the first record Albert has broken. Back in April—at just 16 years old—he became the youngest American to ever feature in the Bundesliga, helping Dortmund secure a 4–0 victory over Freiburg in Germany's top division. In doing so, he surpassed the mark previously held by USMNT star and now fellow squad member Giovanni Reyna, who made his Bundesliga debut at 17 years, two months and five days in January 2020, also with Dortmund.

The USMNT return to action on Saturday against fierce rival Mexico, where Albert will look to build on his scoring record and potentially force his way into manager Mauricio Pochettino's starting eleven.