Mauricio Pochettino admits it is difficult to find young players with the quality of Cavan Sullivan, and he knows the United States need to nurture the 17-year-old's talent.

The USA thrashed rivals Mexico 3-0 in Arizona on Saturday, earning their third victory in as many games during this extended international break.

Their young stars shone brightly once again, with 18-year-old Julian Hall scoring for the third time in his first three senior caps, while Sullivan made a piece of history in the second half.

Having intercepted an errant pass from Raul Rangel and lobbed the Mexico goalkeeper from distance, Sullivan – at the age of 17 years and five days – became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history.

He surpassed Borussia Dortmund's Mathis Albert just four days after he claimed the record from Christian Pulisic, netting at the age of 17 years and 131 days against Chile.

The USA have one more game to play this month, against Canada in Minnesota on Tuesday, and Pochettino is determined to give his young players further chances to impress. 

"It's amazing to have these talented players that appear now, and it's important for us – it is a big, big moment," Pochettino said. 

"It's a big moment because we need to get it right with them. We need to protect them. We need to support them. 

"Our responsibility now is that this group of talented players grow in the right direction. Today, they were so exciting.

"We need to continue with that idea, to keep that feeling – every time that they can be part of this national team, it's the most important thing."

Asked about Sullivan specifically, Pochettino said of the Philadelphia Union's breakout star: "He's a talented player with enormous quality, but with a very good balance, in possession and out of possession.

"He's a fighter. He's a warrior. It's difficult to find this type of player, no?"

Sullivan told TNT Sports of his history-making strike: "These are moments you dream of since you're three, four, five or six years old. I manifested this moment.

"I probably shouldn't have pressed the goalie; it felt like there was not really anybody pressing behind me. But that's why you go and that's why you put the work in, and I was rewarded for doing so.

"From there, it was sort of a blackout. I just remember chipping the ball, hoping it didn't hit the crossbar or go over. I was getting nervous when it was in the air!"

Sullivan has also had a tremendous campaign for the Union in MLS, breaking single-season records for the most assists (12) and total goal involvements (19, seven goals) by a teenager.