Cavan Sullivan breaks MLS record as Union rout Revs
07/18/2024 05:58 AM
Wednesday night could go down as a season-defining moment for the Philadelphia Union.
Jim Curtin’s squad routed the New England Revolution 5-1 at Subaru Park, ending their 10-match winless streak. 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan made MLS history in the match, becoming the youngest player to make his regular-season debut among the top North American professional sports leagues.
Sullivan surpassed Freddy Adu’s record by 13 days, playing the final five minutes of the Eastern Conference showdown in Chester, Pennsylvania. Adu proceeded to congratulate Sullivan for breaking his record on social media.
Tai Baribo stole the show by recording his first MLS hat trick while Jakob Glesnes and Quinn Sullivan also found the back of the net. Sullivan’s strike, a powerful right-footed shot in the 84th minute, led to Cavan racing off the end-line to celebrate with his brother.
Cavan showed promising moments in his short home cameo, registering one shot on target, and showing zero fear in possession. The U.S. youth national team standout entered the match with two goals in back-to-back MLS NEXT Pro appearances for Union II.
"Look, this is just the start," said Sullivan to reporters. "I’m really, really happy to have done this, but it’s honestly the first box checked off, so a long journey ahead. I know it’s all about where you finish, not where you start. So I’m just going keep working, keep developing here. My main focus is on Philadelphia and our season ahead.
"This is just the first chapter in Cavan’s career,” Curtin said postmatch. “For those that don’t know, we do have a plan for him. It’s not just minute by minute or day by day; there is a plan in place. So you guys saw him dominate the academy level, even up three years. You saw him now score some good goals for Union 2 and do really well. You guys don’t get to see him every day in training, but the staff does, and the time was right to give him an opportunity.”
As for the Union, they jumped out of last place in the East, moving ahead of the Revs in the league table. Sullivan will seek continued minutes for the Union, who host Nashville SC on Saturday in their final match before the Leagues Cup schedule begins.
