Cavan Sullivan
PHI
Right Winger
Left Winger
Wide Forward
Sep 28, 2009 (17)
Left
5'7"
150 lb
Out with ankle injury
Sullivan (ankle) is sidelined for Saturday's clash against New England Revolution.
Analysis: Sullivan made his senior national team debut in September, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the program's history, and has continued to serve as a standout offensive contributor for his club. Thus, this blow is terrible news for a side that will need to look for alternatives, with his brother Quinn Sullivan the likeliest option to fill in on the flank opposite to Indiana Vassilev. The teenager, who has scored seven goals and seven assists over the current MLS season, will remain questionable for subsequent fixtures following his absence Saturday against New England.
Five shots Saturday
Sullivan had five shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Charlotte FC.
Analysis: Sullivan recorded five shots in Saturday's draw, his fourth match this season with five or more. He tried his best to extend his eight-match streak with at least one goal contribution, but was ultimately held without one. He'll look to start a new streak Saturday versus New England.
Tallies an assist
Sullivan assisted once to go with four shots (three on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-1 victory against Chicago Fire.
Analysis: Sullivan was unlucky to miss out on a goal as he put most of his shots on the frame but he did bag an assist in the second half. The rising midfielder will be a focal point of this attack against Charlotte FC and he has a good matchup, as the team has allowed 43 goals so far in MLS games this season.
Assists eventual game winner
Sullivan had an assist while taking three shots (one on goal) and creating two chances during Saturday's 2-1 win over RSL.
Analysis: Sullivan set up Milan Iloski in the 81st minute assisting what would end up being the game winning goal while tying for the team-high in chances created. Sullivan is in incredible form at the moment with four goal involvements, eight shots and five chances created over his last three MLS starts.
Returns after historic USMNT goal
Sullivan has returned to Philadelphia Union following international duty with the United States and is available for Saturday's MLS clash against Real Salt Lake after being omitted from the league's latest injury report.
Analysis: Sullivan returns from a memorable first senior international window, having become the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history at 17 years and five days after finding the net in Saturday's 3-0 win over Mexico. The attacker made his senior debut against Peru before scoring on his first international start, capitalizing on a goalkeeper error to finish from distance. He has also enjoyed an impressive MLS campaign, recording seven goals and five assists across 24 appearances while establishing himself as a regular attacking option for Philadelphia. Given his strong form for both club and country, Sullivan should be firmly in contention to reclaim a starting role against Real Salt Lake.
Becomes youngest USMNT scorer
Sullivan scored during Saturday's 3-0 win over Mexico to become the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history at 17 years and five days, according to the U.S. Soccer National Team.
Analysis: Sullivan marked his first senior international start by pressing goalkeeper Raul Rangel into a mistake before finishing from distance into the vacant net in the 63rd minute. The goal continued an impressive first senior international window after he made his debut against Peru and saw him surpass Mathis Albert as the youngest USMNT scorer. Sullivan entered the break in excellent club form as well, recording seven goals and five assists across 24 MLS appearances while emerging as a regular attacking option for Philadelphia.
Historic first call-up with USA
Sullivan has earned his first senior USMNT call up for the upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada and will miss Saturday's clash against Orlando due to the call up, returning for the match against Real Salt Lake on October 10, according to the club.
Analysis: Sullivan has recorded seven goals and five assists across 24 MLS appearances this season, recently becoming the youngest player in league history, and the first teenager, to produce a goal contribution in seven consecutive regular season matches. The 16 year old has already represented the United States at the U17 level, including at the 2025 U17 World Cup, and this call up now marks a significant step up in his rapid rise. Quinn Sullivan is expected to replace him on the right flank during his absence.
Remains in form
Sullivan scored a goal while taking two shots (both on goal), crossing twice inaccurately and creating two chances during Saturday's 4-3 win over Sporting KC.
Analysis: Sullivan scored in the 66th minute while tying for the team-high in shots and chances created during the win. Sullivan is in excellent form at the moment with at least one goal involvement in six straight starts while combining for three goals, two assists, eight shots, eight chances created and five crosses over his last three starts.
Logs a brace
Sullivan scored two goals to go with three shots (two on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 5-0 win versus San Diego FC.
Analysis: Sullivan got two goals as part of Philadelphia's scoring frenzy, and he was able to make the most of his opportunities with three total shots. He has a favorable matchup to keep this production up, as Sporting Kansas City has allowed a whopping 59 goals in 24 MLS matches this season.
Two assists in win
Sullivan assisted twice to go with three shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and five chances created in Wednesday's 5-0 victory against FC Cincinnati.
Analysis: Sullivan was Philadelphia's most creative presence, setting up Bruno Damiani twice with a precise pass across the box for the first finish before laying off for Damiani to drive a powerful shot into the right side of the goal. At just 16 years old, his five assists and 31 chances created across 22 matches this season are numbers that would be impressive for any player regardless of age, and his ability to consistently manufacture big chances highlights just how advanced his game already is. His next fixture against San Diego FC will be a competitive test, but his recent form going into it is as strong as any player in MLS right now.
Extends contribution streak
Sullivan scored one goal to go with three shots (three on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win versus CF Montreal.
Analysis: Sullivan registered one goal, three shots (all on target) and one chance created across his 82 minutes as Philadelphia won 2-0 over Montreal on Saturday, finishing confidently in the second half to become the youngest player in MLS history and the first teenager to record a goal contribution in five consecutive regular-season matches. The 16-year-old has now scored four goals and contributed three assists across 21 MLS appearances, and his three shots on target against Montreal reflect a maturity and finishing quality that make him one of the most exciting young players in the league.
Scores in second straight match
Sullivan scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 3-1 win against New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Sullivan doubled Philadelphia's advantage shortly after halftime, making a run down the left before cutting inside and finishing to score his third goal of the season. He also created three chances across 80 minutes, highlighting his ability to contribute both as a scorer and creator. Sullivan has now produced three goals and three assists across 20 MLS appearances this season, with his growing involvement in the final third making him an increasingly important part of Philadelphia's attack.
Scores opener in 1-1 draw
Sullivan scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Austin FC.
Analysis: Sullivan scored the opening goal as he helped Philadelphia Union draw away to Austin. This was his 12th start of the season as a 16-year-old, making it eight games in row where he has started. This was his second goal of the season, having also assisted three times. This goal came from a well worked corner move and was his only shot of the game.
Suspension rescinded
Sullivan is available for selection Saturday against Austin after the Union successfully appealed his red card, Jonathan Tannenwald of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Analysis: Sullivan had originally been sent off after a scuffle in the midweek match against Miami, but his behavior was reviewed and he was allowed to play. This means a huge boost to the team's attacking power, as they may continue to rely on him on the right wing, with either Indiana Vassilev or Quinn Sullivan appearing on the opposite flank. In that case, the youngster will look to increase his MLS season numbers of 35 shots (13 on goal), 21 chances created, one goal and three assists across 18 matches played (11 starts).
Sent off versus Miami
Sullivan picked up a red card during Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Inter Miami.
Analysis: Sullivan had to leave the pitch shortly before the final whistle after an altercation with opposing players. The young winger will consequently be ineligible for the next visit to Austin and could return to action in a subsequent fixture against New York Red Bulls. He had found momentum prior to this contest, which was his seventh league start in a row. He has been playing on the right wing, a spot that could be covered by Quinn Sullivan if he's ready to start, or by Indiana Vassilev, who was recently used on the opposite flank.
Brace of assists
Sullivan assisted twice to go with six shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 3-2 win versus New York City FC.
Analysis: Sullivan recorded two crucial assists in the Union's 3-2 comeback win over NYCFC. At just 16 years old, the midfielder has grown into an everyday starter, having started each of the club's last six league matches. During that span, he has notched two assists while creating eight chances, delivering 17 crosses, and making 10 tackles.
Continues attacking surge
Sullivan had five shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Seattle Sounders FC.
Analysis: Sullivan was Philadelphia's most threatening individual in Saturday's 1-0 win over Seattle, registering five shots (one on target), two crosses (one accurate) and three interceptions across his 90 minutes as the player who combined defensive contribution with the most attacking volume on the pitch for the Union. The midfielder has now attempted 16 shots across his last five MLS appearances, establishing himself as one of the most active shooting threats in the Eastern Conference from a wide position, and his combination of defensive work rate and forward runs heading into the Atlanta United fixture next Saturday gives interim head coach Ryan Richter a reliable and multifaceted option in his starting lineup.
Productive in Saturday's draw
Sullivan registered five shots (four on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Sullivan started Saturday's match, just three days after he scored his first career goal in the loss to Orlando. The 16-year-old was very productive versus Columbus, recording season highs in shots (five) and shots on target (four) and acting as the most threatening attack on either team. He also recorded one tackle and one clearance on the defensive end as he played the full 90 minutes for the first time in his career.
Scores as a sub in 4-3 loss
Sullivan scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 4-3 defeat versus Orlando City SC.
Analysis: Sullivan came on as a sub just before halftime and managed to score despite his side's 4-3 defeat to Orlando. The 16-year-old scored his first MLS goal, despite having made his debut in 2024. He has started four games this season, including the three games before this in a row. This is the first time this season he has taken three shots and created more than one chance in a game, where he created five.
Impressive in draw
Sullivan took two shots (one on goal), sent in five crosses, and took two corners in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Nashville SC.
Analysis: Sullivan showed flashes of why he is considered one of the world's top emerging talents. The 16-year-old prodigy has started consecutive games for the first time this season. Considering Philadelphia are desperate for an attacking spark, he could see another start on the road against the New England Revolution on Saturday.
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