Historic Milestone for Cavan Sullivan
In a remarkable display of talent, 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan marked a historic milestone by becoming the youngest American to score in the CONCACAF Champions Cup during a decisive 7-0 victory for the Philadelphia Union against Defence Force FC. This recent match, held on Thursday night, was a showcase of Sullivan’s skills, as he not only netted two goals but also contributed two assists, cementing his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Coach’s Praise and Record-Breaking Achievement
Union head coach Bradley Carnell praised Sullivan’s performance, stating,
“It’s another moment in the right direction,”
as the Union advanced with an impressive 12-0 aggregate score over both legs of the tournament, following a 5-0 win earlier this month in Trinidad and Tobago against the same team.
At just 16 years, 4 months, and 29 days old, Sullivan shattered records by earning his place as the youngest American scorer in the history of the tournament, a feat he expressed deep gratitude for.
“It means a lot… I wish I had it sooner. This is a special moment,”
he reflected after the match. Sullivan also holds the distinction of being the youngest player ever to compete in a game for any major North American professional sports league when he made his debut for the Union at the age of 14 years and 293 days in July 2024.
Future Prospects and Continued Success
Looking forward, the young striker is expected to transfer to renowned Premier League club Manchester City at the age of 18, which has only amplified the excitement surrounding his burgeoning career. His first goal was a stunning left-footed shot, further solidifying his position as the third youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history. In the final moments of the match, he capped off the night with a simple tap-in that celebrated not only his scoring but also the team’s collective effort, underscoring the importance of their clean sheet.
Sullivan’s talent was noteworthy even prior to this match; he led the U.S. to its inaugural victory in the 2023 CONCACAF Under-15 Championship, where he scored four goals and earned the Golden Ball for his outstanding performance. The Philadelphia Union now prepares for their MLS home opener against New York City FC on Sunday, with Sullivan eager to continue making his mark.
“I think I’ve sort of made some good impact when I came in. At this level, things get faster, things get harder,”
he acknowledged as he progresses in his promising career.
