Cavan Sullivan’s impressive start with Philadelphia Union II has moved him one step closer to making his first team debut.
Sullivan will be part of Jim Curtin’s 20-player roster for Wednesday’s MLS showdown with the New England Revolution. The 14-year-old has scored in back-to-back appearances with Union II, helping Marlon LeBlanc’s squad remain top of the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference standings.
After signing a homegrown contract with the Union earlier this year, Sullivan has remained a highly touted prospect within the organization. Now, he will have his opportunity on Wednesday at Subaru Park to earn his first taste of MLS minutes in front of the home supporters.
“Tomorrow he will be in the 20 because he’s earned that,” Curtin said Tuesday in his prematch press conference. “If you look at his performances in the Union II games, the goals that he has scored, Cavan has earned the right. The next step is working to get your first minutes and that might be one minute, might be 15 minutes or that might be 90 minutes, but you have to earn it.”
The Union have struggled for most of the season, sitting last in the East with 21 points. Injuries and a lack of form have certainly hurt Philadelphia, while the transfer of star forward Julian Carranza to Feyenoord hasn’t helped their cause.
However, excitement has followed Sullivan throughout his time in the Union academy, which could provide a spark during the second half of the league season. Should Sullivan feature against the Revs, he will break Freddy Adu’s record of being the youngest player to feature in an MLS match.
A victory in Chester would propel the Union in front of the Revs heading into their final MLS match before the start of the Leagues Cup schedule.
Hey Cavan got about 8 minutes. His older brother Quinn got a goal. Look for those two in future games.
This guy would fit the J-League perfectly at this stage of his career.
It’s not too physical (MLS) that would prevent him from excelling with just his soccer ability, and would give him experience to compete for titles, and they play in the Asian Champions League where he will face more physicality against the K-League and Middle Eastern clubs, but not every week like in MLS, which may stunt his growth.
He can’t play outside the US until he’s 16. At which point he could play for a club 50 kilometers from the border Tijuana or Juarez until 18 when he’s free to play anywhere. FIFA rules. Unless he has Japanese heritage that I don’t know about. He could maybe go to the EU if he took German citizenship from his mom’s side.
On the US teenager front 17 yr old Tyler Meiser starting for Dortmund in a friendly today. He’s been with Germany U17s so no idea on his feelings about playing US some day.
Tried to watch but the stream kept cutting in and out. I’ll be honest I’d never heard of Meiser before today. He usually plays CB or RB but was playing DM today, against a 3Liga side today. Tyler started with U17s then moved up to U19s the second half of the season. Hopefully Cole Campbell can convince him to join the US. Campbell is supposed to train with the first team this summer but has not been in the squad for either early friendly and several other youth attacking players have. We’ll see if either get to join the first team on its trip to Japan.
The American Maradona? Or another r Adu?
I’d settle for Saurez at least please
His running style is eerily similar to Maradonnas.
I have a feeling he will be the real deal. The US has had many Adus at the youth level. It’s time we are due a couple that hit.
In all honesty the Union are only 5 points away from being in a playoff spot. If a 14 year old can come in and spark this team to a playoff spot his continued stature will grow.
Can you imagine if this kid makes the USMNT 2026 WC roster at 16? What a story could that be.
About time. They need the fans to be excited about something. To be fair he has looked really good for the second team at 14.
When you’re last in the East why not?