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News, Blog and GuidesThe 14-year-old midfielder could make MLS history by becoming the youngest player to debut in the North American league.
Diego Mayel Ibarradiegoibarra21Andy HallEstados UnidosUpdate: Jul 17th, 2024 04:48 EDT0
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United States soccer continues to take giant steps to promote its promising young stars with the Philadelphia Union poised to make history. On Tuesday, 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan was included in the 20-player roster for the team’s next game – against the New England Revolution at Subaru Park later this evening.
See you tomorrow, Cav.#DOOP pic.twitter.com/YXjoBjMP7a
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 16, 2024
Major League Soccer hits Week 27 with 13 fixtures being played on Wednesday night. If Jim Curtin decides to hand Cavan Sullivan his debut – whether as a starter or a sub, the teenage midfielder will become the youngest footballer to debut in the North American league. The record is currently held by Freddy Adu, who made his first appearance in the top category at the age of 14 years and 306 days. If Cavan plays tonight, he will set a new record at 14 years and 292 days.
In his pre-match press conference, head coach Curtin hinted that Cavan’s time might have come: “Tomorrow he will be in the 20 because he’s earned that. 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 90 minutes but you have to earn it.”
The Sullivan brothers could make MLS history
Curiously, Cavan could also find himself on the pitch with his older brother Quinn – the 20-year-old centre-forward has not missed a game this season, scoring three goals and setting up another six in 27 appearances between MLS and Concacaf Champions Cup. Quinn is also in the list for tonight’s game.
Philadelphia are bottom of the Eastern Conference on 21 points – five points off the last playoff place.
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Cavan Sullivan’s MLS Next Pro stats
During the 2024 MLS Next Pro season, Cavan Sullivan has made 10 appearances, in which he has contributed two goals and one assist. His goals came in the most recent Union II matches, against Revolution II and Chattanooga FC, so he already knows what it is like to score against New England’s second team.
Sullivan joined the Philadelphia Union’s academy in 2020 and made his professional debut in North American football on 24 March 2024. Now he could now make history by debuting in the top division.
