Cavan Sullivan Scores in 3-1 Union Win to Break MLS 16-Year-Old Record

Cavan Sullivan became the first 16-year-old in MLS history to record goal contributions in four consecutive games during Philadelphia's 3-1 win.

Cavan Sullivan secured a piece of Major League Soccer history in the 50th minute on Saturday, burying a powerful left-footed strike to help the Philadelphia Union defeat the New York Red Bulls 3-1. The 16-year-old rising star utilized a skillful cut back before finding the net, marking his second consecutive match with a goal. This performance makes Sullivan the first player in league history at age 16 to record goal contributions in four straight appearances, totaling two goals and three assists during that span.

The Union opened the scoring at Red Bull Arena in the 21st minute when Milan Iloski recorded his career-high 11th goal of the season. Indiana Vassilev and Danley Jean Jacques provided the assists on the opening tally, representing the first two assists of the year for both players. Philadelphia extended their lead to 3-0 in the 65th minute through 18-year-old rookie midfielder Neil Pierre, who scored his fourth goal in just seven appearances. Pierre’s strike was assisted by Bruno Damiani and Iloski. The Red Bulls avoided a shutout in the 74th minute when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting netted his third goal of the current campaign, following a 17-goal season last year.

Record-Breaking Production for Sullivan

Sullivan’s recent form places him in elite company among the league's youngest ever producers. By reaching four consecutive games with a scoring contribution, he tied the mark for players aged 18 or younger previously set by Ricardo Pepi (August 21-September 14, 2021) and Diego Fagundez (May 11-June 2, 2013). For the current season, the teenager has accumulated three goals and seven assists across 20 MLS appearances. These 10 total goal contributions tie the record held by Freddy Adu for the most by a player aged 16 or younger in a single MLS season.

This statistical milestone follows Sullivan’s debut two years ago, when he became the youngest player to ever appear in an MLS match at 14 years and 293 days old. Prior to that debut, Philadelphia signed the U.S. youth international to the largest homegrown contract in the history of the league. The terms of that deal reportedly include an agreement to transfer the midfielder to English Premier League club Manchester City once he reaches the age of 18.

Union Dominance and International Speculation

Saturday's victory improved Philadelphia’s all-time series record against the Red Bulls to 17-15-9. It also marked the Union’s sixth road win in 20 attempts at the New York venue. The match featured significant contributions from the club's youth academy graduates, with Sullivan and Pierre accounting for two of the three goals scored. Sullivan's recent surge in production has led to public speculation regarding a potential senior U.S. men's national team call-up under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The match concluded with the Union maintaining their two-goal cushion despite the late pressure from the home side. The Red Bulls were unable to add to Choupo-Moting's 74th-minute effort, leaving the final score at 3-1 in favor of the visitors. This result highlights a period of historic efficiency for Sullivan, who continues to rewrite the record books for players in his age bracket while under contract with the Philadelphia organization.