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4 clusters · 15 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Cavan Sullivan performance with Philadelphia Union

Overview

Cavan Sullivan has emerged as a pivotal player for the Philadelphia Union during a period of organizational transition. Following a difficult start to the 2026 season that included the dismissal of head coach Bradley Carnell, Sullivan transitioned from training with the Union II side to becoming a key contributor for the first team. Sullivan’s recent performances have fueled a resurgence for the club, including a comeback victory against New York City FC and a 3-1 win over Red Bull New York that extended the team’s unbeaten MLS run to seven matches. During this period, the 16-year-old has matched Freddy Adu’s MLS record for the most goal contributions in a single season by a player aged 16 or younger, recording three goals and seven assists. On September 6, 2026, the Union extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches with a 2-0 victory over CF Montreal at Subaru Park. Danley Jean Jacques opened the scoring in the 57th minute, followed by Sullivan’s goal in the 75th minute. This result moved the Union to ninth in the Eastern Conference with 27 points, placing them just two points behind automatic playoff qualification spots. With this performance, Sullivan reached 11 goal contributions this season (four goals and seven assists), officially surpassing Freddy Adu’s previous record for a 16-year-old. He also became the “first teenager in league history to record a goal contribution in five consecutive matches.” Following his goal, Sullivan performed a viral celebration by throwing chalk into the air as a tribute to LeBron James. Interim manager Ryan Richter praised the teenager’s ability to find decisive positions. Sullivan’s rising profile has also impacted the sports memorabilia market.

Entities

Cavan Sullivan · Philadelphia Union · CF Montréal · FC Cincinnati · Red Bull New York

Timeline

  1. 3 days ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Philadelphia Union extend unbeaten run to eight matches

    Cavan Sullivan helped the Philadelphia Union extend their unbeaten run to eight matches with a 2-0 win over CF Montreal, moving the team into ninth place in the MLS Eastern Conference.

  2. 6 days ago

    [SPORTS] 8 sources
    Cavan Sullivan leads Philadelphia Union to 2-0 win over CF Montréal

    Cavan Sullivan made MLS history with a five-game goal contribution streak as the Philadelphia Union defeated CF Montréal 2-0, moving the team into playoff contention.

  3. 14 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Cavan Sullivan leads Philadelphia Union to victory over Red Bull New York

    16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scored to lead the Philadelphia Union to a 3-1 win over Red Bull New York, matching an MLS record for goal contributions by a player his age.

  4. 27 days ago

    [SPORTS] 8 sources
    Cavan Sullivan plays central role in Philadelphia Union resurgence

    Philadelphia Union's Cavan Sullivan has become a key contributor, recording two assists in a 3-2 comeback victory over New York City FC.

Sources

brandonsun.com · canadiansoccerdaily.com · essentiallysports.com · foxsportsradionewjersey.com · heavy.com · mediakampung.com · oslobodjenje.ba · philadelphiasoccernow.com · phillysoccerpage.net · presents.co.il · soccernews.com · sportskeeda.com · thelibertyline.com · tob.news · yourNEWS.com

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history