If you didn’t know Cavan Sullivan was playing on Saturday, you definitely do now.
Just over 24 hours after his midweek red-card suspension was rescinded, the Philadelphia Union’s 16-year-old homegrown budding star scored the opener during Matchday 22's 1-1 draw at Austin FC, marking his second career MLS goal.
Sullivan broke the ice at Q2 Stadium in the 18th minute, nodding home Nathan Harriel’s redirected header from close range.
With the tally, he made it 5g/11a in 25 games across all competitions during a breakout 2026 season that has fans itching for the teenager's first US men's national team call-up.
On the rise
Sullivan wasn't expected to play on Saturday, let alone score, until an Independent Review Panel overturned his one-game suspension and accompanying fine that followed Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Inter Miami CF.
The wunderkind's inclusion in interim manager Ryan Richter's starting XI was a massive boost and provided further evidence of the player's growing importance for the Union.
Sullivan has started every MLS game for Philly since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, producing 1g/3a during that span and helping the club go undefeated with a 4W-0L-2D record.
