Cavan Sullivan is emerging as a talented player with the Philadelphia Union. Since the MLS resumed after the 2026 World Cup, the impressive 16-year-old midfielder has scored six goals and provided eight assists in various competitions.
He has contributed to goals in each of his last seven league matches, setting a record for the longest scoring streak by a teenager in MLS history. This includes his performance in a recent 5-0 victory over San Diego FC, where he assisted on a goal and achieved his first career brace with a backheel flick and a clever nutmeg on the goalkeeper.
Reports suggest that Sullivan’s momentum is carrying him to a significant opportunity with the United States men’s national team this month. He has been called up for the FIFA international window starting Monday and extending into October.
While Sullivan steps onto the roster as a promising American talent, veteran Christian Pulisic will not be included. Pulisic, who will celebrate his 28th birthday on Friday, has been a mainstay in the national squad for over ten years but had a disappointing 2026 World Cup, where he struggled with form and injuries, including a fractured leg sustained in a match against Belgium.
Pulisic has been working to regain fitness and recently returned to play for AC Milan.
As for Sullivan, he is on the verge of becoming the second-youngest player in history to represent the USMNT, just behind Freddy Adu, who debuted at 16 years and 243 days old. Sullivan, who turns 17 on September 28, will have his first match with the national team on September 26 against Peru in Orlando, Florida, followed by games against Chile, Mexico, and Canada.
Sullivan has drawn comparisons to Adu before; in July 2024, he surpassed Adu’s record as the youngest athlete in a major professional sports league match in the U.S. or Canada when he played at 14 years and 293 days old.
Months before breaking that record, Sullivan signed with the Union, which includes a clause allowing a transfer to Premier League giant Manchester City when he turns 18 in 2027.
A homegrown talent at 5-foot-7, Sullivan’s skillful ball control and confident style have gained attention from Mauricio Pochettino, who recently extended his contract with USMNT through the 2030 World Cup. Pochettino indicated that the upcoming camp will feature a mix of players, including both World Cup veterans and newcomers poised for their first national team opportunity.
Fan Take: This development is exciting for soccer fans as it signals the rise of a new generation of American talent ready to make an impact on the international stage. Sullivan’s potential move to Manchester City could uplift the profile of American soccer, inspiring young players across the country to dream big.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
