In a move that's generating buzz across the Major League Soccer scene, the Philadelphia Union have selected the prodigious Cavan Sullivan for their matchday roster. At the tender age of 14 years and 293 days, Sullivan is poised to shatter the record for the youngest player to debut in the MLS, a title currently held by Freddy Adu. He could make his historic first appearance against the New England Revolution at Subaru Park, as reported by CBS News Philadelphia.
The Union's coach, Jim Curtin, emphasized that Sullivan's inclusion is merit-based, fueled by his stellar performance with Union II. "Tomorrow he will be in the 20 because he's earned it, if you look at his performances in the Union II games and the goals that he scored," Curtin stated in an interview with the team's website, dismissing any notion that the youngster's opportunity is solely due to the absence of several key players attending the Olympics. Sullivan's leap to the matchday roster is not simply a fortuitous break due to missing talent; it's been earned on the pitch.
Sullivan, who inked the most lucrative homegrown contract in league history on May 9, also has a future transfer to English Premier League titan Manchester City waiting once he turns 18. This detail of his contract, the likes of which have never been seen before in an MLS player's first contract, signifies both expectation and promise. He has been earmarked as a name to watch, already making waves internationally after his pivotal role in guiding the United States under-15s to victory in the 2023 CONCACAF U-15 Championship, nabbing the Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player, as noted by The New York Times.
Union sporting director Ernst Tanner has praised Sullivan’s soccer IQ and natural talents. "His advanced soccer IQ, paired with his ability to read plays, advance the ball, and score, show just how high his ceiling will be," Tanner lauded. Sullivan's professional debut with Union II came in March, where he delivered a game-winning assist off the bench in the MLS Next Pro developmental league. His rapid ascent through the ranks at such a young age delineates a trajectory steeped in high expectation and potential, as covered by ESPN.
