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Cavan Sullivan hits historic new heights with Philadelphia Union
- Story by
- Cavan Sullivan hits historic new heights with Philadelphia Union
Cavan Sullivan hits historic new heights with Philadelphia Union
By José Nuñez
A historic milestone is now within grasp for Cavan Sullivan .
Fresh off his historic USMNT debut , the 17-year-old midfielder delivered one assist on Saturday as the Philadelphia Union extended their club-record unbeaten streak to 13 matches with a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake at Subaru Park.
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With his helper, Sullivan equalled the MLS single-season record for goal contributions by a teenager (20), surpassing Vancouver Whitecaps FC alum Alphonso Davies (19 in 2018) and going level with New England Revolution homegrown Diego Fagúndez (20 in 2013).
Setting a standard
Even without showing his best stuff, Sullivan still found ways to influence Saturday's result while writing his name into the MLS record books.
"I did not think it was his best game," said interim manager Ryan Richter. "He was solid, I would say. Even in a game where he wasn't electric in the way he has been in most games, he still has a hand in the first goal for the assist, and then he kind of makes the play that leads to the action for the second goal.
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"Even when everything is not coming off perfectly… he still finds a way to create both goals that we had tonight."
USMNT stock rising
Amid massive expectations, Sullivan continues to live up to the hype, sitting tied for second on the MLS assists leaderboard with 13, alongside a host of other superstars.
The teenage phenom's run of form only gained momentum during the recent international break. Sullivan earned his first US men's national team call-up, made his first start against Peru and scored his first international goal against Concacaf arch-rivals Mexico, becoming the youngest player in USMNT history to hit the back of the net.
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Saturday's milestone was another landmark moment in Sullivan's rapid ascent, further cementing his transition from promising prospect to genuine contributor for club and country.
The Union's remarkable resurgence has now stretched to 13 matches unbeaten (11W-0L-2D) since returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup break , a club record for a team that sat at the bottom of the league standings during the first half of the season. They're currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with six games remaining.
Sullivan and the Union will look to keep their momentum rolling when they visit Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field on Wednesday night (8:30 pm ET | Apple TV ).
HIGHLIGHTS: Philadelphia Union vs. Real Salt Lake | October 10, 2026
