Cavan Sullivan is fast becoming one of MLS’s most exciting young talents, and his latest performance gave fans yet another reason to believe in his extraordinary potential.
The 16-year-old scored his third goal in as many games on Saturday night, cementing himself as the youngest player in MLS history to record a five-game goal contribution streak at just 16 years and 342 days old.
Sullivan also became the first teenager ever to achieve that particular milestone, underlining just how remarkable his current run of form truly is.
His latest strike also saw him surpass Freddy Adu’s single-season goal contribution record for a player aged 16 or younger in MLS, a benchmark Sullivan had equalled just one week prior.
Sullivan now holds that record outright with 11 goal contributions this season, a tally that breaks down to four goals and seven assists across a sensational campaign.
The Philadelphia Union beat CF Montréal 2-0 at Subaru Park, with Danley Jean Jacques opening the scoring in the 58th minute before Sullivan wrapped up the points in the 75th.
Milan Iloski was played through on goal but could not get past Montreal goalkeeper Sebastian Breza, and Sullivan alertly followed up the play to tuck away the rebound.
The victory extended Philadelphia’s league unbeaten run to eight games and placed them inside an Audi MLS Cup Playoff position for the first time this season, a remarkable turnaround after sitting last heading into the FIFA World Cup break.
Sullivan made the night even more memorable by paying tribute to NBA legend LeBron James, pulling out the iconic chalk toss celebration in front of an enthusiastic Subaru Park crowd.
James signed a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in July after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Sullivan admitted he had been planning the tribute for some time.
“I was waiting to do that for a while,” Sullivan said. “I had Kim, our photographer, holding the chalk for multiple games. I just kept missing out on it! Tonight, great crowd, I figured it was the perfect time.”
Head coach Richter, who has guided the Union to six wins, zero losses, and two draws since taking the reins after the World Cup pause, was measured but positive in his assessment of the performance.
“Overall, not a perfect performance, but another win at home, and we need to keep this going in the right direction, and, again, keep trying to improve as a team, and not be satisfied just with the result,” Richter said.
